I'm Surprised That This Controversial Denim Trend Is a Thing
Just when I was actually starting to warm up to the bike shorts trend that had me pretty intimidated last summer, the fashion world goes and takes them to another level. Yes, denim cycling shorts are the latest iteration of the polarizing trend to emerge, and admittedly, I wasn't ready for them initially.
I mean, let's face it: We've been conditioned to associate longer cutoffs—"jorts," if you will—with bad taste. A quick search of the word on Urban Dictionary confirms this reputation: "a combination of the words 'jean' and 'shorts' used to describe the hideous attire, usually sported by NASCAR aficionados and men over 40."
I think hideous is a little dramatic, but it explains why I was shocked to see jorts popping up last summer, when some of the absolute coolest girls in fashion started styling them on Instagram. Now, as summer starts to materialise on the horizon, brands and retailers all over the internet have started stocking the shorts in a range of fits, from slim styles that mimic spandex bike shorts to roomier ones, confirming that they're a thing.
Like most of the other major 2019 trends, I'm pointing a finger at the '90s for being the main inspiration here. Whatever their origin, I'm totally intrigued by the style, and quite honestly thankful that they might just put an end to short shorts for good. I've just recently added a pair of denim Bermuda shorts to my closet, so keep reading to find a pair for yourself and get inspired by the outfit ideas I plan to try with them along the way.
Related: 19 New Under-the-Radar Brands I'll Be Shopping This Summer
The fitted waist on these will be so flattering.
Next Up: These Fresh Styling Tricks Will Make Any Outfit Feel 100 Times Cooler
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
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