Scared of shorts? Here are 53 perfect pairs for every occasion

The Guardian

10 hours ago

Happy shorts season. Not happy for everyone, though, is it? It's probably not a stretch to say that for many of us, wearing shorts is up there with getting into a swimsuit or showing your feet for the first time that year. A watershed moment of dread that, unlike most scary things – eating out alone, caring what other people think – only gets worse as you get older.
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But it's also summer, and sometimes only shorts will do. Plus, this year, there really is something for every leg. Culottes are back, except they're structured and called bermuda shorts – and you can even wear them to work. So are 1970s sports shorts, if your summer reference is more Ridgemont High. It's not unseemly to wear boxer shorts, especially if you're on the beach, just try them in seersucker – or if you prefer the freedom of a skirt, how about a skort? Hate all shorts? Try jean-shorts or 'jorts' – they're better than they sound. Here is a foolproof guide to getting over shorts fear.
Apologies to those with a strict work dress code. For everyone else: yes, says Chioma Nnadi, head of editorial content at Vogue. 'Several of the younger editors have been rocking jorts with tailored blazers, loafers and socks. It's such a compelling look,' she says. 'It's a matter of getting the proportions right.'
Look for tailored shorts that are structured and have pleats. Length-wise, this is up to you, but aim for something that sits on or above the knee. Avoid anything too tight (you'll be in them for eight hours) or pure linen (it'll crease). Your office dress code may differ from Vogue's, so knee-length denim shorts may not pass muster. And if your job is sedentary, or you travel by public transport, try sitting down in them – think about skin-on-bus-seat contact.
Formal shorts tend to be more structured for men, which makes things simpler. James Hawkes, head of menswear design at John Lewis, even makes a case for the long, dark denim short 'with a single or double pleat', which can be dressed up for semi-formal occasions 'with a button-down shirt'.
Men's beige shorts
£100 at Asket
Women's brown pleat shorts
£59.95 at Massimo Dutti
Women's multi-stripe shorts
£165 at Me+Em£165 at Selfridges
Men's cream belted shorts
£35.99 at Zara
Women's burgundy belted wrap-front shorts
£85 at Cos£85 at H&M
Women's red shorts
£35.99 at Mango
Broadly speaking, when in the city, 'a closed toe is a must', says styling editor Melanie Wilkinson. Otherwise, think of shorts and shoes as you would a twinset – matchy matchy is good. For men and women, sporty shorts require sporty trainers (any colour, and I like a tennis sock), while semi-formal require a loafer or a boat shoe (men) – or a heel or low sandal (women; any higher than 3cm looks a bit off). If you're on holiday, flip-flops or sliders are acceptable on the beach, but try a chunky sandal elsewhere (men: you can't go wrong with a Birkenstock, while women: Veja's new Etna style is chic, fun and made from traceable materials).
A few words on socks: to be encouraged. 'Just make sure they are pulled up and worn with trainers, loafers and clog-style shoes only,' says Wilkinson. Otherwise, unless you're on the beach or are Harrison Ford at Cannes, a bare ankle leaves you in danger of looking a bit Duran Duran.
Short ones. Long-distance runner Becky Briggs wears hers a meagre 7.5cm long for proper movement. In terms of shape, when she's training, comfort is more important than you'd anticipate, as are multiple back pockets, she says, because chances are you're out with earphones and keys. Race day is a different thing entirely. You need something tighter, she says, of the Puma shorts she recently won the Hackney Half marathon in. They have to be 'super light', she says, 'and you want to feel you're not restricted in any way', hence the 2.5cm slit up the side, which allows for movement.
Women's Tempo run colour block shorts
£65 at Sweaty Betty£65 at John Lewis
Women's TruePace recycled-shell shorts
£80 at Stella McCartney£86 at Net-a-Porter
Women's Raceday Ultraweave shorts
£54.99 at SportsShoes£55 at Puma
It used to be simple: in or out. Neat and tidy, or an act of slobbish dissent. Nowadays for men, tucking is all about 'vibes', says Hawkes. A tucked top can 'elevate your outfit for semi-formal occasions', while untucked creates 'a relaxed vibe'. The latter sounds obvious, but ensure the top length is right so the look is balanced.
Something reasonably smart, a boxy T-shirt that ends 2.5cm below the waistband is a good compromise, as is a blazer/Harrington that sits 5cm above the hem.
For women, 'oversized silhouettes can benefit from a tuck to add shape', says Lisa Ferrie, head of women's design at John Lewis. 'And I would recommend you tuck in a vest to avoid strange bumps in the line of the outfit.' For something more casual, choose a top (probably a T-shirt) that sits just above the hemline, or is cropped. If you're still on the fence, Ferrie 'tucks in one side of a linen shirt, so it feels more effortless'.
Off the bat, it would be prudent to check the dress code, or with the bride and groom first, even though dress codes have loosened up a bit. That said, for women, Uniqlo's summer collection, designed almost entirely by Clare Waight Keller (who made Meghan Markle's wedding dress), has a great spotty suit that 'is giving Pretty Woman', says Uniqlo's Lottie Howard. This pair by Reiss looks like a skirt from the side, is linen-mix, and has little zips so you can open up the legs if you're feeling brave. Try with a button-down shirt or blazer.
'If you pick the right wash [darker],' adds Ferrie, 'you can certainly wear them paired with a smart shirt and kitten heels.' Wilkinson is a fan, too, provided the rest of the outfit is above-average formal. She says: 'I would wear them with a silk camisole top, a matching blazer and light-coloured heels, or a short suit.'
Men: no.
Women's botanical print shorts
£135 at Mytheresa£160 at Farm Rio
Women's easy-silk shorts
£125 at Rise & Fall
Women's side-zip tailored shorts
£195 at Reiss£195 at Next
More than you'd hope. 'Generally, living your life always moves your underwear around, but, in shorts, that feeling of bunched-up pants can be amplified,' says Wilkinson. She suggests seam-free underwear 'if your shorts are close-fitting' and a fuller fit to avoid a VPL. Stripe & Stare does a pretty ample brief, while Modibodi and M&S have fuller cuts in sweat-wicking fabrics, which is handy if it's warm – and, let's face it, if you're wearing shorts, it probably is.
A must, says Wilkinson: 'Crochet, denim cutoffs, a silky print, even a silky print suit with matching top, which is very White Lotus 1, 2 and 3.' The point is, she says, 'have fun, embrace colour, embrace prints'.
Nnadi thinks the beach is a good place to flex something a bit more elevated. 'I'm not a particularly adventurous shorts-wearer. I tend to wear them on holiday mostly – a retro gym short with a gathered waist is my go-to, styled with a string vest, a camp shirt and a utility sandal,' says Nnadi, who has a few of Wales Bonner's Adidas collaborations that she wears 'on rotation'.
Practically speaking, you're going to be somewhere hot, in which case, go natural. Unless you're going for something with a pleat (then cotton will be a base), linen (or linen mix) is light and breathable, although seersucker is the 2025 way to wear the women's boxers trend. In fact, for me, a pair of billowing boxers has usurped the beach dress.
Women's yellow and black bandana shorts
£120 at Essentiel Antwerp
Women's palm shorts
£18 at Next
Women's seersucker boxer
£60 at With Nothing Underneath
Women's stripe linen shorts
£80 at Boden£80 at John Lewis
Men's khaki linen shorts
£120 at Gant£120 at Fenwick
Women's sunset print linen shorts
£75 at Selfridges
Unisex pink boxers
£55 at Tekla
Women's wavy stripe boxers
£155 at Yaitte
Women's pale blue stripe boxers
£29 at John Lewis
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Obviously, that depends on where you are wearing them (knee-length for work; anything goes on the beach). But Ferrie likes to start with a simpler rule: 'Go for those a little bit longer, to distinguish them from the styles you'd wear on holiday.'
It's also worth considering body proportions, says Hawkes. 'Those with a slimmer build might prefer slightly shorter lengths, while those with a broader frame could opt for more length.' Ferrie agrees, adding that length also depends on the fabric. 'Linen or lightweight options look better mid-thigh length, while jersey or sportier styles can be worn shorter,' she says.
Personally, I just swap 'short' for 'skirt' and there's the answer. Otherwise, there's no practical difference between the two, except that one of them rides up. Otherwise, it's a matter of preference. I like to test pairs out by sitting down (to gauge how much thigh you'll see) and bending over in front of the mirror, and looking through my legs (sorry).
Hawkes thinks the safest length is above the knee, with an 18-22cm inseam, 'which works for most people and situations'. The bermuda length, which is a 25-30cm inseam, is better for semi-formal settings. A 'mid-thigh length, 12-17cm inseam', is more contemporary (read: brave).
Men's green chino stretch bermuda shorts
From £33 at Crew Clothing
Men's burgundy track shorts
£160 at Adidas£160 at End
Men's ecru embroidered shorts
£89.25 at Jules B£105 at Wax London
Beauty writer Anita Bhagwandas has a straightforward if labour-intensive process: 'Start with a good scrub using an exfoliating mitt; a product that contains a gentle acid-like glycolic will give added exfoliation. Follow with a ceramide-based moisturiser and add any finishing touches, such as a gradual tanning lotion or shimmering balm. Don't forget SPF.' And don't forget your feet, either. Flexitol is my go-to for cracked heels.
For more SPFs, check out our guide to the best sunscreens for every need
Yes. But change is afoot, says Tim Kaeding, co-founder of cult US denim brand Mother. 'Last year, our bestselling shorts had 7-10cm inseams, but our current bestsellers have a 46.5cm inseam,' so you do the maths.
The key to a good denim pair – long or short – is to only wear 'variations of existing full-length fits', says Kaeding, who suggests trimming existing shorts yourself, as you would a hem. 'You already love how they sit on your waist, but cutting them off at the knee turns them into something new.'
By all means. For men and women, the retro sports shorts – colourful ones with slightly curved hems, occasionally a stripe, but often pretty short – have made the leap from catwalk trend (Prada's 28cm short) to high-street staple (Free People, Adidas and Varley are best, but Whistles and Ganni usually have something in stock come summer). Wear with pulled-up Adanola socks and trainers.
Women's side stripe sports shorts
£69 at John Lewis£69 at Immaculate Vegan
Women's red jersey jogger shorts
£16 at M&S
Women's white running shorts
£62 at Varley
Don't think for a minute we're treating these like ordinary shorts. They are not. Cycling shorts are basically underwear – yoga wear at a push. Personally, I prefer the 'Princess Di leaving the gym' approach: they are shorts to be seen in when you don't want to be seen.
Cycling shorts, or compression shorts if you want a bit of holding in, are great under a shorter skirt or dress – they buy you a bit of coverage (think about the wind, if you're sitting cross-legged, or if you're out late and it gets chilly), or on their own under a bum-covering T-shirt or sweatshirt. Skims do a great style that sucks you in without any bulging.
And they're not just for women. Some brands, like Vuori, come with built-in cycling shorts. A male friend of mine wears them to help with thigh chafing when he runs. Wilkinson adds: 'Frankly, I like a longer cycling short on men in summer, even if they're not running, because it's incredibly flattering. I wish they made them for women, too.'
Women's black high-waisted shorts
£25 at End£48 at Skims
Men's green shorts with built-in cycling shorts
£75 at Vuori
Women's blue seamless scrunch shorts
£40 at Tala
Bhagwandas suggests shorts under shorts – Runderwear has some designed for sport – or an anti-friction stick. Megababe's is a snip at £8, though if you don't like the idea of cream, Lush does a powder made (intriguingly) from clay.
Bit of a minefield this, but a good rule of thumb is thinking about your preferred trouser style and working from there. Jorts, for example, are merely 'a step-change from barrel jeans', according to John Lewis. Think about whether you're a high-waister or prefer low-slung. Or do you always wear loose clothing? In which case, boxer shorts (Tekla's are comfy and fairly opaque) might be the thing.
For men, try cutting existing trousers to see how they sit, says Kaeding. 'Hacking off workwear trousers at the knee creates a novelty workwear utility short, which you don't usually see.' For both men and women, they need to be big enough on the thighs – you want to avoid them riding up in the middle, so size up if you need to. Or go for a culotte or boxer shape.
If you're happy getting your legs out, a skort is a good start. Essentially, a short skirt with built-in shorts, skorts used to be a little bit naff – something I blame entirely on the name – but have since become both hip (Uniqlo predicts its skorts will be a big hit this summer, while Zara's denim skort suit is all over TikTok) and a lightning rod for feminism, after some camogie players in Ireland were banned for wearing skorts instead of skirts.
Women's blue paisley print wrap skort
£69 at Mint Velvet£69 at Next
Women's butter yellow linen-blend skort
£50 at Gap£50 at Next
Women's wrap denim skort
£25.99 at Zara
This spring, sales of the John Lewis women's long denim shorts – AKA jorts – were up 300% week on week, something they put down to office casualisation, weather changes and people who don't like shorts.
Long, loose-ish and sitting on or below the knee, the trick is to treat them as a halfway house between shorts and jeans. Vogue's Nnadi is a fan: 'I like the idea of an oversized skater-style short or jort that's to the knee, worn with a shrunken cardigan or a classic Chanel jacket and low-heeled slingbacks or ballet flats.'
Women's pleated denim shorts
£57 at Arket£57 at H&M
Women's denim shorts
£45 at John Lewis
Unisex black baggy denim shorts
£44 at Weekday£44 at Asos
Men's carrier cargo shorts
£55 at Levi's
Men's Carhartt camo shorts
£130 at Size?
Men's navy cargo shorts
£88 at End
Morwenna Ferrier is the Guardian's fashion and lifestyle editor