Header Ads Widget

Why do postmen wear shorts?

Postal Carriers
The postman will deliver whatever the weather (Picture: Getty Images)

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…

Why do postmen wear shorts?

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.

A postman in shorts delivering mail
There’s a number of reasons given for the shorts (Picture: Getty Images)

‘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.’

A Royal Mail postman wearing the company's new uniform in 2021
The new uniform has the option of shorts or trousers (Picture: PA)

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.

Essential key worker in the pandemic
The shorts are there whatever the weather (Picture: Getty Images)

‘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.

MORE : Postman finds unintentionally hilarious delivery instructions from homeowner

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Share your views in the comments below.



from News – Metro https://ift.tt/2YbJvZP

Post a Comment

0 Comments