Here’s a fun fact: I didn’t buy my first pair of shorts until I was 23, so I never really paid any attention to shorts trends or took notice of what styles were popular. It's not that I’m anti-shorts; rather, I already had a reliable pair—my trusty American Apparel high-waisted, cuffed denim shorts—that served as a relic from my 2014 Tumblr days, and nothing had piqued my interest that felt worthy enough of a successor.
That was until I fell in love with a pair of intentionally distressed, raw-hem Maison Margiela shorts that I found on The Outnet. It’s not hyperbolic to say I lived in them. From dinners out to trips to my local grocery store, I paired them with sandals like my A.Emery Jalen flats, as well as with more preppy heeled ballet pumps, knowing I’d always look chill, modern and cool.
Now that I'm older and wiser, I’ve come to realise that having a couple of shorts outfits in my roster really adds value to my summer wardrobe. Where skirts can feel too fussy or jeans can be a bit stifling in warmer weather, shorts can inject a sense of playfulness or polish to a look without much thought or extra attention.
I’m now the proud owner of a few pairs: mid-length leather shorts from Prada’s spring/summer 2023 menswear collection, a vibrant cobalt-blue running style from With Jéan and some striped boxer shorts from St. Agni, to name just a few. So, it's safe to say that my interest in what shorts fashion people are running around town in has never been so heightened.
There’s Paul Mescal and his microscopic off-duty shorts, of course; Jennifer Lawrence cruising around Manhattan in longline tailored Bermuda shorts or Hailey Bieber in a pair of denim cut-offs with a cropped white T-shirt and fisherman sandals.
Yes, hot days are like a siren song for celebrities to show off their super-chic shorts looks, but it's important not to disregard the runways, especially since one of the year's biggest shorts trends—hot pants—was made high fashion by Miu Miu in its autumn/winter 2023 collection.
More vintage-coded styles like Chloé’s bloomer trousers and bubble shorts are also on the rise, with luxury fashion sourcer Gab Waller telling me that these romantic themes are more than a brief trend. "I can absolutely vouch that Chloé is definitely dominating this sector," she says.
If the rising temperature hasn’t tempted you to slip into a pair of shorts yet, consider this guide an invitation to get to know the newer shorts trends defining summer 2025. They may be short in length, but these styles are anything but small in stature. From expensive-looking high-street pairs to designer investment buys, uncover the 11 major shorts trends for 2025 below.
The 11 Shorts Trends to Slip Into in 2025
1. Gingham
Style Notes: Sitting-in-the-park season is finally upon us, so it's time to dress like your favourite picnic blanket. This year, patches of grass everywhere are being treated to a parade of gingham shorts, rendered in slouchier boxer styles with a drawstring or more high-waisted gamine takes. Though 2023 and 2024 saw red-and-white gingham reign supreme thanks to the rise of the "tomato girl" aesthetic, the "fishermancore" trend has encouraged black and light-blue colourways to the fore in 2025.
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I adore the ruching on this co-ord set.
Róhe is a minimalist brand designing effortless pieces for chic daily wear.
Nearly every London-based fashion person owns something from With Nothing Underneath.
2. Satin
Style Notes: This decade has seen the increase of lingerie-inspired pieces outside of the bedroom. First, it was slip dresses, then it was corset tops. Now? Satin shorts. The silken material makes these boudoir-ready bottoms feel incredibly elegant, like you’ve just ducked out from your apartment in Paris’s third arrondissement for a day being chic in the city.
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These lace-trim shorts come courtesy of Kate Moss's collaboration with Zara, which is inspired by the music festival fashion of the early 2000s.
The relaxed shape of this Reformation pair makes them perfect for casual farmer's market runs and elevated brunch looks alike.
Throw an oversized blazer over these trending Toteme shorts and you'll have a chic work outfit.
3. Retro Sports
Style Notes: It’s a trend Mel C pioneered in the mid-’90s, and retro-inspired sporty shorts have returned from the annals of 20th-century fashion with a vengeance. Thanks to brands like Wales Bonner, Bode and Sporty & Rich, preppy athletic attire has become covetable. Lean into the varsity vibe with a matching jumper and contrast trainers, or make the shorts feel prettier by styling with ballet flats and a waisted top.
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The colour combination of pale yellow and chocolate brown is so underrated.
These will take you effortlessly from Pilates to lunch.
The pale blue contrast panelling down the side of these shorts makes them so much more elevated compared to other styles.
4. Culottes
Style Notes: I haven’t been able to get that image of Hailey Bieber wearing three-quarter culottes with heeled flip-flops out of my mind since I saw it, and I don't think I'm alone. Tailored culottes are increasingly becoming a part of chic everyday dressing now that the weather is warming, and if you wore them as part of your school uniform like I did, fear not. In 2025, this short trend is all about sophistication, playing with proportions and materials to achieve a longline (and therefore leg-lengthening) effect.
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Nearly everyone here at Who What Wear UK has this COS pair on their wish list.
A pleated pair doesn't have to be stuffy.
Culottes so wide they could double as a skirt.
5. Tailored Short-Shorts
Style Notes: Tailored short-shorts have arrived as the more mature and grown-up version of "bottomless" dressing. As Waller explains, "The micro-short trend still dominates in this area. Something I find interesting and is immediately on my radar to watch is the [number] of times [tailored hot shorts] were seen on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet," she explains. "The fact that it was worn on such a high-profile red carpet… I expect to see it filter in and become a 2025 shorts trend."
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This shade feels like something you'd find in Jennifer Lawrence's summer capsule wardrobe.
There's something about structured shorts that just feels so sleek.
Zimmermann's high-waisted, mole-coloured iteration is perfect for both city dressing and beach escapes.
6. Ruffled Hems
Style Notes: Another trend carrying over from last season is ruffle-hem shorts. These days, the style takes more of a bloomers or underwear-inspired shape, but you can also find them in slouchier mid-thigh lengths. The ornamental edge brings a flirty touch to classic fits, with the billowing shape making a nice contrast to wardrobe staples like waisted cardigans and basic shirting. I wore With Jéan’s viral version of this trend around Rome, clocking in upwards of 20,000 steps with ease. Not only did the mini hemline keep me cool against the blistering Mediterranean sun, but the shorts also helped me feel more dressed up thanks to the frilled edging.
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You'll feel so stylish wearing these, even if it's just around the house.
Take note of the broderie anglaise detailing.
Combine two of 2025's biggest shorts trends with this affordable pair.
7. Pop of Red
Style Notes: From Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2023 collection to Dries Van Noten’s recent spring/summer 2025 offering, luxury brands are proving that red shorts have crossed the threshold from a trending item to a verified wardrobe mainstay. This season, look for breezy cotton styles or lightweight knitted options to pair with your favourite woven leather bag and flip-flops.
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These fall to the mid-thigh and would look so good with an oversized button-down.
Fuse two of summer's biggest short trends with this iteration from Reformation.
These were designed in Australia, so you know they're the perfect addition in any summer wardrobe.
8. Bloomers
Style Notes: As the style set has demonstrated, some of the trendiest shorts aren’t shorts at all. Hear me out: whilst bloomers have historically been worn under clothes, their entrance into the mainstream makes them feel more of a longer shorts trend than trousers. Chemena Kamali’s Chloé is to blame for this, with everyone from Camille Rowe to Lily James wearing them at Paris Fashion Week. With summer on the horizon, I can see this translating to the streets of fashion’s capitals, with the romantic silhouette balanced out by tighter-fitting tops and tanks. Don’t be surprised when you see them everywhere soon.
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Free People's bloomers are basically all we can talk about right now. After trying them on myself, I can vouch for their versatility, ease of wear and total comfort. I think they're a must for summer.
Peachy Den is a Gen Z affordable fashion label celebrities adore, and with pieces like this, it's no wonder.
If you're looking to invest in the trend, you can't pass the Chloé style that started it all.
9. Capris
Style Notes: Capri pants are another in-between shorts trend. They fuse longer shorts with fitted trousers like leggings, making them an undeniably comfortable style that’s also effortlessly elegant. Wear them with camisole tops, cardigans or even boxier funnel-neck jackets—as we know, summer in Britain is reliably temperamental—for a modern take on the mod-fashion staple.
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For less than the price of dinner out, investing in one of 2025's defining shorts trends is a no-brainer.
Miley Cyrus just wore a similar ruffle-hemmed pair from Alaïa.
The split-hem detail makes these look far more expensive than they are.
10. Cotton Poplin
Style Notes: Once exclusively reserved for the boudoir or your boyfriend's underwear drawer, boxer shorts have quickly become a summer short staple. With a crisp cotton poplin fabric, this style helps keep you cool and casual on hot days, yet is still cheeky enough to show a glint of your personal style.
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For lazy summer days when you just want to roll out of bed.
I've added every single item in this look to cart.
This is the exact pair Sofia Richie Grainge wore in her holiday look.
11. Powder Pink
Style Notes: From Barbie to Glinda, it seems that the costuming of everyone's favourite on-screen blondes has caused the colour pink to steal the spotlight over the past few years. While the rosy hue always shines in summer, this season a more powdery take on the shade will come take centre stage. It's not as lurid as other versions of the tone, meaning it can easily slip into your short rotations and pair back perfectly with white t-shirts or oversized linen button-downs.
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Both Margot Robbie and Ariana Grande have worn a similar pattern, so it's safe to assume this style would get their tick of approval.
This is the exact pair Marianne Smyth is wearing.
Bring the sheer clothing trend to your summer wardrobe.
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