They can but there are many who would feel too self-conscious . . . and some who feel too self-conscious to ever wear shorts. It's sad, some ladies are afraid of looking too sexy but I'm pretty sure that's never a concern for guys. They are just afraid of looking too pale or chubby or puny. Which girls also get to worry about. Whatever, I'm not trying to make it a competition. I was just thinking of all the guys I've seen in suits in the summer for work or events where they have to dress up . . . no sleeveless dresses for relief!