Are shorts ever okay?

[drumwagon]

I’m in a cover band that plays a fair number of outdoor gigs in southern PA: first Fridays festivals, etc. The band rule is we never-ever wear shorts to gigs, I’m usually all in with that dress code.

But, we have an afternoon gig coming up at a tennis/swim club, as much as you can plan for weather, figure 90 degree at gig time, standard 3 hr gig, next to a pool-picnic area. We are bringing a tent so there will be limited shade.

I’m of the opinion that we should make an exception for this gig regarding the ‘no shorts rule’. IMHO nice shorts, collared shirts, and Sandals or dock shoes, would be just fine for this venue.

Help me build my case, or shut it down?

 

[DoctorZee]

You already know the answer. Do the right thing.

 

[DoctorZee]

Here’s a more serious response than my flippant one above. Obviously the club allows shorts in the pool area, but do they have a dress code in their restaurant/club areas? If they require long pants, you should wear long pants.

 

[lokikallas]

Yes, in fact they are mandatory for thrash and death metal bands, only cargo shorts, preferably camo.

 

[two fingers]

I don't golf. But I do buy quite a bit of my work clothes from The Golf Warehouse. They have great prices on golf apparel.

As we speak I'm wearing a pair of Under Armour golf pants that are made of (what I can only describe as) a micro mesh. If you hold these pants up to light, you can see through them. Air flows right through them. I feel a breeze as I walk. Mine are black. But they make light grey and tan as well.

(My work polo shirts all come from there as well. I work in lots of buildings where cold natured females are in charge. So, quite often I'm in an office where the thermostat is set to "hell". I wear these kinds of clothes even in January. But, I'm also at the other end of the scale.... very hot natured.)

I would argue that shorts wouldn't be any cooler than good golf pants. Black ones can even be dressed out a bit more "edgy". They aren't pleated or anything these days.

Here's a pic of my flashlight shining through the bottom of the leg of my pants. From three feet away or further, they just look like great fitting black pants.

 

[KohanMike]

I think allowing shorts in that circumstance is valid. I play bass uke with a ukulele group so it's almost required to wear a Hawaiian shirt and shorts for our outdoor party gigs, the weather here in Los Angeles allows that almost all year around. I wear long pants for our indoor gigs, even if they're casual.

 

[s0c9]

Didn't we beat a thread like this to pulp last year??

 

[Downunderwonder]

Didn't we beat a thread like this to pulp last year??

And the year before that...

Mostly in Band Management.

If the rule is you have to be at least as well dressed as the audience then they are in swimwear so shorts passes the test.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Must be loud shorts to put the thread in live sound...

 

[Element Zero]

Yes, in fact they are mandatory for thrash and death metal bands, only cargo shorts, preferably camo.

And tattered. Strings hangin down from the leg cuffs, missing buttons on the pockets, maybe a ripped area or 2, and of course a worn area at the left or right top pocket where your pocket knife goes... oh... that just mine? Oops.

 

[thehindteet]

you cannot have art without suffering

 

[Dave Leighton]

Wear whatever you want. Let the shorts police find a new fricking job!!!

 

[Axtman]

Shorts are okay.....yoga pants are not....unless you have great legs.

 

[REV]

only for the drummer

 

[Renaissance]

Shorts are absolutely allowed at gigs! As long as you're part of the audience watching a professionally attired band.

 

[bfields]

I think the solution people are looking for here is kilts.

 

[StatesideRambler]

I think the solution people are looking for here is kilts.

Nobody I've ever played for has objected. My wife, OTOH ...

 

[fakeneckplate'65]

Real bassists wear shorts

 

[Pilgrim]

I thought we did this last week...........

 

[Bander]

Not with my chicken legs.