Carol, I support anyone who wants to wear shorts at any age in any body. If they feel good in shorts and enjoy wearing them, they should wear them. They can be very practical in the heat!
Most of my clients wear shorts at some point. Some prefer them long and around the knee. Many prefer them mid-thigh length. Some shorter. Client ages run from 18 to 82. Some wear them in certain settings only. Beach, resort, at home, lounging, pool, camping, hiking, BBQ's. Others wear them out and about. Shorts can be VERY ventilating!
That said, shorts can be impractical on public transport. Your legs stick to seats. They can also lack the coverage you need in certain settings for sun and insects. And be uncomfortable in arctic a/c.
Personally, I don't think I will ever wear any type of shorts again. They were an absolute disaster when I wore them in hot and humid Greece last year. I brought the ones you see in Finds below. I am very sun-unfriendly despite ample sunscreen. My legs got a TERRIBLE rash from the sun because they weren't covered in the shorts. Same with my bare arms in long sleeveless dresses. (I wore sunscreen!!!). I could wear shorts at night but don't see the point of that either. I DID wear my sleeveless dresses at night. That worked!
I need a long sleeved long dress as a swimwear cover-up. Again, shorts were a disaster.
So, like cat2, I wear long cotton/linen pants, skirts and dresses in the heat. For trails and the odd bike ride, I wear long cotton cargo pants or jeans. I need to be covered for the sun! Very good for insect protection too. I am very happy with this strategy
I think I'm going to pass on my shorts. Or maybe keep one pair for paddling in the lake with the doggies in the shade!
