Why do the Wolves in Twilight Wear Shorts and Not Shirts?
Understanding Twilight Wolves' Clothing Habits
Why do the wolves in Twilight wear shorts instead of pants all the time and not wear shirts?
The Utility of Shorts for Transformation
Wolves in Twilight transform without clothing, which is a key part of their shape-shifting ability. If they were to wear pants, they would be at risk of clothing getting shredded or torn during the transformation process. This is particularly true when they are in a hurry or do not have the time to properly remove their clothing. Pants, being more cumbersome to put on and take off, pose an inconvenience for wolves that need to transition quickly back to human form.
Additionally, wolves do not wear shirts due to their high body temperature, which keeps them insulated and warm. This makes them less prone to feeling cold, even in winter. Therefore, the primary reason for wearing shorts is to maintain a sense of decency while avoiding the troubles that come with full-body clothing during their transformation process.
The Excuses Provided in the Books
The idea that the clothes they wear during transformation are destroyed is a concept extensively covered in the Twilight books. Involving the transformation often results in shredded garments, and sometimes even shoes. Jacob, one of the pack members, explains this to Bella during a conversation. The text clearly states that any clothes they are wearing at the moment of transformation will be destroyed, emphasizing the need to strip before transforming to avoid damage.
Further supporting this, the author hints that the pack members often have to rip through their clothes to transform, leading to the destruction of multiple sets of clothing. They have to either buy new clothes frequently or find second-hand options, like those from goodwill stores or the Indian Reservation store, to save money.
The Practical Solution for the Pack
The simplest solution is to remove their clothing before transforming, which ensures that nothing gets destroyed. However, even if this is the approach taken, they often carry shorts with them in their mouths or Jacob hides them in a cord worn around his ankle. This minimizes the inconvenience of dealing with full clothing sets and allows for faster and more practical transformations.
Leah, the only female in the pack, is the exception, carrying a shirt for practical reasons. However, she likely wears the lightest and smallest shirt possible to minimize discomfort and facilitate the transformation process.
Conclusion
The habits of Twilightas wolves in terms of their clothing are both practical and necessary for their wild transformations. The use of shorts and the occasional shirt reflect the unique needs and challenges of their shape-shifting lifestyle, aligning with the survival instincts of these magical creatures.
References:
Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer. Multiple books, including 'New Moon', 'Eclipse', and 'Breaking Dawn'. Illustrator: Kass Morgan, Cover Designer: Anne Kerans, Cover Artists: Louise Knight, Alison Fawkner, and Sam Allan.