Yes, You Need Bermuda Shorts This Summer

These days, pants seem to be shrinking before our very eyes. From the growing popularity of short shorts to the shift towards bodysuits being worn as entire outfits, today’s trends have made regular-length bottoms rarer than ever. Looking for a reprieve against the leg-baring styles of the moment? Bermuda shorts are just the way to get it.

Perfectly dressed up with a linen shirt or made more casual with classic tank tops, billowy Bermudas are the best bottoms to have in your closet this summer.

What are Bermuda shorts?

More conservative than cheeky cutoffs but less lengthy than capris, The best Bermuda shorts have longer inseams that hit one to two inches above the knee. “They originated from the early 1900s when officers in Bermuda required a cooler option to full-length trousers while working in the warm climate,” explains Toronto-based stylist Jaclyn Patterson.

Though the general premise is the same, there is not one set Bermuda shorts length, and they can also range in fabric and cut.

How to wear Bermuda shorts now

“My favourite way to style Bermuda shorts this spring and summer is with a simple cotton tank, either an oversized blazer or white button down as a top layer depending on temperature, a timeless belt and sandal kitten heels. I would finish with my go-to everyday minimal jewellery,” says Patterson.

Of course, your exact styling decisions will depend on the occasion. For work, Patterson suggests trouser-style shorts with a white button down, made more polished with a belt and simple flats. For an evening outing, she says to try a kitten heel, chunky earrings and a statement shoulder bag. The beauty of Bermuda shorts is that, with their practical length and day-to-night wearing, these truly do it all.

“Dressing is meant to be fun and effortless,” adds Patterson. “Enjoy styling shorts in a way that makes you feel your best.”

Our Bermuda shorts for women 2024

Best overall

The Drop Millie Bermuda shorts

With a perfect above-the-knee length and an effortlessly flowy fit, these linen Bermuda shorts are an option you’ll repeatedly reach for. With a 100 per cent linen construction and a polished subtle pleated effect, they’re the perfect choice for any occasion — from office days to ice cream outings.

The rich colour of this pair of shorts suggests sun-soaked relaxation. Pair with ribbed tank tops or graphic tees for easygoing summer dressing.

Pros

• 100 per cent linen
• Suitable for machine wash
• Stretchy elastic waistband for a comfortably close fit
• Available in four colours

Cons

• Runs large

Best budget

Hotouch Bermuda shorts

Made of polyester, rayon and spandex, these wallet-friendly shorts are stretchy, soft and easy to pull on. The sophisticated pleating detailing makes them perfect for work or even lounging at home.

With almost a five-star rating and over 500 reviews, this pick is a clear favourite because of its versatility, side pockets and under-$40 price. Available in 17 colours, it’s basically impossible not to find a style you like.

Pros

• Lightweight pull-on style
• Available in 17 colours
• Top-rated Amazon product

Cons

• Reviewers note that these run large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

Best rated

Quenteen athletic shorts

These buttery soft Bermuda shorts are an aesthetically pleasing athleisure pick that would satisfy even the most fashion-conscious shopper. Made of polyester, cotton and spandex, their plush and stretchy with a breathable wear. Pair these with hiked up tennis shorts and a crisp white tank for an easy put-together outfit.

Pros

• Available in 18 colours
• Suitable for machine wash
• Quality thick material for all-day comfort

Cons

• Reviewers note that these run large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

Best luxury

Frame The Skater Short

The perfect piece to take you from day to night, these Frame denim shorts are worth the splurge. Featuring a statement wide leg that hits just at the knee and a timeless distressed wash, they’d be perfect with checkered Vans and a white tee or kitten slingbacks and a crochet top.

Plus, these Bermudas are made all the more charming by thoughtful details like scoop pockets and darker wash detailing around the seams.

Pros

• Fits true to size
• Daily warm weather wear
• Perfect wide-leg cut that hits just right at the knee
• Distressed denim wash that can be dressed up or down

Cons

• Only one wash

Best linen

Reformation Liam linen short

It’s no secret that Reformation’s linen collection is a wardrobe winner, and the brand’s Bermuda short offerings do not disappoint. Fitted comfortably at the waist and cascading out towards the knees, these Reformation shorts are an obvious reason why linen is so beloved.

Pros

• Available in two colours
• Suitable for machine wash
• Lightweight 100 per cent linen make for comfortable breezy dressing

Cons

• This pick is pricier than other options

Best plus size

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label high-rise Bermuda shorts

These light-wash denim Bermuda shorts are both polished and reminiscent of 1990s street style moments. With slightly frayed hems, a subtle side slit and a straight leg fit, they offer all the timelessness of classic true blues with a more forgiving fit.

Made of cotton, elastane and polyester (yes, really!) they’re sneakily stretchy and soft.

 Pros

• Hugs your curves promising all-day comfort
• Inclusive sizing up to a 4X
• Slightly frayed hem for a vintage finish

Cons

• Reviewers note that these run large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

Best organic

Frank and Oak The Celine Bermuda shorts

Made of organic cotton that has been grown and harvested using sustainable methods, these environmentally-minded shorts are a pick you can feel good about. With a perfectly high-waisted fit and a wide-leg cut, their made for easy moving.

Plus, the slight pleating gives them an easygoing refined finish, perfect for pairing with a T shirt and blazer.

Pros

• Made using organic cotton
• Lightweight material that keeps you breezy during hot summer months
• Subtle pleating for a finish that can be easily dressed up or down

Cons

• Because of their lightweight feel and detailed craftsmanship, these shorts should be given extra care when cleaning. Be sure to machine wash cold on a delicate cycle.

Best denim

Gap 11.5” mid-rise longline denim shorts

Gap’s dark-wash Bermuda shorts are an everyday go-to option. With a snug fit at the waist and a relaxed flow at the leg, they offer a chic wide-leg finish. Featuring classic five-pocket detailing and a subtle low-slung fit, they are both modern and timeless all at once.

According to Patterson, denim Bermuda shorts such as these are the best pick for transitional wear. Her advice for styling them? “Pair with a simple tank or crew-neck tee, sandals or sneakers. Complete with accessories like sunglasses and a tote bag.”

Pros

• Comes in tall and petite sizing
• Available in two colours
• Made using 20 per cent less water than traditional methods

Cons

• Not stretchy

Best black Bermuda shorts

Dissh Bambi washed black Bermuda denim shorts

These washed-out black jorts are simply a joy to style. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, they feature a mid rise and almond-coloured contrast stitching that adds instant interest.

We love the idea of swapping our favourite black jeans for a pair of Bermudas once the warm weather hits and would style these much like the image above with a crisp T-shirt tucked in and a cool belt. A pair of chic kitten heels and a niche purse would elevate the ensemble for evening.

Pros

• Made with 100 per cent cotton
• Available in two colours

Cons

• Somewhat expensive
• No stretch

Best white Bermuda shorts

Levi’s Bermuda shorts

Nothing says one-and-done crisp dressing like a pair of bright white jean shorts. This offering by Levi’s checks all the boxes of ‘90s style nostalgia with the detail-oriented must-haves of a great pair of jeans.

With a practical knee-grazing fit and a timeless straight-leg silhouette, these bottoms are an accessible option for entering into Bermuda shorts territory with ease.

Pros

• Suitable for machine wash
• Available in two colours
• High-rise fit that emphasizes the waist

Cons

• Pockets aren’t deep