Sorry, but Bermuda shorts are about to become your summertime BFF

Long shorts, ‘mom shorts’, Bermuda shorts…

We’re yet to decide on a name for them, but one thing the fashion world is firmly agreed on is that this summer’s shorts should be narrow and knee-skimming.

First seen on the spring/summer 2019 catwalks then embraced by the street style set at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS19, Bermuda shorts have officially replaced hot-pants and miniskirts as the leg-baring attire of summer 2019.

And, honestly, I couldn’t be more delighted.

The grown-up cousin of last summer’s omnipresent bicycle shorts, the Bermuda’s knee-skimming length makes them flattering and work-appropriate… and with any luck, their ascent to cool girl status will officially herald the end of bum-flashing denim hotpants. 

And if only for that reason alone, I’ll be taking my shorts this season as I do my gin and tonic, long and slimline.

Here are four way to style the trend:

Tailored

Wear tailored Bermudas with a flowy blouse and kitten heels for a fresh evening look, or pair with sandals and a blazer for seriously snappy summer office attire. Feeling adventurous? Rock them with a hoodie and Oxfords – a la Blanca Miro – for the ultimate in geek chic.

Zara has a great pair of crisp black Bermudas for £19.99. Shop them here.

Cycling Shorts

While last year’s cycling shorts were of the panty-showing spandex variety, this summer it’s all about thicker fabrications and ever-so-slightly looser fits. Pair with dad sneakers and a T-shirt, or a tie-dye shirt and slides.

Mango’s influencer-approved range of ‘Cyclist Bermuda’ shorts, £29.99, come in a selection of on-the-money pastel hues. Shop them here.

Denim cut-offs

Fancy trialling the trend in a more low key way? Denim Bermudas (a.k.a. jeans snipped above the knee) are a fail-safe way to dip your knee cap into the trend. Style them as you would your favourite pair of jeans – heels, blinging accessories and lashings of colour all strongly encouraged.

There are lots of great options on the high street, but personally I’ll be investing in the Levi’s slouch shorts, £45, which are essentially a truncated version of their classic 501’. Shop them here.

Patterns, logos and prints

Wearing a logo print or loud floral from waist to knee is not for the sartorially faint of heart, but get this right and you’ll be oozing some seriously badass Bermuda vibes. From Prada’s jacquard motif to Maison Margiela’s dark florals, the season’s catwalks were awash with busy thighs.

Personally I’m adding Burberry’s vintage check tailored shorts, £550, to my basket of lust. Shop them here.