18 Universally-Flattering Bermuda Shorts to Stay Cool (and Chic) This Summer
The versatile silhouette is the hero of the season.
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Out of all of the summer essentials, shorts are arguably one of the hardest necessities to shop. Certain lengths might reveal a bit too much skin, while various cuts and fabrics veer more on the laidback side of the sartorial spectrum. But hopefully, you haven’t given up on finding the perfect pair. There’s one particular style that always looks effortlessly polished and modestly chic. Allow me to reintroduce you to the Bermuda short. The knee-skimming silhouette has come a long way since its early-1900s origin of being a warm-weather uniform for tea shop employees on the eponymous island. In 2024, it’s evolved into a fashion-forward hero, thanks to modern updates that include tailor-level finishings and cool girl-approved voluminous shapes.
The latest Chanel resort 2025 collection demonstrated how elegant the length can be, pairing them with tweed jackets, ladylike cardigans, and fit-and-flare tunics, while Bottega Veneta proved the style is the perfect investment for transitional summer-to-fall dressing, showcasing a pair of Bermuda shorts in the pre-fall 2024 presentation with tall boots and a belted jacket. If you have a bit of freedom in the office, a knee-grazing short could be just the item to keep you cool and refined while handling business during the summer. Jessica Alba showed us exactly how it’s done in an Armarium Bermuda shortsuit set while making her rounds in New York City.
The best part about these longline shorts: the undeniable versatility. Dress them up with a sharp blazer, or keep it California cool with a coordinating bikini top. No matter what’s on the agenda this summer, a crisp pair of the best Bermuda shorts will get you through the heatwave in style. Ahead, browse ELLE’s edit of the most-loved options.
Alexis is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this first-of-its-kind role, she gets to combine her love for shopping with her obsession for innovative content strategy. Alexis is constantly thinking of new ways to elevate the online shopping experience. And when she’s not browsing the market for the latest fashion trends, you can find her nerding out listening to a business podcast or taking a long hot girl walk.
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