FOR ME: No shorts/pants are best!
... But when that's not an option short shorts (not for everyone, ESPECIALLY IN PUBLIC) or really really really long shorts (AKA pants/jeans full length) only.
I wear short shorts in public (when exercising/running) because I feel all self conscious and it makes me run faster, aha.
The only other not-often-time is "dressed up" a little with lacey (or other kinds) of stockings (and when doing this the shorts need to be high waisted, mostly).
AND 3/4 pants (capris) and "in-betweeners" don't compliment legs or height and make you look like you can't let go of old clothes (you've grown out of).
Guys in short-shorts "footy shorts" are hilarious (mostly) or sometimes extremely hypnotising (very awkward when you won't stop staring). =l
But contradicting the above, camouflage "bottoms" (in any length/style) on guys is sexual, to me.