The 1950′s decade was the first decade that embraced women wearing shorts for more than just beach wear. 1950′s Shorts came in several lengths and styles to fit a variety of leisure activities women enjoyed.
Vintage Style Short Shorts
The shortest of the 1950s shorts were “short shorts.” These came to about 6 inches above the knee and had classic 1950′s high waists and side zippers. These shorts were mostly worn on the beaches, or on naughty pin up models. Another name for these shorts is culottes. Culottes could be short or a bit longer and have wide leg openings that flair out from a tight waist and hip.
Bermuda Shorts
The most popular shorts length was the Bermuda short. These came to about 3 inches above the knee, again with high waists and side zip seams. They could fit rather loose and baggy just like pedal pusher pants, or more fitted and slimming (much like Bermuda shorts available today.)
Clamdigger Shorts
The longest 1950′s shorts could also be called pants. Peddle pushers, also known as clam diggers, toreador pants, motor scooter slacks, calypso, and pirate pants all came to just below the knee with either wide straight legs or cuffed bottoms. These short pants were developed for cyclists who wanted the comfort of shorts and the safety of pants that wouldn’t tangle in bicycle chains.
All 1950′s shorts were inspired by casual sport and travel wear with materials suitable for warm weather days. Cotton and synthetic “wrinkle free” fabrics were the most popular. Solid, tropical colors like lime green, sherbet orange, and Caribbean blue were in demand as well as checks and prints in the same color family. Think “tacky tourist” clothing and your not far off from 50′s summer fashion.
1950's Blouse
It was very common for women to buy a four piece matching clothing set with shirt, long pants, peddle pushers, and culotte shorts. This way women always had a matching outfit to wear for all kinds of weather. If shirts didn’t match they were usually a light colored, short sleeve or sleeveless, blouse.
What 1950′s shorts do you want to wear? Here are some new vintage inspired shorts and pants for your vintage wardrobe.
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Black Wide-Leg Denim Capri Pants
$19.95
A cute capri pants with button tab at the bottom of the legs two front and two back pockets front button and zip closure comfortable wide legs. [Read more]
Store: ChicStar.com
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House of Cassette - Bloomer Dream Denim High Waisted Shorts (Rinsed)
$60.00
[Read more]
Store: 80sPurple. com
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Size 10 Vintage High Siren Shorts
$34.99
Knit Shorts; Circa 1980s Szie 10. Knitted pull-on short, elasticized waistband, cuffed hem, mock fly front, no pocketsVery slight muted stain on front, may come out if wash... [Read more]
Store: ModCloth.com
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Gingham Culottes
$4.99
Of cool Cotton, woven with a bit of Spandex for stretch and shape retention. Multi-stitched elastic waistband. Slash pockets. Cotton Machine Washable Imported Vicki Wayne M... [Read more]
Store: Fashion Specialists
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Culottes
$12.99
This wardrobe is created of easy-wearing bottoms with tops to match. With a flat-front, back-elasticized waist. Woven Cotton / Polyester Machine Washable Imported Alfred Du... [Read more]
Store: Fashion Specialists
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High-Waist Denim Culottes
$20.00
Brand from Taiwan: ZOO. Color: Blue, Materials: Cotton Blend, Size: One Size: Total Length: 36cm / 14.2", Waist: 66cm / 26", Hips: 98cm / 38.6", Cuff: 32cm /... [Read more]
Store: Yesstyle.com
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Polka Dot Culottes
$35.00
Brand from Taiwan: Tokyo Fashion. Color: Black, Materials: Polyester, Size: One Size: Total Length: 35cm / 13.8", Waist: 76cm / 29.9", Thigh: 66cm / 26", Cuf... [Read more]
Store: Yesstyle.com
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True Blue Playsuit
£40,00
True Blue Revere Collar Playsuit 100% Cotton. Machine washable. [Read more]
Store: Miss Selfridge
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Red High Waist Shorts
£15,00
Red high waisted style shorts. 98% Cotton,2% Elastane. Machine washable. [Read more]
Store: Miss Selfridge (UK)
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Black High Waist Shorts
£30,00
Black high waisted style shorts. 98% Cotton,2% Elastane. Machine washable. [Read more]
Store: Miss Selfridge (UK)
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Blue Highwaisted Wet Pocket Detail Short
£15,00
Blue Highwaisted Wet Pocket Detail Short 98% Cotton,2% Elastane. Machine washable. [Read more]
Store: Miss Selfridge (UK)
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Pansy Tea Shorts
$69.99
You've found an interest in using extracts of flowers for health and healing, and you love the rejuvenating detoxification that comes from pansies! Infuse this new hobby in... [Read more]
Store: ModCloth.com
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Pep in Your Step Shorts
$44.99
Why, you appear even more chipper than usual this morning! What's your secret? Dressed to impress in these navy and whipped cream, polka dot shorts with shimmering tights, ... [Read more]
Store: ModCloth.com
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Chic Shenanigans Shorts
$43.99
You're a comical version of yourself when you're around the homegrown friends you grew up with. There's something about them that pulls out your silly side! You wear these ... [Read more]
Store: ModCloth.com
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Polkadot Shorts
£20,00
Make it short and sweet in these playful polka dot print shorts. Features wide waistband and pleat front and back with hidden side pockets and zip on back. [Read more]
Store: Oasis Fashion (UK)
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Marc Jacobs High Waisted Pleated Shorts
$325.00
High waisted pleated silk shorts in sand. Cinch belt at waist. Slash pockets at hips. Welt pockets at rear. Tonal stitching. Zip fly with double hook and eye closure. [Read more]
Store: ssense.com men and women fashion
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Sailor Shorts
£40,00
These denim shorts have nautical button detailing to the pockets and fasten with a zip to the side. [Read more]
Store: Oasis Fashion (UK)
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Petite Preswick & Moore Knit Slim Clam Digger
$19.97
Basic knit slim clam digger pant with elastic waistband. 96% Cotton, 4% Spandex. Machine Wash Cold. Available in Black, Oil Green, Shopping Bag (Brown), Silver Birch (Light... [Read more]
Store: Boscov's Department Stores
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Preswick & Moore Knit Slim Clam Digger
$19.97
Basic knit slim clam digger pant with elastic waistband. 96% Cotton 4% Spandex. Machine Wash Cold. Available in Black, Oil Green, Shopping Bag, Silver Birch, Total Eclipse,... [Read more]
Store: Boscov's Department Stores
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Double-Knit Clamdiggers
$7.99
These elasticized-waist favorites are specially treated so colors stay vivid, wash after wash. VISA Polyester Machine Washable Imported Vicki Wayne Misses 15" Inseam [Read more]
Store: Fashion Specialists
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Vicki Wayne® Double-Knit Clamdiggers
$21.99
Find our carefree basics in sizes to fit everyone! Elasticized waist and side slit at hem Machine Washable Polyester Imported Vicki Wayne Women 15" Inseam [Read more]
Store: Old Pueblo Traders
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Chaus Modern Motion Side Zip Ankle Pant
$44.25
Side zip ankle pant. 94% Cotton, 6% Spandex. Machine wash cold. Available in Rich Black. Sizes 6-14. Limited quantities - while supplies last. Not available in all sizes an... [Read more]
Store: Boscov's Department Stores
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Grace Elements Side Zip Slim Leg Pant
$19.99
Side zip slim leg pant. 64% Polyester 32.5% Rayon 3.5% Spandex. Machine Wash Cold. Available in Black. Sizes 4-14. [Read more]
Store: Boscov's Department Stores
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Plaid Cotton Capris
$19.99
We"re just mad about this crisp, Madras-style plaid, especially in these elastic-waist pull-ons in vibrant green. They"re made with side slits. Cotton Imported 17... [Read more]
Store: Bedford Fair Lifestyles
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