The Fashion Memo

Why Everybody’s Wearing Shorts

From Bermuda and denim to tailored and micro-lengths – chic shorts are on the rise. Here, we reveal the long and short of this summer’s hottest styles

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion
Hailey Bieber’s all-white ensemble allows her new-season Bermuda shorts to shine (and an all-black look is, of course, an equally stylish alternative)

If you’re looking to add an instant cool-girl effect to your summer style, it might be time to go long on shorts. Once the preserve of the beach and sporting pursuits, shorts in a variety of lengths, luxe fabrics and shapes were seen all over the SS25 runways – from to and – lending them more versatility this season. So, whether your style is sleek and tailored or relaxed and slouchy, a great pair of shorts is the sure-fire way to sharpen your warm-weather outfits. Read on for the key styles to know…

Bermuda

If knee-length shorts aren’t ordinarily your sartorial go-to, immaculate top-to-toe white ensemble should convince you otherwise – because Bermuda shorts are the breakout star of the summer. Follow Bieber’s lead by styling with a pair of fisherman sandals and white socks on casual days, or dress them up for evening with a lace-trimmed camisole and mesh

For boardroom-ready Bermudas, go for styles that are long and tailored, then sharpen the look with a belt and loafers. Australian label white organic-cotton-blend twill shorts (featured in our edit of consciously crafted pieces) look great styled with an oversized linen blazer and flowing shirt. Elsewhere, and styles are timeless choices and perfect for office dressing when the mercury rises. Pair them with a tailored vest for meetings, then swap in a crisp white tank top and chunky sandals for an elevated weekend look. striped shorts are pleated at the waist and, when paired with the matching blouse and sandals, will take you comfortably from yacht to lunch.

  • TOTEME
    Knitted shorts
    $225.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • MATTEAU
    Pleated organic cotton-blend twill shorts
    $220.00
    Select a Size
    1
    2
    3 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    5 - out of stock
  • THIERRY COLSON
    Striped pleated cotton-poplin shorts
    $158.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small - low stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
  • BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
    Pinstriped linen and cotton-blend shorts
    $780.00
    Select a Size
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42
    44
Knee-length ‘jorts’ are a chic denim look for the office
Cream denim shorts, worn with a matching floaty blouse, give off a cool Cali-beach vibe

Denim

Jean shorts – or ‘jorts’, as they have come to be known – are having a moment, with longer lengths the cut du jour. relaxed wide-leg ‘Brynn’ version is a one-way ticket to model-off-duty chic, while faded blue ‘The Timeless’ pair oozes Cali-beach cool. Plus, they’re both highlights from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Alternatively, neat ‘Dame’ style makes a strong case for cream denim and looks chic paired with a floaty blouse and gold jewelry. If you’re tall or just prefer longer lengths, try ‘The Half Pipe’ denim shorts – the frayed cuffs lend a laid-back beachy feel that works perfectly with swimwear.

  • AGOLDE
    Dame denim shorts
    $228.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24 - out of stock
    25 - out of stock
    26 - out of stock
    27 - out of stock
    28 - out of stock
    29 - low stock
    30
    31
    32
  • FRAME
    The Timeless denim shorts
    $92.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24 - low stock
    25 - out of stock
    26 - low stock
    27
    28
    29 - low stock
    30
    31 - low stock
    32
  • MOTHER
    The Half Pipe Bermuda Fray denim shorts
    $129.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24 - out of stock
    25 - out of stock
    26 - out of stock
    27 - out of stock
    28 - out of stock
    29 - out of stock
    30 - out of stock
    31 - out of stock
    32 - out of stock
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    Brynn denim shorts
    $96.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24
    25 - out of stock
    26 - out of stock
    27 - low stock
    28 - out of stock
    29
    30
    31 - low stock
    32 - out of stock

Cotton

The ‘borrowed-from-the-boys’ aesthetic has already influenced our denim silhouettes and shirting, and its latest claim is shorts – striped cotton styles that resemble boxers or pajamas have been adopted by the fashion set as the ultimate cool-girl summer staple. For balmy days at home or on vacation, try a colorful pair by or to liven up beach-ready outfits. Didn’t think you’d be wearing men’s underwear to dinner? Think again. crystal-embellished shorts look chic dressed up for a night out with a silky camisole, strappy heels and a blazer, while mint-green ‘Zinnia’ shorts can be office-appropriate when styled with the matching shirt and

  • THE ROW
    Zinnia striped cotton-poplin shorts
    $480.00
    Select a Size
    0
    2 - low stock
    4
    6 - low stock
    8 - low stock
    10 - low stock
    12 - out of stock
  • GANNI
    Crystal-embellished striped poplin shorts
    $177.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • SUZIE KONDI
    Banker striped cotton-poplin shorts
    $110.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small - low stock
    medium
    large - out of stock
    x large
  • ALÉMAIS
    + Anouk Colantoni printed organic cotton-poplin shorts
    $130.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock

Silk

For something that feels as comfortable as it looks, silky shorts are a summer savior. If you love this season’s look to ‘Kam’ shorts, which are illustrated with seashells and perfect for pulling on over a swimsuit or ‘Frances’ shorts, printed with a bandana-style pattern — they’ll go perfectly with the matching halterneck top for poolside lunches. For those leaning on a minimalist wardrobe, try cream silk pair or burnt-orange style – the print, created from a blown-up version of its monogram, has become something of a cult classic among fashion insiders.

  • TOTEME
    Embroidered silk-twill shorts
    $440.00
    Select a Size
    32 - low stock
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42
  • NILI LOTAN
    Frances bandana-print silk-twill shorts
    $294.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • ANINE BING
    Kam printed silk-blend charmeuse shorts
    $100.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small - out of stock
    medium
    large
  • VERSACE
    Printed silk-twill shorts
    $318.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
    46 - out of stock
    48 - out of stock
    50 - out of stock
Striped cotton pajama-style shorts are the ultimate cool-girl summer staple

Tailored

If you’re looking to perfect your personal uniform, is always a great place to start. And for SS25, you can’t go wrong with a pair of pleated tailored shorts. Our edit of standout styles includes must-haves by and Citizens of Humanity may be better known for its denim, but these twill shorts from its collaboration with fellow LA-based brand Argent are proof that it can do tailoring just as well. Wear them to dinner with a fitted tank, a gold chain necklace and peep-toe mules. Le Kasha’s utilitarian ‘Aqiva’ shorts – yet another NET SUSTAIN highlight – are perfectly office-appropriate, especially when styled with the matching shirt; while Anine Bing’s impeccably cut houndstooth pair lends a preppy feel to every look.

  • MAX MARA
    Sultano pleated cotton-blend poplin shorts
    $118.00
    Select a Size
    4
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
    16 - low stock
    18 - out of stock
  • ANINE BING
    Carrie pleated houndstooth wool-blend shorts
    $120.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - low stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12
  • LE KASHA
    Aqiva belted pleated linen shorts
    $228.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    + Argent twill shorts
    $120.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - low stock
    10 - low stock
    12 - out of stock

Micro

Brace yourselves: SS25 marks the return of seriously At Maximilian Davis presented thigh-skimming styles in frayed black and white denim; Donatella opted for ’90s-inspired hot pants, which she offset with long-sleeve shirts and and went full boho with tiny lace-up suede iterations. The golden rule to nailing a trend like this is to balance proportions, opting for billowy, oversized tops and jackets rather than anything fitted to keep things chic. With summer just around the corner, floral-print denim shorts from its collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza are ideal for warm-weather getaways, and are easy to throw on with swimwear, blouses and logo tees.

  • ISABEL MARANT
    Vanel lace-up suede shorts
    $872.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42
  • LOEWE
    + Paula's Ibiza frayed floral-print denim shorts
    $570.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - low stock
    44 - out of stock
  • GUCCI
    Lido denim shorts
    $1,250.00
    Select a Size
    24
    25 - out of stock
    26
    27
    28 - low stock
    29
    30
    31
  • THE FRANKIE SHOP
    Roma twill shorts
    $108.00
    Select a Size
    XS
    S
    M
    L
For a smart summer look, you can’t go wrong with a pair of pleated tailored shorts

RELATED READING

The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown