By Jessica Misener
Fort Myers News-Press

Try displaying a message across the back of your shorts.

Shorts with printed words on the rear are a fast-growing fad. No matter what your interest, there's a pair of seat-sloganed shorts in town to fit your need.

These stylish numbers aren't your dad's Bermudas. They're skimpy, cotton athletic shorts - often worn with the waistband rolled down - that have long been a staple of cheerleaders and exercisers.

"High school kids come in all the time and have the backs of their shorts customized," says Brad Leslie, owner of Custom Car Tags and Tees in Fort Myers, Fla.

Shocked? In today's culture, calling attention to one's rump isn't so risque. After being praised in countless rap songs and flaunted on the fashion runways, the tush has been J-Lo-ed into high-profile prestige.

Naturally, then, tush-tattooed shorts are gaining fame. They're irreverent, eye-catching and hard to miss.

Racks are crammed with lettered-bottom sweat pants bearing phrases such as "Perfect 10" and "Angel Baby."

Beyond the fickleness of fashion trends, some wear the shorts for actual athletic use. Dancers often don them over leotards during practice.

Still, one has to be fearless to display a message on her derriere.

"I don't like them. I would rather avert my eyes from that area than try to read a message there," says Crystal Passman, 20. "And they make your butt look bigger."

But for now, the shorts seem to be a hit, at least with the young, female and trend-hungry.

And that's the bottom line.