In my mind (small place)it comes down to several issues,not the least of which is the "over 40 crowd" When I first entered the trade,NOBODY wore shorts,you'd be laughed off the job. Homeowners are a little more tolerant now.

I see a few of the younger guys on some of the bigger resi. crews wearing shorts,99% of them Knee-length.work boots,and tall socks.But not many guys who do service work here wear them.

You don't see shorts on commercial jobs here either.

People in warmer climates with long hot summers would be more prone to wear them I expect. I will confess I tried them while on a job in Fla. a few years ago. It was so dang hot and muggy there,I couldn't tell much difference. [Linked Image]

I did see some guys in an HVAC install crew show uo on a commercial job last year,October to be exact,and the temp was about 45 deg.or so and the wind was blowing. The were all wearing shorts...and COATS. [Linked Image] The GC sent them packing,and walked by me muttering about someone having a screw loose. [Linked Image]

Russell