There’s something beautifully cyclical about fashion trends—just when you think a particular style has been relegated to fashion history, it resurfaces with a fresh perspective. Enter the Bermuda short revival, a trend that’s been gaining serious momentum.
I’ll admit, when I first heard whispers about Bermuda shorts making their comeback, I thought “Awesome, I have multiple pairs of Bermuda shorts!” Turns out that my drawer full of knee-length shorts aren’t currently “in”. Fashion has a way of evolving classics, and today’s Bermuda shorts are much cooler then their predecessors. Since it’s a style I’m very familiar with, I went shopping to see if I could wear this trend.
First Stop, Free People
My first stop was Free People, a brand that usually understands my style sensibilities perfectly. Their bohemian-chic aesthetic typically translates beautifully to my wardrobe, so I had high hopes for their take on the Bermuda trend.
However, sometimes even our most trusted brands miss the mark for our individual preferences. Free People’s Bermuda shorts, while beautifully made with their signature attention to detail, fell just a touch too long for my taste. The length hit at an awkward spot right at the knee, that seemed to visually shorten my legs rather than create the sleek, elongated line I was hoping for.
The styling was undeniably Free People—but the proportions felt off for my frame. Sometimes fashion is about those crucial few centemeters that make the difference between “almost right” and “absolutely perfect.” This was one of those moments where I realized that even within a trend, the details matter enormously.
Banana Republic
“Banana” is generally a never-fail stop for me. But they have been changing their approach and seem to have more on-line than in-store. There was really only one pair — this “White Lotus” collab. These were the only ones and a little too big on me and long, bordering on “jorts”. But if you were looking for a dressier pair of Bermuda shorts, these could be great.
American Eagle Surprises: Unexpected Winners
Slightly discouraged but not defeated, I wandered into American Eagle—a brand I hadn’t shopped in quite some and have had in my mind to do a “Dress My Age Challenge” there. Sometimes the best fashion discoveries come from the most unexpected places, and this was definitely one of those moments.
American Eagle’s Bermuda shorts were a revelation! The length hit at exactly the right spot—long enough to feel current and sophisticated, but not so long that they overwhelmed my proportions. What really won me over was the subtle flare. This small design detail transformed what could have been a basic, straight-cut short into something with genuine style personality.
The slight flare created movement and visual interest while maintaining a clean, polished silhouette. It was modern without being trendy in a way that might feel dated next season. They are also a mid-rise, which I love.
While at American Eagle, I could not resist trying on these low-waisted camo-cargo pants. And yes, they also came home with me!
Decoding this Bermuda Short Revival
What makes today’s Bermuda shorts different from their predecessors is the attention to modern fit and styling details. Contemporary versions embrace a more relaxed, lived-in feel while maintaining the polished length that makes them appropriate for situations where traditional shorts might feel too casual.
The key to modern Bermuda shorts lies in the details: the rise (how they sit on your waist), the leg opening (straight, slightly flared, or tapered), and the overall proportions. Brands are now offering variations that can flatter different body types and personal style preferences, rather than the one-size-fits-all approach of previous decades.
The length itself—typically hitting anywhere from mid-thigh to just above the knee—creates a sophisticated alternative to both mini shorts and longer pants during those in-between weather days when you want coverage without commitment to full-length trousers.
Fit Tips for Bermuda Short Success
Finding the right Bermuda shorts requires attention to several key fit elements:
The Rise Factor Consider whether you prefer mid-rise, high-rise, or low-rise options. Higher rises can be more flattering for many body types, creating a longer leg line and smoothing the midsection. However, the “right” rise is highly personal and depends on your torso length and comfort preferences.
Length Precision The ideal length varies by individual, but generally, Bermuda shorts should hit at the narrowest part of your thigh or just above your knee. Any longer and you’re in “jort” territory.
Leg Opening Options Straight leg openings offer classic versatility, while slight flares (like my American Eagle finds) add contemporary style. Tapered legs, like the ones in my drawer, seem to make the shorts look dated.
Fabric Considerations Look for fabrics with slight stretch for comfort and movement. Linen blends offer breathability and texture, while cotton-elastane combinations provide structure with flexibility. Avoid fabrics that are too stiff or too flimsy—the two jean shorts I bought from American eagle are soft and have great stretch.
Try Something New
My Bermuda shorts shopping adventure reminded me why it’s important to keep an open mind when exploring trends (the same thing happend with barrel jeans!). What looks perfect on the hanger or on someone else might not work for your specific body type or style preferences, and that’s perfectly fine. The joy lies in the discovery process—trying unexpected brands, embracing slightly different proportions, and finding pieces that make you feel authentically stylish.
The revival of Bermuda shorts represents more than just a trend; it’s part of a broader movement toward practical elegance in our wardrobes. These shorts offer the sophistication of pants with the comfort and breathability of shorts, making them perfect for our increasingly versatile lifestyles.
Whether you find your perfect pair at a bohemian brand like Free People or discover unexpected gems at American Eagle, the key is staying true to what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Sometimes the best fashion moments come from the most surprising places, and sometimes a subtle flare and a slightly shorter inseam are exactly what you needed to embrace a whole new way of dressing for summer.
Here’s to expanding our style horizons, one perfectly fitted Bermuda short at a time!
WETSU! WETSU!
XO JT
