The Record And Development Of Athletic Shorts
Research on the early history and evolution of running shorts throws up pretty clear evidence that they did not exist in the Western world. Greek men preferred to run naked and kept their women away from sports events, though not out of modesty.
Much sports attire originates now in the Far East, but little is known about sports attire there in ancient times. Women probably could not run due to foot binding in China. In India people probably ran in a loose fitting trousers or loin clothes.
Sports events as we know them in the twenty-first century probably began with the industrial revolution, but did not gather pace until the late twentieth century. It is true that the Olympic Games began more than two centuries ago, and that sports events survived in Western Europe in an informal way. However, it was only after the Second World War that sports attire industry really got into its stride.
In the early twentieth century running shorts bore a strong resemblance to the sort of undergarments that were used beneath trousers. The film, 'Chariots of Fire' depicts athletes competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics with garments well above the knee. It seems that little attention was paid to the kinetics of sports attire in those days.
Especially in the case of women, modesty was a more important consideration when it came to running shorts. Ideally they were loose fitting, but had to conceal the natural shapeliness of female thighs. These were displayed in bedrooms, at night, and often not even then.
Large scale events such as the London and Boston marathons attracted many thousands of competitors during the post modern era. These ordinary athletes altered the face of athletics by showing that participation and personal best performances are as important as record breaking. As they trained for the daunting challenges they talked about shoes, organizational details and the best kind of clothes.
In 1963 running shorts were still borrowed from other sports such as hockey, rugby or soccer. Made of cotton they came down over the thigh and stretched towards the knees. A thick seam always ran down the inner legs producing chafing of the inner thighs. This could be bad enough to start bleeding, and petroleum jelly was used to lubricate the legs and the crotch.
Great strides forward have been made since the 1960s. Women became enthusiastic participants and great numbers and their influence ensured flair, fashion and some delicate touches in trimmings. Sports scientists and the growing leisure wear industry also contributed.
The history and evolution of running shorts has been brief, but dramatic. Flimsy scraps of coloured synthetic materials now allow for maximum freedom of movement whilst mesh linings support the genitals. Female athletes wear fashionable designs that are easily visible and ergonomically superior. Many now prefer garments that hug the midriff like bikini bottoms, leaving the males to wear what are in effect flimsy skirts with built in underwear. With concessions to modern dignity and performance we have returned quite close to the Greek notion of nakedness.
Much sports attire originates now in the Far East, but little is known about sports attire there in ancient times. Women probably could not run due to foot binding in China. In India people probably ran in a loose fitting trousers or loin clothes.
Sports events as we know them in the twenty-first century probably began with the industrial revolution, but did not gather pace until the late twentieth century. It is true that the Olympic Games began more than two centuries ago, and that sports events survived in Western Europe in an informal way. However, it was only after the Second World War that sports attire industry really got into its stride.
In the early twentieth century running shorts bore a strong resemblance to the sort of undergarments that were used beneath trousers. The film, 'Chariots of Fire' depicts athletes competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics with garments well above the knee. It seems that little attention was paid to the kinetics of sports attire in those days.
Especially in the case of women, modesty was a more important consideration when it came to running shorts. Ideally they were loose fitting, but had to conceal the natural shapeliness of female thighs. These were displayed in bedrooms, at night, and often not even then.
Large scale events such as the London and Boston marathons attracted many thousands of competitors during the post modern era. These ordinary athletes altered the face of athletics by showing that participation and personal best performances are as important as record breaking. As they trained for the daunting challenges they talked about shoes, organizational details and the best kind of clothes.
In 1963 running shorts were still borrowed from other sports such as hockey, rugby or soccer. Made of cotton they came down over the thigh and stretched towards the knees. A thick seam always ran down the inner legs producing chafing of the inner thighs. This could be bad enough to start bleeding, and petroleum jelly was used to lubricate the legs and the crotch.
Great strides forward have been made since the 1960s. Women became enthusiastic participants and great numbers and their influence ensured flair, fashion and some delicate touches in trimmings. Sports scientists and the growing leisure wear industry also contributed.
The history and evolution of running shorts has been brief, but dramatic. Flimsy scraps of coloured synthetic materials now allow for maximum freedom of movement whilst mesh linings support the genitals. Female athletes wear fashionable designs that are easily visible and ergonomically superior. Many now prefer garments that hug the midriff like bikini bottoms, leaving the males to wear what are in effect flimsy skirts with built in underwear. With concessions to modern dignity and performance we have returned quite close to the Greek notion of nakedness.
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