Move over micro shorts! After last summer saw teeny tiny hemlines reign supreme, in 2025 it's all about more is more – fabric that is. Yep, the hottest shorts style this season is easily distinguishable by its long-line silhouette, falling at least to the top of your knee if not longer. We're of course talking about Bermuda shorts.
The name is widely believed to have come from the island of Bermuda, with people hemming their trousers to the knee to be comfortable in the summer heat. The theory tracks as the British Army was stationed on the island during World War I and adopted the shorts into their official uniform for desert and tropical climates. Nowadays, they are the perfect summer workwear staple, but will work just as well in your off-duty wardrobe too.
While there are plenty of denim shorts in this length (commonly referred to as jorts, FYI), it's cotton and linen tailored iterations that seem to be trending in particular amongst the style set. Meaning there's plenty of fashion inspo for how to wear the shorts IRL. Safe to say we'll be recreating all of the below Bermuda shorts outfits to stay cool this summer.
Bermuda shorts outfit ideas:
A waistcoat + heeled flip flops
Two big trends we're loving this summer are waistcoats and heeled flip flops, so why not wear them both together in one outfit with your Bermuda shorts? The waistcoat doesn't have to match, but there's no harm in opting for a co-ord.
A plain white t-shirt + mesh ballet flats
Let your shorts take centre stage and pair with a plain white t-shirt. Your spotless top combined with the signature tailoring of your Bermudas will feel polished, with minimal mesh ballet flats the perfect finishing touch.
A blouse + slingbacks
Up your summer workwear game with a pair of Bermuda shorts, ideal attire to counteract those hot summer days and your sweaty commute in. Look for a statement top that features a Peter Pan collar or puff sleeves to keep your outfit feeling smart. Ultimately, the success of this look comes down to the details: top tucked in, shorts belted and pointed-toe slingback kitten heels that scream ‘I mean business.’
Everyone's clicking on...
A crop top + cowboy boots
If you've been wondering what to wear to Glastonbury or any other of this summer's festivals, look no further – we've found the perfect festival 'fit! Whether you opt for a baby tee or a lace camisole top, low-rise Bermuda shorts and cowboy boots are non-negotiables for this outfit formula. To tap into the boho trend, add a Y2K statement belt, too.
A denim jacket + ballet flats
A denim jacket is the only outerwear we reach for in the summer months, injecting any outfit with a cool, laid-back vibe. To balance the structured, masculine silhouettes of your outfit, style with pretty ballet flats and a beaded necklace.
A blazer + sandals
We love a shorts suit as a summer take on formal wear. Layer a lace-trimmed camisole underneath, should you get warm and need to shed your blazer. Accessorise with a necklace, clutch bag and heeled sandals and – depending on the colour of your Bermuda shorts suit – this look works just as well for a summer wedding guest 'fit as an alternative to a dress.
A shirt + loafers
For the perfect office to evening drinks look, or if your work has a slightly more relaxed dress code, you can't go wrong with a button down shirt, *crucially* worn untucked to stop it feeling too preppy. Finish this 'fit with loagers, socks optional.
A spring jacket + kitten heels
There are so many runway-approved spring jacket trends you could choose from, but our favourite is cropped jackets. We'll be wearing with white Bermuda shorts and classy kitten heels for an elevated ensemble that works just as well for work as it does brunch with the girls.
A graphic tee + mules
Want to make your Bermudas work at the weekend? From running errands to a barbecue with friends, a graphic print t-shirt and flat shoes easily dress down your knee-length shorts.
A trench coat + boots
When there's a risk of showers, styling your trench coat with Bermuda shorts will keep you feeling summery. But if the thermostat does dip below 15 degrees, knee-high boots will stop you freezing to death from the shins down.
Follow Alex on Instagram.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
