CathInfo.com

This article addresses the history and purpose of shorts for men, with links to other articles that speak of similar issues.

 https://www.traditioninaction.org/Questions/L009_Sho.htm

A word of caution, this website often uses pictures to portray ideas better, and they sometimes display immodest pictures for that end (teaching purposes), so keep that in mind.

Thanks I will read later when I have time, does the article cover hot/humid environments? Because you can get very hot, sweaty and smelly (men smell much more than women) if you don't have good ventilation (shorts help with this).

Say what you will about men in shorts, but the Jesuits still used their black cassocks in the Brazilian heat centuries ago, when electrics fans did not exist, and many men still go to mass in their suit here. A man can find thin pants to wear in the summer months. In my opinion, anyone over 12 wearing shorts is ridiculous.

Thanks I will read later when I have time, does the article cover hot/humid environments? Because you can get very hot, sweaty and smelly (men smell much more than women) if you don't have good ventilation (shorts help with this).

No problem. The article makes the point that in Catholic countries, it was not a practice for men to wear shorts for any reason. They provide a link to another article which displays historical depictions of men wearing pants, even in hot weather working outside. These are some of the pictures, showing German peasants in May and August. Both the men and women are fully covered.





Modern clothing tends to not be very breathable, which is why it is difficult for us to imagine Catholics historically being completely covered, and surviving the heat. All clothing used to be made from natural fibres such as linen, flax, and cotton. These natural fibres, and especially linen, allows the human body to sweat freely and promotes proper circulation, keeping things as cool and balanced as possible. In Muslim countries, linen is a common fabric used for the long tunics and dresses the men and women wear year-round, enabling them to preserve modesty and cope with the heat in the desert. 

Unfortunately, a lot of clothing today is made from polyester, which is a type of plastic, and it makes wearing clothing feel like one is wearing a garbage bag, trapping heat everywhere. Even socks and underclothes are often made of this material. Cotton socks with spandex for a little stretch are usually very breathable. Polyester can contribute to body odour, since it does not allow the body to properly detox through sweating.

Pure linen is quite expensive, unless from a thrift store, blended with cotton or made by oneself. 100% cotton items are common and more affordable, even in places like Walmart.

In addition to using natural fibres, lighter colours such as light blue, tan, light yellow, etc. are helpful in the warmer months of the year. 

If heat is truly unbearable and promotes illness such as heat stroke or extreme fatigue, being properly hydrated with unrefined sea salt and electrolytes, along with supporting adrenals (animal fats + adaptogens) is very helpful. Heat intolerance is a sign of adrenal dysfunction. I have acquired this health information from professionals, and am sharing in case this is a true problem for others.