The Heat Wave of 1936: A Changing Attire in American History

The summer of 1936 was not only oppressively hot but deadly for many. Over 5,000 people lost their lives due to extreme heat. Author Geoff Williams, who wrote The Summer of Death, identified multiple cities that suffered from the heat wave’s harsh conditions, remaining at or above 100° for weeks. Many families coped by sleeping outside or in cooler places like movie theaters.

The soaring temperatures didn’t just impact comfort; they altered lifestyles and fashion as well. For instance, wearing short pants became a point of legal contention in some areas. In Yonkers, New York, wearing shorts was considered unlawful. At the time, Alderman William Slater championed a city council decision banning shorts and halter tops. Violators risked a $150 fine and a month in jail.

Mayor Mike Spano, current mayor of Yonkers, recalled how officers once patrolled the streets to enforce the anti-shorts law. This changed following an act of civil disobedience by two reporters from the New York Daily News. They intentionally violated the law by wearing shorts in Yonkers, which got them arrested. Their case led to the eventual repeal of the law.

Fashion expert Erin Black from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts noted the historical scandal surrounding the exposure of legs. During the Elizabethan Era, men wore elaborate short pants known as pumpkin hose. Yet, by the late 1800s, shorts were predominantly worn by young boys. It was during World War I that British soldiers in Bermuda began cutting their trousers due to the heat, giving rise to Bermuda shorts.

Women’s fashion also evolved post-World War II, with pinup girls like Betty Grable popularizing shorter garments. By the 1950s, shorts became an accepted part of casual wear. The trend continued evolving, peaking in popularity with the disco era of the 1970s and the iconic television portrayal of ‘Daisy Dukes’ in the show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Today, shorts are commonplace in various settings, including workplaces. They are embraced by people like Mayor Mike Spano and writer Geoff Williams, reminding us of the comfort they provide. Despite modern weather challenges, shorts remain a symbol of adaptability and style.

For insights into the 1936 heat wave, Geoff Williams’ book The Summer of Death: The Great Heat Wave of 1936 and the Making of Modern-Day America is available in multiple formats through Amazon and other retailers.