Shorts vs. Pants — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
Shorts cover from the waist to the thigh or knee, whereas pants extend to the ankles.
Difference Between Shorts and Pants
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shorts are a type of clothing worn over the pelvis, extending from the waist to anywhere above the knee, typically exposing some of the leg. They are designed for comfort and freedom of movement, often worn in warm weather or for sports. Pants, on the other hand, are a garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg. They are suitable for a wide range of occasions, including casual, formal, and work settings, providing more coverage and protection than shorts.
While shorts are considered more casual and ideal for hot climates or physical activities, pants are viewed as more formal or professional attire, appropriate for cooler weather and formal occasions. This distinction makes shorts popular for leisure activities and sports, whereas pants are a staple in professional and formal wardrobes.
The material and design of shorts often aim for breathability and comfort, using lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or athletic materials. Conversely, pants can be made from a broader variety of materials, including denim, wool, polyester, and cotton blends, catering to different needs ranging from durability in workwear to elegance in formal wear.
The choice between shorts and pants often depends on the occasion, weather, and cultural context. Shorts offer a relaxed, comfortable option for warm-weather activities or casual outings, while pants provide versatility, warmth, and formality for a range of settings from the workplace to social events.
Comparison Chart
Length
Waist to above the knee
Waist to the ankles
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Occasion
Casual, sports, warm weather
Formal, casual, all seasons
Material
Lightweight, breathable
Varied, including heavier fabrics
Formality
Generally casual
Can be formal or casual
Popularity
More in warm climates and for leisure
Universally popular, across all climates
Compare with Definitions
Shorts
Casual wear.
Denim shorts are a staple for casual outings.
Pants
Versatile garment.
Khaki pants can be dressed up or down.
Shorts
A short garment.
He prefers wearing shorts in the summer.
Pants
Formal attire.
Dress pants are required for the corporate event.
Shorts
Athletic apparel.
Running shorts often feature moisture-wicking fabrics.
Pants
Casual clothing.
Cargo pants offer both comfort and utility.
Shorts
Sportswear.
Basketball shorts are designed for optimal performance.
Pants
Protective wear.
Fire-resistant pants are crucial for firefighters.
Shorts
Warm-weather clothing.
Linen shorts are perfect for hot, humid days.
Pants
Full-length legwear.
Wool pants are essential for winter wardrobes.
Shorts
Shorts are a garment worn over the pelvic area, circling the waist and splitting to cover the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to the knees but not covering the entire length of the leg. They are called "shorts" because they are a shortened version of trousers, which cover the entire leg, but not the foot.
Pants
Underpants or knickers.
Shorts
Having little length; not long.
Pants
Trousers
Corduroy pants
Wide pant legs
Shorts
Having little height; not tall.
Pants
Rubbish; nonsense
He thought we were going to be absolute pants
Shorts
Extending or traveling not far or not far enough
A short toss.
Pants
To breathe rapidly in short gasps, as after exertion.
Shorts
Lasting a brief time
A short holiday.
Pants
To beat loudly or heavily; throb or pulsate.
Shorts
Appearing to pass quickly
Finished the job in a few short months.
Pants
To give off loud puffs, especially while moving.
Shorts
Not lengthy; succinct
Short and to the point.
Pants
To long demonstratively; yearn
Was panting for a chance to play.
Shorts
Rudely brief; abrupt
The owner was quite short with the new hire.
Pants
To utter hurriedly or breathlessly
I panted my congratulations to the winner of the race.
Shorts
Easily provoked; irascible
Has a short temper.
Pants
A short labored breath; a gasp.
Shorts
Inadequate; insufficient
Oil in short supply.
Were short on experience.
Pants
A throb; a pulsation.
Shorts
Lacking in length or amount
A board that is short two inches.
Pants
A short loud puff, as of steam from an engine.
Shorts
Lacking in breadth or scope
A short view of the problem.
Pants
An outer garment that covers the body below the waist, usually to the ankles, and is divided into sections to fit each leg separately
She decided to wear pants instead of a skirt. He bought a new pair of pants.
Shorts
Deficient in retentiveness
A short memory.
Pants
Underpants.
Shorts
Holding a trading position that is inversely related to the price of a security or index
Short investors.
An investor who is short gold.
Pants
An outer garment that covers the body from the waist downwards, covering each leg separately, usually as far as the ankles; trousers.
Shorts
Of or relating to a short sale
A short position.
Pants
An undergarment that covers the genitals and often the buttocks and the neighbouring parts of the body; underpants.
Shorts
Containing a large amount of shortening; flaky
A short pie crust.
Pants
Rubbish; something worthless.
You're talking pants!
The film was a load [or pile] of pants.
Shorts
Not ductile; brittle
Short iron.
Pants
Of inferior quality, rubbish.
Your mobile is pants — why don’t you get one like mine?
Shorts
(Linguistics) Of, relating to, or being a speech sound of relatively brief duration, as the first vowel sound in the Latin word mălus, "evil," as compared with the same or a similar sound of relatively long duration, as the first vowel sound in the Latin word mālus, "apple tree."
Pants
A garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately.
Shorts
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or being a vowel sound in English, such as the vowel sound (ă) in pat or () in put, that is descended from a vowel of brief duration.
Pants
Underpants.
Shorts
Being of relatively brief duration. Used of a syllable in quantitative prosody.
Pants
Underpants worn by women; panties.
Shorts
(Slang) Close to the end of a tour of military duty.
Pants
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately;
He had a sharp crease in his trousers
Shorts
Abruptly; quickly
Stop short.
Pants
(usually in the plural) underpants worn by women;
She was afraid that her bloomers might have been showing
Shorts
In a rude or curt manner.
Shorts
At a point before a given boundary, limit, or goal
A missile that landed short of the target.
Shorts
At a disadvantage
We were caught short by the sudden storm.
Shorts
By means of a short sale
Selling a commodity short.
Shorts
(Linguistics) A short syllable, vowel, or consonant.
Shorts
A brief film; a short subject.
Shorts
A size of clothing less long than the average for that size.
Shorts
Shorts Short pants extending to the knee or above.
Shorts
Shorts Undershorts.
Shorts
A short sale.
Shorts
One that sells short.
Shorts
Shorts A byproduct of wheat processing that consists of germ, bran, and coarse meal or flour.
Shorts
Shorts Clippings or trimmings that remain as byproducts in various manufacturing processes, often used to make an inferior variety of the product.
Shorts
A short circuit.
Shorts
A malfunction caused by a short circuit.
Shorts
(Baseball) A shortstop.
Shorts
To cause a short circuit in.
Shorts
(Informal) To give (one) less than one is entitled to; shortchange.
Shorts
To short-sell (a security or index).
Shorts
To short-circuit.
Shorts
Plural of short#Noun
Shorts
Pants or trousers worn for sports or in warmer weather that do not go lower than the knees.
Jessica hated covering her legs, so she usually wore shorts.
Shorts
(dated) underpants.
After a scare like that, you might need to change your shorts.
Shorts
(uncountable) Remnants, clippings, trimmings of production processes.
Shorts
The part of milled grain sifted out which is next finer than the bran; pollard.
Shorts
Short, inferior hemp.
Shorts
Trousers that end at or above the knee
Shorts
(usually in the plural) underpants worn by men
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in the range of activities suitable for shorts vs. pants?
Shorts are preferred for activities in hot weather or sports, while pants are versatile, covering a broad range of activities and occasions.
How do weather conditions affect the choice between shorts and pants?
Warmer conditions favor shorts for comfort and coolness, while cooler conditions necessitate the warmth and protection of pants.
Can the material of shorts and pants overlap?
Yes, materials like cotton, polyester, and blends can be used for both, though the fabric weight might vary.
What distinguishes shorts from pants in terms of design?
The primary distinction is length; shorts end above the knee, while pants extend to the ankles.
Can shorts be worn for formal occasions?
Typically, shorts are considered too casual for formal occasions, though fashion norms are evolving.
Are pants suitable for hot weather?
Yes, lightweight and breathable materials like linen or thin cotton make pants suitable for hot weather.
How do cultural norms influence the wearing of shorts vs. pants?
Cultural norms can dictate the appropriateness of wearing shorts, which are seen as casual in many cultures, whereas pants are universally accepted.
Are there gender differences in wearing shorts and pants?
Fashion norms for shorts and pants vary by culture and time, but both are worn by all genders in many parts of the world today.
How do the styles of shorts and pants vary?
Styles vary by length, fit, material, and design details, with shorts generally being looser and cooler, and pants ranging widely from tight to loose, simple to detailed.
Can shorts be part of a professional wardrobe?
In most traditional professional settings, pants are preferred, though some creative or informal sectors may accept shorts.
What are some common types of shorts and pants?
Common types of shorts include cargo, Bermuda, and athletic, while pants include jeans, slacks, and leggings.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing between shorts and pants?
Consider the occasion, weather, activity, and cultural context when choosing between shorts and pants.
Do shorts and pants serve different purposes in a wardrobe?
Yes, shorts are often for casual, athletic, or warm weather use, while pants offer a range from casual to formal wear for all seasons.
How does the functionality of shorts compare to that of pants?
Shorts offer more freedom of movement and coolness, making them ideal for physical activities and hot weather, while pants provide more coverage and protection, suitable for a wider range of occasions and activities.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
