Ka-Zar in Shorts?

Here are some scans from Ka-Zar's late 90's ongoing series. From some inexplicable reason, jungle lord Kevin Plunder wears a shorts under his loincloth. What the hell was up with that?! Luckily he still looks good shirtless. And luckier still, after this series ended Ka-Zar ditched the shorts and went back to his trademark loincloth only garb. The following scans are from Ka-Zar #1 & #2.