Why do postmen wear shorts?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://metro.co.uk/2021/11/03/why-do-p ... wsnow-feed

Few things in life are certain, but you can always be pretty sure that come rain or shine, the postman or postwoman will always deliver your mail.

In the UK our posties are distinctive thanks to their red uniform – which even got a bit of a brush-up earlier in 2021 thanks to Royal Mail.

One mystery does surround the postman’s uniform though – and that is their fondness for wearing shorts, whatever the weather. In fact it’s left so many people baffled that it often comes up as a question in Google.

Just why do postmen favour shorts so often? Here’s what you need to know about their choice of clothing…

There’s no specific reason as to why postmen may choose to wear shorts while they’re on their rounds.

However, some have suggested that it’s because shorts are more comfortable to wear than trousers – regardless of whether or not it’s cold – and because they are easier to dry when it’s raining.

When the question came up on Reddit, one user said: ‘My best mate is a postie. He wears shorts in all weather because they dry quickly.

‘He says there is nothing worse than wet trousers all day in the winter. You also don’t get cold when on your feet.’

Another person added: ‘My boyfriend is a postie, and whenever I ask him about the shorts he says that he stays warm because he’s walking all day, and jeans are too uncomfortable to wear when you’re doing 30,000 steps a day.’

However others have suggested that the wearing of shorts even in the coldest temperatures forms part of a competition among postmen – to see who can go the longest in winter without swapping them for longer trousers.

A number of postmen have addressed the question on Reddit, with one saying: ‘The trousers don’t dry quickly although they’re better than the old ones. The shorts are a good choice, your legs dry and don’t tend to get that cold when you’re rushing.’

Another added: ‘They can wear trousers if they want, but it’s perceived as weakness.

‘There’s also likely a running bet. Everyone chips into a pot, and the last man in shorts gets the total from the pot. That could be a week’s wages.’

While the shorts question may still have an air of mystery about it, you may well have seen your local postman dressed a little differently of late – as, Royal Mail trialled a new uniform for its staff earlier this year which includes both full-length trousers and shorts, as well as tops, gilets jackets and headwear.

After undergoing a trial period the uniform was rolled out across the country over the summer.

It was designed after consulting with posties across the UK, with the changes made to reflect the new requirements of the job, with a shift towards more parcel deliveries.

[Numberone63]

All your reasons are correct apart from the betting nonsense. I’ve not had long trouser on at work for over 5 years. Only use my waterproof trousers if the rain is unbearable. Shorts are more comfortable, dry quicker and you do stay warm by doing the 30,000 or so steps per day. However as I am getting older and more disabled with the relentless workload I am noticing the cold a bit more. So I reckon this might be my last year with the shorts. Especially on the colder and windier days.

[Dorset Plodder]

However as I am getting older and more disabled with the relentless workload I am noticing the cold a bit more. So I reckon this might be my last year with the shorts. Especially on the colder and windier days.

Just get some LONG Wooly socks mate.

When it starts to get chilly just pull them up and away you go. With the silly length shorts they issued last time they normally come down below my knees anyway, which I presume it the main problem .... arthritis?

[billycat]

At our office the wearing of shorts did start off as a bet of which i won around fifteen years ago, never worn trousers again at work.

[barcajr]

I wear shorts all year round for most of the reasons listed in the article, but certainly not for a bet. At the other extreme, there's people who continue to wear long trousers even in the hottest of weather

[derricksmyth]

Because the trousers are crap!!!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I wear shorts all year round for most of the reasons listed in the article, but certainly not for a bet. At the other extreme, there's people who continue to wear long trousers even in the hottest of weather

I do, but I have bandy legs, at least they are hidden in trousers.

[worthings]

20 years in shorts for me never worn trousers