Are shorts ever okay?

[sludgetail]

 

[Chickenwheels]

 

[Kukulkan61]

I wear shorts 24/7 anymore, it’s APITA to put trousers on since I lost my leg back in 2015, the only time I wear trousers is if it’s required...

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Does your band's dress code say anything about robes? (no one will even notice if you go commando)

 

[Jim Carr]

Hawaii.

 

[beaglesandbass]

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?

We allow for shorts when it's hot outside. I think the only people that may care (if any) are other musicians. Guarantee you 95% of the people there will be in shorts/sundresses/skirts. 25% of the people may actually play close enough attention to the band to notice what you're wearing.

 

[Downunderwonder]

25% of the people may actually play close enough attention

and the 95% of them wearing comfortable skirts and shorts would conclude the band are nutjobs wearing long pants to a pool party. ( While we are making up statistics ) So if 200 people are attending and 50 are paying attention 2.5 of them might disapprove of the band wearing shorts vs 47.5 of them approving of the shorts. Shorts win.

 

[Kerplunk]

If you have to, you have to, but wear some sunglasses. No one will recognise you. If anyone has pictures, as some sort of proof, if you're wearing sunglasses, you can claim that that guy is a guitarist playing a bass. You can tell because he's wearing shorts.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

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?

Its your body. I live in Virginia, and I’m here to tell you, gigging in triple digit heat indexes can be fatal. Hear stroke is an issue. On those days I drink several sport drinks during the day, and two or more on the gig itself.

Two more suggestions. Buy a good quality quiet fan, and some wrist bands to keep sweat from running down your hands and into your electronics. Yep, they look dorkier than shorts, but replacing your electronics is no laughing matter.

 

[lfmn16]

Cotton, Rayon, Linen - all cool fabrics. Your choices are not limited to shorts or heavy denim pants.

 

[two fingers]

View attachment 3463175

These, to me, are MUCH more offensive than shorts.... and I despise shorts on stage.

Bleach white shoes with that friggin "N" on the side just SCREAM "Over here! Old guy!!!! Have you seen my reading glasses? Does this bar offer a senior discount on water? Pull your pants up, son!"



Shorts? Bad.
White New Balance sneakers? Beyond bad. Just..... sad.

 

[Nephilymbass]

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?

I live in nc and it was 105 a couple times in the last two weeks and we have brutal humidity. My partner at work actually had to be treated for heat stroke and missed a few days of work. So yeah if I’m playing an outdoor gig occasionally I will slack off and wear shorts. For indoor gigs when it’s super hot I’ll wear shorts to and from then venue but different clothes to wear onstage.

 

[ELG60]

I wouldn't wear em, but you do you.

Here's an alternative:

I still think that unless you're a serving member of the Black Watch, it looks kinda effeminate.

Don't forget your tactical sporran!

 

[Afc70]

Only if you have legs like Tom Platz
.. but seriously, wear what you like , shorts are entirely acceptable (around here anyhow)

 

[2112]

I will refer you to my postings to the previous thread questioning shorts:

Shorts...

and

Shorts...

 

[Ostie]

If it’s an outdoor gig, and it’s hot, and the audience is also wearing shorts, then it’s ok.
If it’s indoors, and it’s air conditioned, and the audience is in business attire, it’s not.
Dress appropriately for the occasion.
Now can we move on?

 

[Clark Dark]

Are shorts ever okay ???

As John Witherspoon would say, "you've got to coordinate"

 

[DanGroove]

When I was playing in a 70's 80's cover band we dressed up. Sometimes I'd do leather pants glam, sometimes bellbottoms disco. For hot gigs, I had a Jeff Spicoli outfit that allowed me to cheat the shorts rule.

 

[gln1955]

It's your band. Do what everyone agrees on.If you listen to the TB braintrust, every band would look the same and act the same. Boring.

 

[Sean Brookes]

Just buy appropriate summer trousers. A nice pair of slim fit linen. Shorts aren't a great look, no matter what the audience are wearing.