Fashion trends often silently permeate our culture, only revealing themselves as they become more prevalent on the streets, gradually gaining momentum. It’s at this point that we realize a new trend is emerging. Recently, the fashion world has taken notice of a few items making a comeback after a long hiatus: knee-length shorts paired with stylish boots.
Although not entirely new, this combination has been around for decades. However, its resurgence promises to breathe new life into summer styles. When discussing the origin of knee-length shorts, it’s unclear exactly where they originated. According to various sources, knee-length shorts for men were first used by the Indian Army in Bengal and later popularized by the British colonialists in the late 1800s. The trend then spread to various armies in Africa during World Wars I and II, becoming a casual attire staple in the United States by the 1940s.
One of the notable figures associated with pioneering this style in the West is the renowned English general Robert Baden-Powell. He made a significant contribution to contemporary culture by founding the Boy Scouts of America and their uniforms, which included knee-length shorts and boots up to mid-calf.
After a prolonged period and significant evolution in the fashion industry, we now witness numerous quirky variations and rebellious styles, each more personalized than the last. In recent years, this style has made appearances on fashion runways with increasing frequency, becoming a classic attire choice for the fashion-forward elite.
So, what’s behind the explosion of the “shorts revolution”? Perhaps, after a period of social distancing, many styles are making a comeback in a more relaxed manner. Similar to how many outdated stereotypes have been shattered, allowing the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves freely, Gen Z has embraced these trends as a form of self-expression. The pairing of boots with short bottoms has been largely forgotten for many years.
Wesco Boots, a classic footwear option highly favored within the LGBTQ+ community, remains an icon of fashion when placed in the context of Tom of Finland’s works. However, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, boots combined with shorts serve as a practical alternative to low-cut shoes and flat soles in the scorching heat of summer. It’s evident that overly bulky sports shoes or low-cut sneakers can be visually unappealing. Thus, finding a visual balance without exposing too much skin and disrupting the overall harmony of the outfit is often achieved by opting for classic white socks. This combination has addressed the dilemma of men’s summer attire. However, for the current trend, it may have become so ubiquitous that it’s no longer intriguing.
Similar to any trend, the shorts and boots style carries the risk of becoming “old news.” Its success largely depends on the accessories paired with it, as boots are notoriously difficult to turn into a trend. Traditional combat boots and their variations are perhaps the easiest to pair. On the other hand, English Chelsea boots and cowboy boots are rarely chosen or never considered by men. Yet, on the fashion runways, designers continue to incorporate them into their collections to elevate the ensemble and bring fresh elements to the look.
As with any evolving trend, it’s essential to keep an eye on how it progresses and adapts. The combination of shorts and boots may have already reached its peak, but there’s always potential for reinvention and innovation in the world of fashion.
