People are just realising reason post workers still wear shorts during winter

Even with temperatures plummeting to single digits across the UK, postal workers persistently sport shorts on their delivery rounds.

It might be super cold outside, but that’ll never stop them and there’s a clever reason why. A post on Reddit seeking answers on the matter sparked a conversation after someone wondered if it was a rule or “silly” tradition for Royal Mail workers.

The person wrote: “Postmen/woman of the UK, why do you wear shorts all year round?” A curious social media comment added fuel to the fire: “Yeah I’ve seen them all week in shorts and a Royal Mail pastel blue short sleeve shirt.”

Royal Mail workers chimed in with their justifications, noting practical reasons rather than adherence to tradition or any strict rule. One worker shared: “It really is just because it gets hot doing the job.”

Another explained, opting for trousers only when faced with particularly windy conditions in the highest point of town. Others highlighted the simple fact: “Skin is waterproof. Walking all day is hot work.”

A third divulged an internal motivation – a friendly wager at the depot where participants contribute £1 weekly for a chance to donate a growing pot to a charity of choice.

They added: “The competition was to see who could go furthest into the winter in shorts. As the snow kicked in during January it was down to two die hards. Eventually as spring kicked in it was deemed a tie, the pot was split between the two, raising several hundred each.

“At the end of the competition a supervisor also added to the pot out of his own pocket and both got a free cooked breakfast from the work’s canteen for a week in recognition of their efforts!” Another penned: “The same reason all carpet fitters wear indoor court shoes, they just do!” A Reddit user added: “Seen a few today in shorts. I admire their stealth.”

The debate over why so many posties favour shorts has simmered for years, yet the answer is straightforward – it gets hot on the job. So, when you spot your local postal worker delivering mail in shorts, chances are they’ve had a particularly hectic day.