1950s Shorts: Vintage Retro Shorts History

Early 1950s Short Shorts

The 1950s decade was the first that embraced women wearing shorts for more than just beach wear or for pinup girls. Women’s 1950s shorts came in several lengths and styles to fit a variety of leisure activities women enjoyed. The shortest length was the short short, followed by an above the knee Bermuda, below the knee pedal pushers and the capri which is somewhere between a short and a pant. Each of these had other names as well. The origins and history of each 1950s shorts style is a fascinating one.

1950s Short Shorts

1950s Short Shorts- the most common short length

Oh My! These are very short shorts! Late ’50s.

The shortest of the 1950s shorts were “short shorts.” These came to about 6 inches above the knee and had classic 1950s high waists and side zippers. These shorts were mostly worn on the beaches or on pin up models. Another name for these shorts is culottes. Culottes could be short or a bit longer and have wide leg openings that flair out from a tight waist and hip.

These are the most popular style short worn by vintage retro clothing fans today. The high waisted short slims the tummy and creates a thinner waist than low rise shorts. The short length of legs makes them sexy (that is, if you have the thighs for it!).

As the decade progressed, short shorts grew shorter and tighter. Many were worn with matching belts, too.

1950s shorts, mostly short shorts with a few longer styles and a tennis skirt as well

1958 Mostly Short Shorts

1950s Bermuda Shorts

3 lengths of 1950s shorts (L to R) – Bermuda, Pedal Pushers, Short Shorts

The most popular shorts length for women was the Bermuda Short. These came to about 3 inches above the knee, again with high waists and side zip seams. They could fit rather loose and baggy, just like pedal pusher pants, or more fitted and slimming (much like Bermuda shorts available today).

Shorts often did not have pockets (they added to much bulk to a slim silhouette) but some had ornamental or faux pockets that were angled slits. The ad on the left is an example of shorts with angled pockets.

1950s Pedal Pushers

(left) Pedal Pusher length, (Middle) Bermuda Length, (Top) Short Shorts

The longest 1950s shorts could also be called pants. Pedal pushers, also known as clam diggers, toreador pants, motor scooter slacks, calypso, and pirate pants, all came to just below the knee with either wide straight legs or cuffed bottoms. These short pants were developed for cyclists who wanted the comfort of shorts and the safety of pants that wouldn’t tangle in bicycle chains.

It was popular among teens to roll up their jeans into the pedal pusher length. Many jeans came pre-rolled as well making the pedal pusher shorts/pants common among women as well. Read more about 1950s pants styles.

A variety of shorts (1958) Top left: Cigarette pant, Bermuda shorts, short shorts, capri, Bermuda, capri, Bermuda and striped short shorts

All 1950s shorts were inspired by casual sport and travel wear with materials suitable for warm weather days. Cotton and synthetic “wrinkle free” fabrics were the most popular. Solid, tropical colors like lime green, sherbet orange, and Caribbean blue were in demand as well as checks and prints in the same color family. Think “tacky tourist” clothing, and you are not far off from ’50s summer fashion.

It was very common for women to buy a four piece matching clothing set with shirt, long pants, peddle pushers, and culotte shorts. This way women always had a matching outfit to wear for all kinds of weather. If shirts didn’t match they were usually a light colored, short sleeve or sleeveless, blouse.