Since the ‘90s are on-trend, Bermuda shorts are having their fashion moment. They are so named because of their popularity in Bermuda, where they were considered appropriate business attire for men when made of suit-like material and worn with knee-length socks, a dress shirt, tie, and blazer. Bermudas are dressier, long structured shorts. Lengths vary from an inch above the top of the kneecap, to covering the kneecap. They are shorter than cropped pants, clamdiggers and capris that extend further down the knee. Bermudas are also known as walk shorts and dress shorts.
Bermuda shorts are tailored, although their silhouettes can greatly differ. They are made of woven trouser fabric, which runs the gamut across natural and man-made fibres. Lengths hover around the knee, but look visually different when the kneecap is exposed or covered. The leg fit can be super slim, straight, or flare out a little like culottes. Waistbands can be pleated or flat. Hems can be cuffed. Rises are usually mid to high-rise. Bermudas are generally solid, although patterns are coming through. You’ll see them with matching vests and blazers to create a suit too. The collection below shows examples.
Denim Bermuda shorts tend to look different to non-denim ones. They look like very short tailored five-pocket jeans as opposed to denim trousers. Lengths vary from an inch above the top of the kneecap, to covering the kneecap. Fits are tailored as opposed to slouchy, although leg widths differ. Some are tapered, and others flare out a bit. Sometimes the cuffs are rolled. You’ll find all sorts of denim washes and distressing, a few patterns, and some colours. The more distressed the denim, the more casual the vibe. Here are some examples.
My clients, friends and family vary in their affection for Bermudas. Some find their length awfully unflattering, and much prefer shorter shorts. Conversely, some will wear long shorts like Bermudas almost exclusively. Some will wear Bermudas if they are denim and NOT pleated. Some will wear them if they are dressy, and not denim. Some will wear Bermudas if they are straight and tapered so that they don’t flare out on the thighs. Others enjoy the A-line flare, and a pleated look. And some stick to skirts and dresses, and don’t wear shorts at all.
I like Bermuda shorts because visually, I adore their long length. It looks soooo good to my eye! Personally, my preferred length is knee-covering, and I don’t make exceptions. I like their tailored and dressy vibe, and enjoy the casual denim versions too. I like all sorts of Bermudas, and have worn them since the ‘90s. I like pleats and flat fronts, cuffs and no cuffs, high and mid rises, flared and tapered legs, and across a range of colours and patterns. It’s all good in my book.
At the moment, I have precisely two pairs of shorts, and they are denim Bermudas. One blue, one white, and they are shown in the collection. I wear them UN-rolled so that they cover my knees. They form part of my beach capsule but very occasionally come out to play in the city.
Although I adore wearing long dressier shorts, I don’t have a pair because I’m devoted to wearing midi and midaxi dresses in the Summer, or cropped white jeans. I can’t seem to get enough of those items in the short time frame that I can wear them in Seattle. As a result, dressy shorts fall off my radar. I need to put them back on my radar.
Over to you. Do you like and wear Bermuda shorts, and do you fancy the trend?
