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AIBU?

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Original poster

For not wearing summer shorts

108 replies

anxioussmess · 19/06/2025 10:26

im 40 and have reasonably nice legs although not very long as im only 5 foot 3, but I literally live in summer dresses as opposed to shorts and a strappy top. Am I the only one who does this?

sometimes I feel a bit frumpy and mumsy (I an
a mum also lol) but then my belly isn’t small and dresses cover it up.

in my 20s and early 30s I was always showing off my good figure in next to nothing lol

OP posts:
NewLifter · 19/06/2025 11:34

I don't even own any shirts (well except for cycling shorts for spin class!)

I think you're overthinking this!

ilovesooty · 19/06/2025 11:33

Disturbia81 · 19/06/2025 11:26

Just wear what you want, whatever makes you happy and feel comfortable. Nothing else matters

Agreed. I just wear what I like and in fact I take very little notice of what anyone else wears anyway.

Bluevelvetsofa · 19/06/2025 11:32

I agree that exposing more flesh doesn’t mean that you’re cooler. A midi sumner dress is far cooler than shorts, especially if they’re snug. I also agree that shorts are tricky to pull off, for both men and women.

I have dresses with pockets for keys and phone if necessary.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 19/06/2025 11:32

Loads of people wear summer dresses! Just as loads wear shorts. My summer “uniform” recently is either cut off or linen trousers (or cut off linen trousers) - just because it’s easy more than anything!

But I sometimes both those other options too.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 19/06/2025 11:31

I have boxer/pyjama style shorts that I wear in the garden if it's hot, but haven't worn shorts in the wild since I was a child.

Doyouthinktheyknow · 19/06/2025 11:30

I’m wearing shorts this summer for the first time in years.

I love summer dresses and still mostly wear those or jumpsuits though.

I’ve lost 2st 6lb and I look reasonable in shorts now, I looked like Humpty Dumpty before and it really wasn’t a good look😂

Tangerinenets · 19/06/2025 11:30

I have hideous legs with varicose veins. I’m 53 but they’re the legs of a 90 year old ! I own 2 pairs of shorts which I’ll wear when at home but never outside the house. I live in trousers or midi length dresses as from mid shin down the legs are ok !

Disturbia81 · 19/06/2025 11:29

Comedycook · 19/06/2025 10:49

I never wear shorts...i live in dresses during the summer...I don't think dresses are necessarily frumpy or mumsy though

Yes I’ve never thought of dresses as frumpy.

Disturbia81 · 19/06/2025 11:28

Smokesandeats · 19/06/2025 11:25

I haven’t worn shorts for many years now. Wearing longer dresses means that I don’t need to shave or fake tan my legs. Nobody needs to see my veiny, hairy, bright white legs on display!

You shouldn’t hide yourself, none of us are perfect.

Disturbia81 · 19/06/2025 11:26

Just wear what you want, whatever makes you happy and feel comfortable. Nothing else matters

Smokesandeats · 19/06/2025 11:25

I haven’t worn shorts for many years now. Wearing longer dresses means that I don’t need to shave or fake tan my legs. Nobody needs to see my veiny, hairy, bright white legs on display!

Groundhedgehogday · 19/06/2025 11:22

I wear both. I think shorts are more practical - I'm often bending down to sort out DS' bag or scooter so don't risk flashing my bum and it means I've got pockets for phone & keys.

Ireallycantthinkofagoodone · 19/06/2025 11:15

I wear both - depends on the occasion really! I do think that light, floaty dresses are much cooler when it’s really warm (with the addition of anti-chafe knickers), but they can be a bit revealing on stairs, escalators etc.

OutandAboutMum1821 · 19/06/2025 11:08

I much prefer dresses all year round, either with Summery shoes and bare legs or with tights, cardis and boots in Winter.

Definitely keep wearing what you feel most comfortable and happy in. If you did want to try shorts, I guess there would be a variety of different styles to try on in a shop with a variety of tops, you may prefer some to others/could chat to someone who works in a shop about it even.

OntheBorder1 · 19/06/2025 11:02

I haven't worn shorts for years, dresses and skirts are cooler and more comfortable in hot weather.

Surreymum538 · 19/06/2025 11:02

I’ve seen some younger women in those matching co ord shorts and oversize shirt sets that they wear open with some kind of vest top underneath. and I’ve seen some older women wearing longer denim/khaki shorts.

I would only wear shorts on holiday abroad and would rather wear midi dresses and wide leg trousers.

BIossomtoes · 19/06/2025 10:57

anxioussmess · 19/06/2025 10:56

@1SillySossij not according to some of the replies on here in which many claim to wear them

I think that was sarcasm!

Original poster
anxioussmess · 19/06/2025 10:56

@1SillySossij not according to some of the replies on here in which many claim to wear them

OP posts:
1SillySossij · 19/06/2025 10:52

Yabu and this is the reason no shops ever stock any summer dresses because nobody ever wears them.

BIossomtoes · 19/06/2025 10:51

There’s this weird British belief that the more flesh you expose the cooler (temperature wise) you’ll be. It just isn’t true. Billowy dresses and loose trousers are far more comfortable in heat. I hate shorts, they look good on almost nobody.

Original poster
anxioussmess · 19/06/2025 10:50

Some insightful replies thanks

OP posts:
Comedycook · 19/06/2025 10:49

I never wear shorts...i live in dresses during the summer...I don't think dresses are necessarily frumpy or mumsy though

MildredTheOctopus · 19/06/2025 10:47

I haven't owned shorts since I was a child, and I hated them even then! I just wear jeans and t-shirts year round, adding a jumper/hoody if I'm cold. Wear whatever you're most comfortable in.

hby9628 · 19/06/2025 10:44

I prefer dresses but for work it’s more practical in shorts (plus we have branded T-shirts we have to wear). I love a summer dress! Defo more comfortable

Jujujudo · 19/06/2025 10:42

anxioussmess · 19/06/2025 10:26

im 40 and have reasonably nice legs although not very long as im only 5 foot 3, but I literally live in summer dresses as opposed to shorts and a strappy top. Am I the only one who does this?

sometimes I feel a bit frumpy and mumsy (I an
a mum also lol) but then my belly isn’t small and dresses cover it up.

in my 20s and early 30s I was always showing off my good figure in next to nothing lol

I’m 51 and wear shorts - I can’t wear dresses or skirts because they’re too uncomfortable in hot weather (I get sweaty unless I wear cycling shorts under which defeats the object). Edited to say I’m 5’1”.

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