Tight shorts, as a fashion statement, are a thing of the past.   Today’s trend is the baggier the better.  While this is true, tight shorts do serve a purpose as any athlete will readily tell you.  No, it is not to show off that exquisite athletic physique! Although I do have to admit well-formed muscular male legs have turned many a poor girl’s head.  Any man in his right mind would be a liar to deny noticing that pretty jogger in the spandex running shorts. But no, that is not the reason at all.

For the cyclist, bicycle shorts are crafted to be comfortable.  At the same time they not only reduce air resistance, but they are able to block the wind while allowing the fabric to “breathe.”  Tight bicycle shorts are crafted in such a way that there is padding where it is needed for protection and a minimum of seams in certain areas, among which is the crotch.  This helps to reduce friction, and for lack of a better term, brush burn when the seams repeatedly rub together.

Similarly, tight shorts are fashioned for runners for many of the same reasons.  Seams, or the lack thereof, are strategically placed to avoid rubbing and consequent chaffing.  Here too, a reduction in air resistance is a major consideration especially where speed and stamina are concerned.

Football players, swimmers and aerobic dancers also make use of tight exercise shorts because they allow for a full range of motion while affording a maximum compression of muscles.  Again, they are styled and crafted with a particular sport and function in mind.

Materials used in the manufacture of tight sports shorts commonly include lycra, spandex, polyester and cotton.   Either one or a combination of materials is used for purposes specific to a given sport.  Probably two of the most notable manufacturers are Puma for sports and Danskin for aerobic dance and exercise.

While fashion would dictate looser, trendier attire, most athletes would not risk injury or suffer pain in order to vie for a place on the Best Dressed List.  While they are not fashionable, tight shorts do serve their purpose and this writer, for one, willingly admits to taking a quick peek now and again!