Are shorts ever okay?

[5StringBlues]

I totally want a punk paisley track suit!

 

[StatesideRambler]

If a band can play well enough to keep my attention I don’t care if they’re wearing long pants, shorts, pajamas, punk paisley track suits or nothing at all.

Please, not the last one, please!

Never played a nudist resort, then, eh?

 

[Space Pickle]

shorts are ok in my band

we’re called hot pants and the shorty shorts

 

[turf3]

Never played a nudist resort, then, eh?

Nope, never have, and I hope never to do so.

All the bands I'm in, we NEED clothing, let me tell you. And from what I've heard, most of the people at the nudist resorts really ought to be wearing clothes, too.

 

[monsterthompson]

Like some sort of Zeno’s paradox. It shouldn’t work, but somehow doesn’t not work.

 

[Paragon3]

Sorry, but as a Texan I'm not likely to be impressed by your Toronto "so hot" stories; neither are Floridians, Arizonans, or Malaysians.

You put that spin on it. Not me dude. Don't play games. Toronto is pleasantl weather compared to Winnipeg and Norther Manitoba... Where Cold is the extreme weather.. Often overlook is the range extremes.. It does get hot here too.. Texans seem to think we live in Igloos.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Range is everything. Humans acclimate to their range. Too hot is too hot. I went went to Aussie on holiday in May. Locals were in their long pants because it was 'cold'. I was in shorts because it was 'hot'.

 

[mpm32]

I am mostly anti-shorts. But in the summer outdoors it's too hot to wear my leather pants - lol

If you wear shorts try and make it still look like stage wear. Like when you're walking around the venue you look like you are in the band, not there to do landscaping. lol

 

[BwanaDust]

If we're making over 500 a man and the contract spells out the required dress, I'll adhere to it, but if it's not mentioned or the pay is under 1k for the band, I wear whatever I want. Haven't had a problem. Back when I was touring with a well known southern rock band the wind player (original member) and myself would always wear shorts during the summer. The rest of the guys would be dying in cowboy hats and dusters. Never heard anyone complain.

 

[John6]

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?

whatever it calls for, suits, tie to t shirt and shorts, all depends on the gigs.

 

[micguy]

There's a local band in my area where they dress like they're working out in the 1960's - short shorts, muscle tees, headbands (OK, maybe there's a bit of 80's vibe in there as well). As they play mostly local summer outdoor festival things, I think the whole approach is genius - they look like they're going to work out, but they get to avoid sweating - as they're always playing on humid summer evenings, the wardrobe works for their comfort. Then again, they're also sort of a novelty act because of their shtick - I don't think they'll ever break out of their current market as a result of that.

So, in that context, shorts work. For what I do (church gigs), not so much.