Bermuda Shorts Are Back for 2026: How to Style Wide-Leg Shorts Without Looking Sloppy

Why Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing Longer Shorts Again

Short shorts had their moment. Now they're getting a break. Walk down any street this summer and you'll notice something different: shorts that actually hit near the knee instead of just under it.

This is the Bermuda shorts comeback, and it's not just a runway thing. It's showing up in real closets because it solves a real problem. You want to stay cool when it's hot out, but you also want to look put-together, not like you rolled out of bed in gym shorts. Longer, wider shorts do both.

What Makes 2026's Shorts Trend Different

This isn't your old-school Bermuda short. The 2026 version is looser through the leg, sits higher on the waist, and uses fabric that drapes instead of clings. Here's what to look for when you're shopping:

• Length: Aim for a hem that hits right at or just above the knee. Too short and you lose the polished look. Too long and it reads as basketball shorts.
• Fit: Wide leg, not skinny or bike-short tight. The volume is the whole point.
• Waist: A drawstring or elastic waist gives you room to breathe without losing shape, which matters when you're wearing them all day.
• Fabric: Light, flowy materials move better than stiff denim and photograph better too.
• Color: Neutrals like black, khaki, and cream go with almost everything you already own.

How to Style Wide-Leg Shorts So They Look Intentional

The easiest rule to remember: keep one half of your outfit fitted. If your shorts are wide and relaxed, tuck in a fitted top or tank so your shape doesn't disappear into fabric. Here's how that plays out in real life.

For everyday errands: Pair wide-leg shorts with a simple tank, sneakers, and sunglasses. Tuck the tank in loosely so the waistband shows.

For the office or a meeting: Add a fitted blouse or button-up, tucked in, with block-heel sandals or loafers. This is the combination that makes shorts feel like real pants without sacrificing the comfort.

For dinner or drinks: Swap in a silky camisole and strappy sandals. A statement earring does a lot of the work here.

One more thing that helps: a belt. Even on a drawstring waist, a thin belt adds a finished, structured line that makes the whole outfit look more expensive than it is.

The Shorts That Make This Easy

If you want one pair that covers all three of those looks, The Wide Short is built for exactly this. It has the wide-leg cut that defines the trend, plus a fully adjustable drawstring waistband so you can dial in the fit instead of guessing at a size.

It comes in black, and it's the kind of neutral that works with a tank one day and a tucked-in blouse the next. You're not buying three different shorts for three different occasions. You're buying one pair and changing what you put on top.

Try It This Way

Start with The Wide Short in black, add a fitted top, and see how different the same pair of shorts can look from Monday to Saturday. That's the whole appeal of this trend: less shopping, more outfits, and a silhouette that actually flatters instead of fighting your shape.