<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Culottes </Td> <Td> Culottes were introduced in the mid-20th century as an abbreviated version of the late - nineteenth century divided skirt intended for horse - and bicycle - riding . Although called culotte skirts, they are basically full shorts constructed to hide their division . Since the mid-20th century culottes have been increasingly offered as an alternative to skirts in women's uniforms, for instance in the Vietnam War when female Red Cross workers found their uniform skirts impractical around helicopters . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Cut - offs </Td> <Td> Also called "cutoffs ." A generic term for trousers where the legs have been cut off mid-way . The concept has been around since the 1930s when shorts began to be acceptable wear outside the sports field . During the 1960s and 1970s the concept of deliberately cutting off the legs of jeans, allowing the raw edge to fray, along with other means of customising them, took hold as part of Western youth culture . Whilst cut - offs can be home - made from existing jeans, ready - made cut - offs are also commercially retailed . Extremely short denim cut - offs are known as "Daisy Dukes" (see below). </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Cycling shorts </Td> <Td> Bib shorts Cycling shorts are skin - tight long shorts specifically designed for wear by cyclists to reduce chafing . While often elastic - waisted, a popular alternative style with integral suspenders, more comfortable in the longer term for serious cyclists, is called bib shorts . They are designed to fit the posture of a cyclist bent over in the racing position, cut longer in the back than in the front to guarantee full coverage . Since the 1980s, such garments are increasingly designed to take into account the difference between male and female bodies, as women's shorts require a longer waist - to - crotch measurement . <P> Since the 1980s,' bike shorts' have also been worn as fashion garments, although these versions often lack the internal padding and construction required by cyclists . </P> </Td> </Tr> <P> Since the 1980s,' bike shorts' have also been worn as fashion garments, although these versions often lack the internal padding and construction required by cyclists . </P>

When was the first pair of shorts made