I recall the moment I first became conscious of the imperfections of knees. I was chatting with a friend in our thirties when she lamented, “I really dislike my knees.” I was taken aback—was it possible to have issues with knees? But that comment planted a seed of doubt in my mind.
About a decade ago, I felt relieved to discover that there were various styles of shorts that extended beyond the knee. As I navigated the challenges of aging, motherhood, and weight gain, I grew increasingly self-conscious about my body. Although I practiced yoga and walked frequently, which kept my legs in decent shape, I couldn’t help but compare my late-thirties legs to the flawless ones of teenagers who passed by. That’s when I turned to Mom Shorts—those that skim just past the knee. I accepted this as my fate.
However, as I observe more women in their mid-forties confidently wearing actual shorts, I’ve begun to rethink my choices. I notice stores stocked with short shorts that I initially deemed too revealing, yet I see women pulling them off effortlessly. We all have our inner dialogues when we see strangers; often kind, sometimes judgmental, but I’ve never once thought, “She should really cover up those knees.”
This summer, my family is heading to Spain for a trip with my siblings and their kids, plus my dad. One thing I’ve learned about Europeans is their relaxed attitude toward body image, free from the excessive insecurities that seem to plague us. I can already envision myself in my long Mom Shorts and oversized T-shirts, resembling a walking embodiment of American anxieties. And frankly, that’s not the vibe I want to project.
So, why am I still preoccupied with my knees? This isn’t about having a flat stomach or perfect skin—these are just knees! Should I start wearing three-quarter sleeves all the time out of insecurity about my elbows?
Determined to embrace a change, I ordered several pairs of shorts that actually qualify as shorts—hitting above the knee. Today, I decided to try a pair for the first time.
“Is the world going to end if my knees are visible?” I asked my husband, John.
“Well, if it does, so be it,” he replied.
“That’s not the reassurance I was hoping for.”
“Oh, right. I think you’ll be just fine,” he said.
In truth, he didn’t even notice the difference; he sees me through the eyes of a loving partner, and what I wear doesn’t affect that perspective.
As I prepare to step out on this warm summer morning in my new, more daring shorts, I’m curious to see how I feel about myself. I’m not going all in just yet; today, I’ll test the waters with my new look, while tomorrow, I might retreat to my old comfort zone.
But come Spain? I’m ready to embrace it.
This article was originally published on June 22, 2015.
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Summary:
The author reflects on her journey of self-acceptance, moving away from the comfort of “Mom Shorts” to embrace shorts that show her knees. As she prepares for a family trip to Spain, she confronts her insecurities and recognizes that body image shouldn’t dictate her summer wardrobe choices. Encouraged by her husband’s support and the confidence of other women, she steps out in newfound shorts, ready to embrace the summer with an open heart.