Celebs Are Ditching Denim Cutoffs for This Polarizing Shorts Trend

1 hour ago 11

bermuda hero image.jpgE! Illustration/ Courtesy GC Images

In the midst of a capri renaissance, another equally polarizing pants trend is upon us: the rise of Bermuda shorts.

No matter how you feel about long-line shorts, celebrities like Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Margot Robbie and Hailey Beiber have proven that they're back for summer 2026—and chicer than ever.

  • Celebrities are embracing the reemergence of Bermuda shorts, pairing them with mesh ballet flats, vintage-inspired sunglasses, and polished blazers.
  • The controversial shorts trend has been spotted on several 2026 runways, including Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, and Ralph Lauren.
  • Breezy Bermuda shorts offer a polished yet effortlessly laidback appeal compared to other styles, like denim cutoffs.

Where did Bermuda shorts come from?

Originally designed for the British military stationed on the island of Bermuda during the 1920s, Bermuda shorts served as a cooler alternative to stuffy wool uniforms. 

While the style appeared in Vogue in 1948, it wasn't until the 1950s that women began regularly wearing the longer length shorts during the hot summer months.

Between the 1970s and 1990s, the popularity of this long-line style ebbed and flowed, until they reemerged as a tween staple in the early to mid aughts.

Millennials surely recall the plaid Bermuda shorts that dominated their childhood. Because did you really grow up in the mid-2000s if you didn't own a pair from Limited Too?

In 2026, the controversial Bermuda short crept back onto the runways of designers including Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, and Ralph Lauren, to name a few.

How do I style Bermuda shorts?

Taking cues from celebrities who have recently rocked the trend, the key to styling Bermuda shorts is pairing it with pieces that are polished yet effortlessly laidback.

The knee-length silhouette pairs perfectly with trending mesh ballet flats, as seen on Margot Robbie, or comfy yet cute Mary Jane sneakers.

Celebrities are gravitating towards breezy linen blends or satin fabrics, but you can also opt for denim options for a Gen Z-approved flair. Pleated or tailored menswear-inspired styles are another celebrity-loved style—and an office-appropriate alternative to trousers during the spring and summer.

Come fall, swap baby tees for knit sweaters and tassel loafers paired with chunky socks.

Trending Bermuda shorts for summer and fall

Cicy Bell Wide Leg Bermuda Jorts

An affordable way to try out the trend, this pair of denim Bermuda shorts are an elevated addition to your current jean shorts rotation.

Abercrombie Mid Rise Bermuda Short

Wear these tailored pantsuit-inspired shorts with strappy sandals in the summer and knee-high boots in the fall. Choose from three colors.

Zara Pleated Belted Shorts

Minimal pleats on these Bermuda shorts help toe the line between casual and upscale. Available in five colors, they come with a waist-defining oversized woven belt.

ASOS DESIGN Linen Blend Bermuda Shorts

The ultra-relaxed fit and breathable linen blend fabric of these breezy shorts makes them an ideal choice on sweaty days. A stretchy waistband makes them extra comfortable.

Quince Organic Stretch Cotton Chino Bermuda Shorts

For a preppy feel, opt for these classic Chino Bermuda shorts made from stretch-infused cotton. They're available in five colors.

Levi's Women's 94 Baggy Shorts

These long-line baggy denim shorts are an easy-to-style and versatile option that comes in several washes.

ASOS DESIGN Relaxed Linen Blend Dad Shorts

Featuring a partially elasticized waist, strategic pleating and a relaxed fit, this pleated option offers the polish of trousers and the ease of shorts.

Aritzia Jetway Crepette Short

A textured crepe fabric gives these long drawstring shorts a chicer feel. Choose from five timeless colors.

GAP 9" Downtown Bermuda Shorts

Available in three colors, these mid rise Bermuda shorts have a slimmer fit through the hips and thighs and are made from a smooth woven fabric.

luvamia Bermuda Shorts

With their trouser-like tailoring and pleats, these high-waisted shorts allow you to look put together while keeping cool in the heat.

This celebrity-loved white boho skirt trend makes summer outfits look effortless.

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

Read Entire Article