Just the other day I was at the playground with my little girl when it occurred to me that I was the only person dressed like an adult. I was wearing plaid shorts and a white tennis shirt with L.L.Bean bluchers moccasins. Everyone else was dressed the same, toddlers and adults alike: baggy cargo shorts and goofy printed t-shirts, sandals and ball caps, etc. I thought to myself "I'm, the only person here not dressed like a five year old."
Two days later I found myself out and about in navy chinos with embroidered whales in kelly green (
Brooks Brothers, $5.99)...the kind of thing my mother might have dressed me in for weddings and the like when I was five years old.
Judge not, lest ye be judged....
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14 comments:
Purists would say that adults do not wear shorts.
I do not agree, it's just that adults wear shorts when it is appropriate to do so and wear the appropriate kind of shorts.
(I suggest you try a pair of gurkha shorts)
Is plaid shorts/tennis shirt such a far leap from cargo shorts/t-shirt? Maybe. But in my judgemental way I consider most (if not all) shorts as leg-wear for boys.
I'm glad you acknowledge that you live in a glass house. Wearing pants with embroidered "critters" on them certainly does not seem very adult.
F. Bordewijk,
On a hot day at a playground looking after small children, a man needs to be comfortable and cool. Well cut shorts and a tennis shirt with a collar and some proper casual shoes are an easy way to be comfortable and casual while still looking like you give a damn.
Tiny Tim,
the internet can sometimes feel like a nation of glass houses, especially the little neighborhood where the menswear dorks live. It's helpful to remember and be reminded of that sometimes.
G, you're the best.
I think critter pants look sort of ridiculous, but ... I still kind of wish I could wear them. But I feel like you aren't allowed to wear them in the Midwest unless a) you're from New England; b) you're rich; or c) you're straight up insane.
Oh well. A) is never going to change, but I still have a narrow shot at one of the other two. Some day.
There is a universe of difference between a tennis shirt and a t-shirt, as there is between a newsboy cap and a baseball cap, between khakis and dungaress, between clip-on bowties and the real thing, between a pipe and a cigarette, between vinaigrette and Thousand Island, and between grad school and kindergarten.
Cargo's are the worst - shorts are fine if they max at 4 pockets and even if they're GTH just stay above your knee.
Dutch Uncle:
You mis-spelled "dungarees".
That sort of thing disturbs me as much as a cigarette-smoking, baseballcap and t-shirt-wearing plebe drowning a salad in Thousand Island dressing.
@Dutch Uncle
'A universe of difference' is taking it far. Is it not the case that the bar has fallen so low that by now what is basically a t-shirt with a semblance of a collar and one or two buttons appears 'well dressed'.
The very name 'tennis shirt' tells us it's sportswear. I'm cool with wearing sportswear and casual wear, not with the idea that one is more well-dressed than the other.
It's pretty hot here today and I'm wearing lightweight cotton trousers, easily as cool as shorts without looking like a teenager. Let's face it, shorts have become an American clothing norm and people want to justify them.
There is a wide gap between a clean white tennis shirt and a "distressed" t-shirt with a vintage Mountain Dew logo on it.
There is also a fairly wide gap between soft leather casual shoes and plastic dollar store flip flops.
<You mis-spelled "dungarees".
And "judgment."
I am in agreement with bafe. If you live in a country or U.S. state that has notoriety for being "fire-cracker" hot during the summer months, than purists' blabbery will certainly fall on deaf ears!
Last summer in Texas we had over 30days of consecutive 100+ degree weather. So far, this summer has been more forgiving!
As mentioned, certain shorts serve certain purposes. Casual shorts for casual activities. "Dressy" shorts for "dressy" activities.
In my opinion, the cargo shorts are "played out" and need to be retired, asap! And if I see another pair of camo print cargo shorts, I'll call the army to report seeing AWOLs at my neighborhood playground.
Love the pants, love the sockless loafers, it's always great to be a bit cheeky with clothing without being overly obvious...
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