During the day, it is okay for men to wear shorts?

[Potato_Salad]

Hello everyone. How is everyone doing?

I always wear long pants at night.

But during the day, is it okay to go to the supermarket or mall in shorts?

Thank you for your time and feedback.

[Dolores]

Sure! Dominicans usually will only don shorts on Saturdays or Sundays, or in beach resort areas. Interestingly since we are a tropical country, you may be invited to a barbecue in a home and everyone will be wearing long pants. While Dominicans will usually wear long pants (with the exception of Saturdays or Sundays or when in resort areas), of course it is okay to wear shorts to go to the supermarket or mall.

[Squat]

I wear shorts all the time (during the day), and long pants when going out at night. I live in a beach area, so everyone is wearing shorts and flip-flops. However, when in the cities, I wear long pants during the day, except when realy hot days, like in july and august...
(of course, if you are a gringo, folks will accept that from us...)

[buseouno]

Shorts are fine if you have no real desire to assimilate into the local way of life.
I wore shorts in the day for the first few months here and was always treated as a tourist and asked which hotel I was in etc. once I started wearing normal clothes all of that stopped.
Sure, I still get treated like a gringo, because I am, clothes can't hide that.
So, I guess what I'm saying is if you want to be treated like someone who lives here instead of a tourist, dress like the locals.
At the end of the day, it makes no difference what you wear, who you really are is what counts.
Have a good one.
Ken

[Potato_Salad]

Thank you Dolores, Squat, and buseouno (Ken) for your feedback. I greatly appreciate it!!!

Enjoy the rest of the day!!!

[Pingu]

I realize that the majority of posters on this website are Expats living on the beach. Shorts and Sandals are ONLY acceptable when on the beach, or traveling to one. Nothing looks more ridiculous than a middle aged man or a man who is "old enough to be considered old" (30+). Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Want to see a parallel with all this? I am a young man. How ridiculous would you think I am if I walked down the streets in jeans that are 3 times by size, below my ass, with a NY Yankees Cap backwards?

[Rocky]

The only place I ran into a problem wearing shorts, was in court.
It is considered disrespectful, and they will ask you to leave.
This may apply to churches as well, and if you were going to meet the President, long pants would be in order.
The only time I wear long pants is on cold days in the winter, or for a special party.

[rellosk]

Originally Posted by Pingu

Nothing looks more ridiculous than a middle aged man or a man who is "old enough to be considered old" (30+).

According to whom. In the US, shorts are worn by people of all ages. It's not uncommon to see men in their eighties wearing shorts.

Granted, you may not see Dominican men wearing shorts, but in the tourist areas, it's become acceptable. Years ago, most of the casinos would not let you in with shorts. These days I don't know of any that have that restriction.

[KateP]

I would say, all depends on where you are. If you go around in shorts in Santo Domingo, you'll label yourself as a tourist and people will stare. If you do it in a more touristy area, it's normal and most people do it, even locals. If you want to blend in anywhere, jeans or pants, a shirt and sneakers are the way to go, even if you end up sweating like crazy.

[samanasuenos]

I have to say that shorts should be avoided, and escpecially with sandals or flip-flops, but...let's break it down in level of unacceptability:

1. Acceptable, but still not recommended:
"formal" shorts, ironed, long, with pleats and pockets, and a belt
AND
"formal" sandals or woven shoes that cover toes, no socks please.

2. The same shorts with less formal footwear.

3. ONLY FOR THE YOUNG AND HIP
Brand new, clean, and unwrinkled - sport shorts,a nd expensive brand name
AND
equally hip and trendy sporty shoes
(only for young people who know which brands to buy, nothing under $50 for sure).

4. Blue jean shorts, baggy sweats, Hawaiian print shorts (ug), any wrinkled shorts, any dirty shorts.
AND
any sort of footwear

5. Same as #5, but wearing white or black socks

6. Same as #5, but the socks are tye-died

7. Same as #5 or #6, but you add a white cotton blazer, straw hat, camera on string, and a bow-tie.

8. Same as #7, but you speak American English very loudly, ignore yur shrewish wife, ogle the lovelies, and fail to notice that your teen daughter is soon to be wiring cash to Sanky Bank.

Sorry. Bottom line - shorts are a NO-NO. If you have to wear them, press them, add a belt and nice shoes. AND NO SOCKS! Sandals are bad, sandals with socks are worse.

From Tropical Fashion Police Deputy (TFPD)