The SHORTS, ATHLETIC, U.S.M.C. are inspired by belted athletic shorts from the 1940s worn by the U.S. Military. While elasticated waistbands became more common post-war, the belted waist remained in use up until the 1960s. Further development has seen nylon cloth replacing cotton as the standard fabric for P.T. shorts.

Historical photographs confirm that these shorts were used for physical training at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). Though there is no direct evidence to suggest they were part of Marine Corps recruit training programs, such as boot camp, it is likely that they were issued to select groups, such as officer candidates, rather than to all recruits.

During World War II, some civilian universities were converted into training centers for Navy pilots, and similar shorts were used for physical training at these institutions.

The SHORTS, ATHLETIC, U.S.M.C. are crafted from cotton poplin fabric, staying true to the era’s. They feature a urea button fly, two side pockets, a pleated front, and a single coin pocket at the waistband.

100% Cotton

Cotton Poplin Fabric

Urea Button

Cotton Sewing Thread Construction

Made in Japan