Not every man in shorts looks awful, Virginia

I found Virginia Ironside’s article about the things that infuriate her about men in August insulting. My husband is 58 and looks after himself by walking every day and he doesn’t look bad in shorts. Yes, his shorts are old, but they’re clean, and aren’t we supposed to be reusing clothes instead of discarding them to landfill?

Sally Till, Sidcup

I’m an anti-woke woman in her 50s, but have to say this article was just sexist, judgmental drivel. If it were titled ‘10 things I hate about women in August’, I don’t believe it would have been printed. If any human (unattractive or not) wants to show their feet or wear a football shirt, who is to judge?

N. Fisk, Nottingham

Could you fix me up with a date with Virginia? I’ll turn up in baggy shorts, sandals and a baseball cap on backwards. I can burp really well, too.

David Llewellyn, Swindon

I always enjoy Sarah Vine’s column, but Virginia Ironside was a worthy substitute and brought a little light relief last week with her column about menfolk in summer – it had me laughing out loud.

Her observations were spot-on! We all know and love someone who has 20-year-old shorts worn usually on holiday, and ancient flip-flops gripped on by yellowing, claw-like toenails.

Name and address supplied

I can’t believe that Virginia Ironside is one of the people still writing ‘humorous’ columns about men wearing socks with sandals and dominating barbecues. Virginia may like to consider the bizarre notion that men wear shorts for comfort and not necessarily for the gratification of middle-aged women.

Geoff Laidlaw, Newcastle upon Tyne

I couldn’t agree more with Virginia. I’m sure many men were outraged, but she was spot-on about their yellowing toenails and dirty T-shirts straining over unsightly paunches. The simple fact of the matter is that women take better care of themselves, so if men don’t want to be the subject of such articles, they need to do the same.

W. Smith, London

Thank you to Virginia Ironside for her insight into how men should dress in summer. In my opinion, she can wear whatever she likes as long as she is comfortable.

Alan Goddard, Orpington, Kent

It’s so nice to read a lighthearted column in the midst of articles about the cost-of-living crisis and water shortages.

Thank you, Virginia, for providing my Sunday morning with a much needed laugh.

Amanda Collins, Cambridge