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The journey to finding the perfect pair of shorts can be a long winding one. It’s not that there’s ever been a shortage of options when it comes to casual wear, but the category hasn’t always been able to bridge the gap between the very casual end of our out-of-hours wear to suit the multitude of other occasions our wardrobes must serve.
In comes the Bermuda short, it’s denim iteration (sometimes referred to as a jort) to be more specific. While the style has definitely ebbed in and out of the trend cycles, its most recent return has seen the style wholeheartedly embraced by those who want a pair of shorts that can do it all.
This writer in particular hadn’t always embraced the style, but through it’s new wave — one which offers a multitude of silhouettes, fits, colours and fabrications — I too have found the perfect Bermuda short match for me and my body type (a mid-waisted pair with an A-line shape and a more generous cut on the thigh.) And once I’d found my perfect pair, it didn’t take long for me to start styling them into my existing wardrobe, dreaming up configurations that allowed me to insert the piece into almost every sartorial situation in my calendar, from work to a casual warm weather outing.
If you’re equally tempted to work the denim Bermuda short into your spring/summer 2024 wardrobe, this once-sceptical writer in particular encourages you to read on.
While denim cut-offs once dominated our perception of the shorts category — there’s even talk of the mini short making a comeback — the popular shorts of today tend to offer a silhouette that’s a little longer, and a little more wearable.
Among the most popular shorts of 2024 are the longer ‘jort’ (jean short), the longline tailored short, and the bermuda short, the latter category often blending with the former two to create a hybrid style that delivers equal parts refinement and style.
As to why the cut earned the name ‘Bermuda’, the story goes that the style was first designed as a means for the members of the British Army who were stationed in Bermuda during World War I to stay cool in its comparatively warmer climate while still remaining in uniform. In 2024, the style has well and truly separated from its military roots to become one of the most popular short styles of today.
While the ‘term’ Bermuda short may be rooted in a very specific model of short — one that its fabricated from suit-reminiscent materials, is well tailored, and is worn just above the knee — the style has expanded to include longer line styles that range from the casual to the more polished, and that are fabricated in a number a textiles, from linen to denim.
The key to maintaining its Bermuda status, however, is the style maintaining a somewhat roomy silhouette (maintaining structure without becoming too exaggerated), as well as a longer inseam (this can range from eight to 12 inches, depending on the height of the wearer — the key is that the short falls about one inch from the top of the knee.)
Forever in pursuit of a style of short that does it all, and that can be worn everywhere — particularly on those warm days during which the thought of putting on a pair of trousers leaves us pained — the bermuda short stands alone as one of the few shorts styles that’s versatile enough to be worn both to work and casually.
While the longline Bermuda short, particularly in denim, may once have been a silhouette that was only worn among the style set, those who tended to be more experimental with a silhouette that was, at one time, long forgotten (and even considered a little retro) the denim Bermuda short of today is universally flattering.
Available in a number of silhouettes — from A-line and the straight leg, to the barrel leg — fabrications and colours, the denim Bermuda short has quickly gained favour in 2024 for its flattering fit and elegant look.
While some may stall even at the thought of styling denim Bermuda shorts, they’re actually easier to work into an outfit than you would think — treat them similarly to a great pair of loose-fit jeans.
As for the best tops to wear with denim Bermuda shorts (or Bermuda shorts in general), there are few that work best with this particular silhouette. The first is a long-sleeved and oversized button-down shirt, worn loosely tucked into the top of the shorts and worn with a few buttons undone to create a semi-open neckline and with slightly rolled-up sleeves. The second is a t-shirt; boxy or slimline, tucked in or cropped, a plain white or black t-shirt makes for an effortless pairing with the denim Bermuda short. And the third is a well-fitting tank top; thick or thinner straps, whatever you prefer — this latter piece works particularly well for those who consider themselves to be a little shorter or more petite, and saves adding too much unnecessary volume to your look. We also love the jean short styled with a crew neck cashmere knit tucked in or a lighter base layered with a blazer to further elevate this multifunctional new wardrobe essential.
The finishing touch to any of these configurations is a belt to add further polish.
As for shoes, again, you have quite a bit of freedom! We love seeing a denim (or more tailored) Bermuda short styled with a slingback heel or flat, your more classic ballet flats, a flip flop (heeled or flat, leather or rubber), or even a dainty sandal in the warmer months. The key here for those who are a little shorter or more petite is to look for shoes that won’t cut your ankle off for the most flattering finish.
