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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think smart shorts are fine for a graduation in heat?

56 replies

LifeIsGreatForUnicorns · 21/06/2026 19:56

Tuesday is my son’s graduation. It’s in London so supposed to be 33C. We’ve been told that it’s in a marquee so bring a fan if possible. We are obviously only guests so will be sitting with the 100’s of other parents there.
I’ve changed my outfit to a summer floaty maxi dress as original outfit was a heavier material .

DH was originally going to wear smart jeans, shoes, pale blue cotton shirt and smart blazer. With the heat, he’s going to be miserable and hot!

Would it be appropriate for him to wear a smart short sleeved shirt and shorts and he’s got a pair of deck style shoes.
He says smart shorts are not ok!

POLL:
YABU - no it’s a posh event so wear the blazer 🥵
YANBU - it’s too hot so shorts and a smart shirt are fine 😎

OP posts:
DustOffAndMoveOn · 21/06/2026 21:10

Suit trousers are usually lightweight, these and a long sleeve light cotton shirt.

Original poster
LifeIsGreatForUnicorns · 21/06/2026 21:10

Thanks all
have suggested chinos … 🤷‍♀️
we’ve also got a 3 hr drive and the M25 to contend with

OP posts:
ByGraptharsHammer · 21/06/2026 21:07

No shorts. Amazed you asked.

Bunnyofhope · 21/06/2026 21:06

Chinos. Short sleeved linen shirt. No jeans no shorts.

vincettenoir · 21/06/2026 21:03

YNBU but I guess its up to him.

Whatatodo79 · 21/06/2026 21:01

No one wants to see their dads legs at graduation. No blazer, better trousers, suck it up for a few hours

HortiGal · 21/06/2026 20:59

Has anyone seen the way ppl rock up to graduations now?
Students dressed for nightclubbing, parents in gardening clothes 🤣
Smart shorts and boat shoes will be grand.

SoSoLong · 21/06/2026 20:56

Smart shorts is an oxymoron. Light summer trousers and short sleeve shirt is fine.

hahabahbag · 21/06/2026 20:52

Chino type trousers and a short sleeve shirt is better, assuming he doesn’t own a linen suit (which are worn in Italy and they seem to be fine in heat in them)

DandelionClockSeeds · 21/06/2026 20:50

Neither of your options.

A smart pair of trousers - much lighter than denim - and a shirt - ditch the blazer.

Deck shoes are not suitable. And I doubt shorts are.

Stompythedinosaur · 21/06/2026 20:50

I wouldn't think either jeans or shorts are appropriate for a formal event, but I don't think he needs to wear a blazer. Lighter weight trousers and a shirt would be ok.

OneLimePombear · 21/06/2026 20:49

My DH did for our middle son’s graduation and he looks a real scruff bag in the photos. No other men did and it was really hot.

noctilucentcloud · 21/06/2026 20:46

I don't think shorts are ok. I'd go for light-weight trousers and the smart short sleeve shirt or a normal shirt. No tie or blazer is fine.

AmazingGreatAunt · 21/06/2026 20:43

Jeans would not have been acceptable, shorts even less so.
Smart pair of chinos, shirt, tie and a blazer. No wonder the country is going to the dogs.

TheAnnoyingSatsuma · 21/06/2026 20:42

<clutches pearls>
Lightweight long trousers and a short sleeve shirt are fine. I expect you’ll be taking family photos, and will look back and wish your DH’s knees weren’t on show whilst you and your DC are dressed up.

Childanddogmama · 21/06/2026 20:35

Smart shorts are absolutely fine in this situation.

luckylavender · 21/06/2026 20:34

I wouldn’t. It’s a formal occasion.

motorlady · 21/06/2026 20:29

Shorts even smart ones are not acceptable and neither are jeans. Could he buy a linen suit?

Schleit · 21/06/2026 20:19

Why are jeans or shorts the only options?

Overthebow · 21/06/2026 20:17

I don’t think jeans would be appropriate, or shorts.

SwirlyGates · 21/06/2026 20:17

Your poll choices make no sense.

YABU - no it’s a posh event so wear the blazer (too hot)
YANBU - it’s too hot so shorts and a smart shirt are fine (shorts too casual, and I think a smart shirt is weird with shorts)

Blazer not necessary, he can wear a nice shirt and long summer trousers that are not jeans - linen? chinos?

BIossomtoes · 21/06/2026 20:12

Ditch the blazer, roll the shirt sleeves and buy a pair of linen trousers.

Runsaway · 21/06/2026 20:11

Jeans aren’t appropriate, and nor are shorts. He doesn’t need a blazer. That said, no one really cares what parents are wearing, but I would think it a bit odd. I generally think that the hotter the weather, the more you should cover up - in long, loose, breathable clothing.

2chocolateoranges · 21/06/2026 20:09

I'd ditch the blazer and go for the smart trousers.

We have our dds graduation this week too and dreading the heat too.

Im ok as have a dress but dh has a suit and dd has a gorgeous dress then her gown . Shes going to be melting!

DisplayPurposesOnly · 21/06/2026 20:06

Shorts and deck style shoes - not for a formal occasion.

Can't he just ditch the blazer? Find some lighter trousers?

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