Long Shorts Get Shorter, While Short Shorts Get Longer

We’ve all had those family get-togethers where old pictures are brought out; we’ve all seen our dad’s in short shorts and our moms in clothes that lack…well style in general. Looking at how fashion for men and women have essentially flip-flopped, many questions arise: Why are men covering up? Why are women letting it all hang out? Why are long shorts getting shorter, and short shorts getting longer?

                Looking back fashion from the 1960s and 1970s in a yearbook from UMBC, many trends are seen throughout the entire book. Men’s shorts are, well short. The clothing that many women are wearing is modest and professional.  The fashions from back than to the fashions of today are completely different.  The only question is: Why? Why is there such a vast difference in clothing? It still does the same job, yet looks so different.

                In today’s society, women are supposedly empowered by their bodies and the power it has over the male population.  That is understandable to an extent; however it doesn’t suggest why men’s clothing has become more “modest.”  Male clothing is usually more practical. It is supposed to support a variety of situations. Men traditionally used to go out and do the work; women generally stayed home. This could be the reason they wore what they wore.  As for the reasons fashion has changed, it is still unclear.

                 The feminist equality movement may have influenced women to change their clothing style. Women started wearing what was traditionally men’s clothing as well as joining the work force that was generally a male's job. Female trends seem to follow what the male fashions are.  Men’s fashion seems to mirror these changes as well. It could be concluded that in general, the male population feels it a power threat when women dress similarly to them. Generally reviews on men’s fashion for women include words like “empowered” “strong” etc.  

                The changes in clothing over the years will continue to revolve around the power struggle that it seems to be evolving from.  The style of clothing is constantly changing and becoming new. Long shorts are getting shorter; short shorts are getting longer.

The common 1960s wear, form fitting and femine.

 Men's style: short shorts, athletic

 Present day female empowered with dark clothing that speaks in volumes

Present day mens wear: Variety, not one look, but many, very diverse.

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