1940’s Vintage Padded Athletic Basketball Gym Shorts

Made in the USA

These were designed for men but fit a Modern Women’s Size: x-small / small or 2/4, 25/26

Color: Cherry Red w/ White Trim

Material: Heavyweight Rayon

Waist: 14” flat (modern 26)

Hips: 19” flat

Rise: 11”

Inseam: 3”

Decade: 1940s

Brand: I believe these are by Champion Knitwear but no interior tags remain on garment.

camp short style

belted / silver metal hardware

button fly front w/ wood buttons

diagonally cut legs

loose hanging hip pads

contrasting color side stripes

silky/satin shine

hand sewn #2 wool number on front hip

Very good vintage condition especially considering these are almost 90 years old. The #2 is loose on the top. Interior padding has some staining. No rips, holes or major signs of wear. No interior brand or size tags.

HISTORY:

From the turn of the century to the 1950s (and most of the 60s), men’s vintage workout clothes took inspiration from underwear in designing cool, loose, comfortable clothes for active sports and exercise routines. It was one of the only times a man could wear shorts or a sleeveless shirt and not be inappropriately dressed.

Workout clothes started with shorts and a tank top then moved to shorts and a T-shirt. The warm fleece sweatshirt and sweatpants was worn as warm up clothes or for more mild sports. The sweatshirt alone was trendy off the courts too.

While gym clothes changes were very slow between the late 1920s and 1960s, a new wave of men’s vintage workout clothes was just on the horizon.

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