Introducing "Aunt Pants," AKA the Trousers So Many Guys Seem to Hate

Culottes: They're a surprisingly divisive item. While most of my female friends love them (okay, there are a handful who think they're just downright bizarre, and one even goes so far as to deem them "bananas"), most men I know just don't get them. It's at this point when I feel I should point out that caring what men think about how you dress isn't important, and it doesn't have to inform your wardrobe, by any means. However, it's interesting (not to mention LOL-inducing) to discover that the one item in your wardrobe you believe is really comfortable and chic just, well, confuses so many of them.

To prove my point, I spoke to my husband and male friends and asked my colleagues to speak to the men in their lives about what they thought. Was I going mad? Could so many people really not understand the wonder and magic of such a flattering, easy fashion invention? There were some hilarious replies, with one saying that her ex-boyfriend used to call them "aunt pants," as they're the kind of attire only a wacky auntie would wear. Apparently. (Note: Erm, what's wrong with that?) Below, you will find a selection of amusing comments. Just remember that you can wear these and not care what men, or women, or your cat thinks; instead, have a little chuckle about how confusing they find them. Keep scrolling to see what men think about culottes, plsu our responses to their emotions and some current styles you can shop right right now…

I never get them. Call me Yorkshire, but aren't they just shorts? Baggy shorts?

Dear Tom, we think you’ll find that baggy shorts would be a wholly less tailored and fashion-forward option. Baggy shorts do not nip at the waist or flare out at the ankle. Baggy shorts would not be perfected by the likes of Fendi. Baggy shorts should be worn by surfers with flip-flops on a beach, while culottes are worn by chic city girls with heels. Fact.

Are they shorts, is it a pant? A funny name, a funny sound and a funny look! Not the most flattering choice of trouser nor the most feminine and sexy. Best kept on the runways as seen on models, on the quirky Zooey Deschanel type or on the golf course by middle-aged men whilst in the midst of a midlife crisis. Fore!

Sometimes, Carl, these are indeed our "crisis" pants. There's no doubt about that. In that, they're truly good for bloated days or days where you want to feel casual without stepping into the realm of denim. As for golfing, we're glad we've invested in such versatile attire—skirts just aren't that useful when traversing 18 holes on a windy day without a buggy.

They are very confusing. Are they skirts, shorts or trousers?

Ernest, Ernest, Ernest. Does it matter?

They look like someone has mugged an old man for his slacks and taken a pair of scissors to them.

We've heard of girls temporarily borrowing the clothes of their partner/dad/roommate, but we promise we're leaving the "Derelicte" look to Mugatu (of Zoolander) and crew.

Not one guy has ever liked a girl in them.

Okay, well that's just not true. We've heard from a few trusted plus-ones that culottes look cool and fashionable without being too "out there."

Taking none of these comments into account (they're probably just jealous of our lovely trousers), keep scrolling to shop through our pick of culottes right now because we do love some "aunt" trousers and, quite frankly, can dress how we want.