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4 min read
Denim shorts are a summer wardrobe staple. Here’s our edit of new styles to know and cool classics that’ll never date.
You don’t need the lowdown on the history of the denim short: you’ve seen the iconic pictures of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller all sporting the style at Glastonbury. You’ve seen Daisy Duke in The Dukes Of Hazzard and Beyoncé at Coachella. I’m sure, like us, you are already invested in the style.
Thanks to the tiny iterations from seasons past, many of us have a love-hate relationship with the denim short; content creator Maddie Mitchell even describes the feeling of trying on your jean shorts for the first time of the year as a “certified jump scare”. But fear not: it’s not only wide-leg shorts that are trending this season, so too are high-waisted options and loose, longline styles.
Credit: Tu
There’s a diverse selection of styles for spring/summer 2024, but the general consensus is that shorts have become a little more grown up, from on-the-knee Bermuda styles to wide-leg looks. There are also plenty of high-waisted options, belted wide-leg styles and roomy, low-sling tomboyish styles that hint at 90s nostalgia. Like their full-length counterpart, you can wear them with almost anything. We recommend wearing a clean, minimal style with a simple ribbed vest and an oversized shirt over the top for daytime, finished with an oversized mesh shopper and fisherman sandals.
Credit: Getty
A Bermuda style pair looks great worn with a swimsuit or a short-sleeved shirt and flip flops on holiday, and for BBQs with friends, why not add a vintage blouse and backless mules or a striped knit and retro trainers?
Here’s our edit of the best denim shorts that are trending right now.
Whistles Raya longline denim shorts
Also available in black, these neat longline shorts are great for summer in the city. Just add a shirt or polo and flat leather sandals.
Agolde Parker long shorts
These mid-length shorts by Agolde come in four really useful washes (two blues, black and cream) and are a great investment if you love to wear denim shorts year in, year out. Wear them with everything from a knitted vest and trainers to a V-neck jumper and heeled mules.
Tu denim pleated bermuda shorts
These pleated denim shorts offer a more elevated take on the style – wear them with flat leather pumps and a boxy white T-shirt for an elegant summer look, adding a V-neck knit for evening.
Citizens of Humanity Gaucho organic denim shorts
Following the success of Citizens of Humanity’s Gaucho jean, these shorts are a transitional staple for in-between seasons. Style this high-rise pair with a sleek tank for warmer days and a sweatshirt, boho bag and boots for cooler weather.
Shop Citizens of Humanity Gaucho organic denim shorts at net-a-porter, £300
Next denim mom shorts
A great everyday style thanks to the stretchy denim, high waist and mid-length, these shorts come in blue and ecru and look great with a vintage blouse and fisherman sandals.
Mango high-rise shorts
These wide-leg, high-waisted denim shorts are the perfect holiday style – just add a scoop-back swimsuit, some statement sunnies and some flip flops.
M&S boyfriend denim shorts
These stretchy shorts are a comfy choice for day-to-day. They come in mint green, soft blush and every shade of indigo and look great with a crew neck sweatshirt and backless clogs.
Levi’s baggy dad jorts
The ultimate denim Bermuda shorts, these mid-blue Levi’s are a great option for anyone keen to try the trend, but also classic enough to keep for seasons to come. Wear them with a boat-neck striped Breton and red ballet pumps.
Citizens of Humanity drawstring denim shorts
A great high-summer option, these washed-out longline shorts from Citizens of Humanity look great with a crisp white shirt, worn tucked in with neat sandals in the city or open over a swimsuit at the beach.
Shop Citizens of Humanity drawstring denim shorts at Selfridges, £310
Arket denim Bermuda shorts
These loose, longline shorts look great with oval sunglasses, an oversized striped shirt and sandals for summer in the city.
Agolde Ellis pleated denim shorts
Very of the moment, these pleated knee-length shorts pair vintage-inspired denim with tailoring. The pleat detailing at the waistband adds the perfect amount of volume, making this pair easy to dress up or down. Try with a fitted black top or fine knit and chunky black sandals.
Shop Agolde Ellis pleated denim shorts at net-a-porter, £270
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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