Short pants have been a part of fashion for many years. In the 1890s, knee pants (an early type of short pants) became the standard wear for American boys. In the 1950s, some women started wearing shorts outside of picnics.
They came in different styles and lengths with the shortest coming just 6 inches above the knee. They were usually paired with matching belts and came in solid tropical colors like lime green, Caribbean blue, and sherbet orange. Today, short pants continue to be a popular fashion choice for both men and women.