Short order: The best shorts for women
Let your knees feel the breeze in these airy shorts, perfect for summertime styling
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If you’re in the UK, you’ll doubtless be aware that it’s (almost) officially shorts weather (fingers crossed). And, with temperatures set to be balmy for the foreseeable, nobody wants to face their commute without some serious airflow. Thank goodness, then, for these chic shorts for women.
Once the reserve of precocious schoolboys and festival-goers, shorts have made their way back into our wardrobes in a big way, cropping up everywhere from the workplace to summer nuptials and beyond. If the SS26 runways are to be believed, shorts of all lengths and shapes will dominate this season, from smart, fitted Bermudas to micro iterations (best saved for weekends). Elsewhere, social media is bringing back baggy jorts and boxer shorts styled with tank tops and overshirts. With so many variations on the trend, why shouldn’t you get in on the action?
From suave tailored styles to denim cutoffs and borrowed-from-the-boys boxers, these are summer’s best shorts for women.
The best tailored shorts
Just a few years ago, the prospect of wearing shorts in the office would have been entirely unthinkable, but in a post-lockdown world where formal dress codes have been relaxed, a pair of smart, tailored shorts is much less likely to raise eyebrows around the coffee machine. For truly scorching days, Posse’s breezy linen shorts will keep you cool as you flit between meetings, as will Leset’s pleated pair. Style them with a coordinating blazer and a crisp white T-shirt for an easy transition once the clock strikes 5pm.
Got a full calendar of garden parties and al fresco galas to attend this summer? A pair of cheerfully coloured shorts will do the trick. Loewe’s cotton and silk-blend pair feature a gorgeous apple green hue and flattering knife-edge pleats, making them ideal for more glamorous occasions. Alternatively, wear Zimmermann’s raffia-trimmed style with sandals or kitten heels for playful, party-ready look.
The best denim shorts
A good pair of denim shorts are an absolute summer essential, whether you’re headed to a music festival or a picnic in the park. Mother's distressed cut-offs are guaranteed to look great paired with a graphic T-shirt and your best vegan trainers; or amp up the vintage rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic with a chic suede jacket and a pair of Chelsea boots. Alternatively, Róhe's on-trend oversized jorts with frayed hems will do nicely when worn with your best bikini on holiday.
For an elevated take on the denim cut-offs and T-shirt trope, opt for a pair in black or white. Throw on your best white trainers or sandals with Agolde's pair, and you’re good to go. For a teenie-tiny style that will show off your tan, Isabel Marant’s fringed mini shorts have you covered (just about).
The best printed shorts
For a feminine touch, a pair of pretty printed shorts are a simple way of zhuzhing up your look, and, thankfully, there are options aplenty to choose from. Take, for instance, Emporio Sirenuse's elegant floral print. Made from a breezy linen with smart pleats, they pair perfectly with a simple white vest, or the matching blouse. If you’re after something a little more laidback and floaty, Borgo de Nor's pair in a playful floral make summer dressing seamless.
With their flattering sun-hued stripes and relaxed fit, Marrakshi Life's cotton shorts are ideal for days spent aboard your charter yacht and casual evenings al fresco, while Zimmermann's multi-coloured knitted shorts make for a brilliant beach day look.
The best boxer and track shorts
For a relaxed, off-duty look, take style cues from West London It-girl Camille Charriere and plump for an airy pair of boxer shorts, worn with an oversized Oxford shirt. Simkhai's checked seersucker shorts are ideal for a cool borrowed-from-the-boys vibe with a feminine twist, while Gucci’s sexier striped pair are cut from silk-satin for an added touch of luxury and, when worn under an oversized blazer, will look endlessly chic when you hit the bar.
Stylein's stripy shorts take a slightly longer, more feminine approach to the boxer short trend with the brand's signature chilled out Scandi vibe. Alternatively, a pair of thigh-skimming track shorts – inspired by 1970s running gear – make for a sporty alternative. Go full retro with Pucci’s playful Marmo print pair. Whether worn with your best bikini top, or a simple white tank, you’ll certainly look the part as you explore the cobblestoned streets of your seaside destination.
