Shorts vs. Jorts — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Shorts refer to any type of short trousers or pants that come above the knee, typically used for casual wear or sports, while jorts are specifically denim shorts, made by cutting the legs of jeans above the knee.
Difference Between Shorts and Jorts
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shorts encompass a wide range of short trousers made from various materials including cotton, polyester, and nylon, suitable for different activities and climates. Whereas jorts, a portmanteau of 'jeans' and 'shorts', are specifically made from denim fabric, offering a durable and casual style often associated with leisure and informal settings.
The versatility of shorts allows them to be designed for specific uses, such as athletic shorts made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics for sports, or tailored shorts for a smart-casual look. On the other hand, jorts provide a rugged aesthetic that pairs well with casual streetwear and is popular in fashion trends that emphasize comfort and retro styles.
Shorts are available in a variety of styles including cargo shorts, Bermuda shorts, and gym shorts, each serving different purposes and preferences. Jorts, however, typically maintain the characteristic features of jeans such as five-pocket styling, rivets, and sometimes distressed elements, reflecting their origins as repurposed jeans.
While shorts are generally accepted in a wide range of public places and occasions, jorts might be considered less appropriate in more formal or professional settings due to their casual, often frayed appearance. This makes shorts a more versatile wardrobe item compared to jorts.
In terms of climate adaptability, shorts made from lightweight and quick-drying materials are preferred in hot or humid environments for comfort and ease of movement. Jorts, being heavier due to the denim, might not offer the same level of comfort or breathability in such climates but are ideal for cooler summer days or evenings.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Various (cotton, polyester, nylon, etc.)
Denim
Styles
Varies widely (cargo, Bermuda, athletic, etc.)
Typically follows jeans style (five pockets, riveted)
Suitability
Casual, sporty, and semi-formal settings
Predominantly casual settings
Comfort
Depends on material and design; generally lightweight
Heavier fabric, less breathable
Fashion
Timeless, adaptable to many trends
Casual, often associated with retro and leisure styles
Compare with Definitions
Shorts
Often designed for specific activities.
His athletic shorts were ideal for the marathon.
Jorts
Known for their durability and casual style.
His jorts were perfect for the outdoor concert.
Shorts
General term for short trousers.
He wore khaki shorts on the hike.
Jorts
Popular in casual fashion.
The festival crowd was full of people wearing jorts.
Shorts
Can be made from a variety of materials.
The nylon shorts dried quickly after the swim.
Jorts
Denim shorts, typically cut from jeans.
She styled her jorts with a vintage tee.
Shorts
Suitable for diverse environments.
He packed several pairs of shorts for the tropical vacation.
Jorts
Often feature a frayed or cuffed hem.
She DIY-ed her jorts by fraying the edges.
Shorts
Available in several styles.
She preferred Bermuda shorts for their modest length.
Jorts
Associated with a rugged, relaxed look.
His jorts complemented the laid-back beach vibe.
Shorts
Shorts are a garment worn over the pelvic area, circling the waist and splitting to cover the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to the knees but not covering the entire length of the leg. They are called "shorts" because they are a shortened version of trousers, which cover the entire leg, but not the foot.
Jorts
(pluralonly) jean shorts, a pair of shorts made from denim (especially, mid-thigh or knee-length)
Shorts
Having little length; not long.
Shorts
Having little height; not tall.
Shorts
Extending or traveling not far or not far enough
A short toss.
Shorts
Lasting a brief time
A short holiday.
Shorts
Appearing to pass quickly
Finished the job in a few short months.
Shorts
Not lengthy; succinct
Short and to the point.
Shorts
Rudely brief; abrupt
The owner was quite short with the new hire.
Shorts
Easily provoked; irascible
Has a short temper.
Shorts
Inadequate; insufficient
Oil in short supply.
Were short on experience.
Shorts
Lacking in length or amount
A board that is short two inches.
Shorts
Lacking in breadth or scope
A short view of the problem.
Shorts
Deficient in retentiveness
A short memory.
Shorts
Holding a trading position that is inversely related to the price of a security or index
Short investors.
An investor who is short gold.
Shorts
Of or relating to a short sale
A short position.
Shorts
Containing a large amount of shortening; flaky
A short pie crust.
Shorts
Not ductile; brittle
Short iron.
Shorts
(Linguistics) Of, relating to, or being a speech sound of relatively brief duration, as the first vowel sound in the Latin word mălus, "evil," as compared with the same or a similar sound of relatively long duration, as the first vowel sound in the Latin word mālus, "apple tree."
Shorts
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or being a vowel sound in English, such as the vowel sound (ă) in pat or () in put, that is descended from a vowel of brief duration.
Shorts
Being of relatively brief duration. Used of a syllable in quantitative prosody.
Shorts
(Slang) Close to the end of a tour of military duty.
Shorts
Abruptly; quickly
Stop short.
Shorts
In a rude or curt manner.
Shorts
At a point before a given boundary, limit, or goal
A missile that landed short of the target.
Shorts
At a disadvantage
We were caught short by the sudden storm.
Shorts
By means of a short sale
Selling a commodity short.
Shorts
(Linguistics) A short syllable, vowel, or consonant.
Shorts
A brief film; a short subject.
Shorts
A size of clothing less long than the average for that size.
Shorts
Shorts Short pants extending to the knee or above.
Shorts
Shorts Undershorts.
Shorts
A short sale.
Shorts
One that sells short.
Shorts
Shorts A byproduct of wheat processing that consists of germ, bran, and coarse meal or flour.
Shorts
Shorts Clippings or trimmings that remain as byproducts in various manufacturing processes, often used to make an inferior variety of the product.
Shorts
A short circuit.
Shorts
A malfunction caused by a short circuit.
Shorts
(Baseball) A shortstop.
Shorts
To cause a short circuit in.
Shorts
(Informal) To give (one) less than one is entitled to; shortchange.
Shorts
To short-sell (a security or index).
Shorts
To short-circuit.
Shorts
Plural of short#Noun
Shorts
Pants or trousers worn for sports or in warmer weather that do not go lower than the knees.
Jessica hated covering her legs, so she usually wore shorts.
Shorts
(dated) underpants.
After a scare like that, you might need to change your shorts.
Shorts
(uncountable) Remnants, clippings, trimmings of production processes.
Shorts
The part of milled grain sifted out which is next finer than the bran; pollard.
Shorts
Short, inferior hemp.
Shorts
Trousers that end at or above the knee
Shorts
(usually in the plural) underpants worn by men
Common Curiosities
When are shorts appropriate to wear?
Shorts are appropriate for casual, sporty, and in some cases, smart-casual settings depending on their style and material.
Are jorts fashionable?
Jorts have a niche appeal, often embraced in casual and retro fashion contexts.
What are shorts?
Shorts are short trousers that come above the knee, made from a variety of materials for different purposes.
What are jorts?
Jorts are shorts made specifically from denim, typically fashioned by cutting off the legs of jeans.
Why are jorts considered less formal?
Jorts are considered less formal due to their origins as cut-off jeans, often having a frayed or rugged appearance.
Can jorts be worn in professional settings?
Generally, jorts are not suitable for professional settings due to their casual and sometimes unkempt look.
Are jorts suitable for hiking?
Due to their heavy fabric, jorts are not the most suitable choice for activities like hiking where movement and breathability are crucial.
What style of shorts is best for sports?
Athletic shorts made from moisture-wicking materials are best for sports.
How do I choose between shorts and jorts?
Choose based on the occasion, weather, and personal style; shorts offer more versatility, while jorts provide a specific casual, durable style.
How should jorts fit?
Jorts should fit comfortably, not too tight, allowing for ease of movement and a relaxed appearance.
Can shorts be worn for formal occasions?
Shorts, particularly tailored styles like Bermuda shorts, can be worn in smart-casual contexts but are usually not suitable for formal events.
What are the best materials for shorts in hot climates?
Lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or performance fabrics are best for shorts in hot climates.
What makes jorts different from regular shorts?
Jorts are specifically made from denim and often retain features of jeans, distinguishing them from shorts made from other materials.
How can I style jorts?
Jorts can be styled with casual tops like tees or tank tops and paired with sneakers or sandals for a laid-back look.
Can I wear jorts in winter?
Jorts can be worn in winter, typically paired with tights or leggings underneath for added warmth.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
