The 1950s decade was the first decade that embraced women wearing shorts for more than just beach wear. 1950s shorts came in several lengths and styles to fit a variety of leisure activities women enjoyed.
The shortest of the 1950s shorts were “short shorts.” These came to about 6 inches above the knee and had classic 1950s high waists and side zippers. These shorts were mostly worn on the beaches, or on 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.
(Photos: Allan Grant, LIFE archives)