Are shorts ever okay?

[Pimpernel Smith]

No short pants unless you are 9 years old, or younger, or if you're Amiee Mann - and you aren't.

Dress as well as the Beatles did.

 

[Meyatch]

up on stage wearing shorts? looks terrible, but there's no way anyone is going to convince me that its not appropriate to wear shorts at a pool party.

 

[OptimalOptimus]

Shorts and flip-flops? Only if you're Ryan Martinie.

He is in an original band ... so the rules are quite different.

 

[bound'n'blocked]

Yes they are. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

But use your better judgement. Bar gig in July on the outside patio? Hell yes! Wear them bad boys! Wedding gig in a country club ballroom? No, not a good choice.

I played a show at a bar last year on the last weekend in June (2018) and the temp outside was 90 at the 8pm start time and the humidity was near 100 percent. We were even inside, but the place had no air conditioning. I started in long pants. After the first set, I drove home and changed into shorts. The bar manager brought us a bucket of ice water with towels in it and I wore one around my neck the rest of the night. If I wouldn't have gone to jail I would have worn less than shorts. It was the same scenario this past weekend...two outdoor gigs with 99 percent humidity. One of those on an asphalt parking lot with no overhead cover. I'm not going to pass out just to please the "Fashion Police Shorts Division".


BnB

 

[The Nameless]

No. Never. Drummer? Maybe. Frontline? No. And, never, ever, flip flops.

 

[Dincrest]

He is in an original band ... so the rules are quite different.

What rules? He's Ryan f'n Martinie. Rules don't apply to him.

(I have nothing serious to add to this thread. It was just a good excuse to post that video of Soften the Glow.)

 

[Hues]

When it's broiling out, I have this pair of Hartford Tanker cotton pants that are so thin and light, it feels almost like you have nothing on....They can be bit pricey,though....

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[Ian McLaughlin]

In this case I think shorts are ok. Maybe with a nice polo, or even better — a Hawaiian. Definitely a collared shirt.

No flip-flops. Sandals might be OK but only if they're like really nice sandals. My reasoning is that it's at a pool. But no socks with sandals!

Also, remember to put sunblock on your bass.

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

Get those pants with the zip on lowers. Wear the full length and if there are no objections, zip off the lowers. I’m not a fan of shorts under any circumstances because I think they make a musician look amateurish (even if they’re not) but that’s probably due to my age.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Are shorts ever okay?

So, that's a definite NO!

 

[chaosMK]

Shorts plus tights, works with my shoes. More a fall/winter thing.

 

[chaosMK]

Shorts and flip-flops? Only if you're Ryan Martinie.

Martini kills it so much like always, then there is that guitarist. It was like RM found the band on Craigslist.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

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.

At the risk of pissing off your band. do what you want. i dont think the venue will care! your in the band!
"MY,M y look at that guy in Shorts! lovey"
"Oh Dear! Is that a tort pickguard!" just make sure you're wearing underwear! No,one else will notice or care.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Shorts are always OK.
If you're an adult, dress however you like, it's one of the few freedoms of adulthood.
If you're a kid, ask your parental units.

 

[Turbo Sparky]

Uniform, 10-14" inseams shorts. Wally World or Old Navy, $25.
Or ultra-light cotton twill khakis.
90F+? To hell with standard "club dress." Easy to be hard, hard to be smart.

 

[GreyBeard]

I'm playing a pool party on the 4th. I intend to wear shorts.

 

[smogg]

Socks with shorts? Ugh.

LOL.... not long ones like a tourist on the boardwalk for goodness sake. Ankle high socks in the color that is culturally acceptable in your habitat. Here in my little patch of paradise that would be white socks.
carry on

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Real bassists wear shorts
View attachment 3462965

 

[bucephylus]

NO SHORTS...EVER.

LOL

 

[Chickenwheels]

Made me look! I'm now in my home office. I have this style and the Nike "swoosh" version. For gigs, it may be one of these, but I usually go with all-black sneakers.

Re: shorts
IMO, nice ones are find for poolside and other outdoor gigs. I've worn them on occasion inside for summer gigs, but generally wear long pants.

...and bonus points if your NB’s have Velcro straps.