Bermuda shorts are here to stay. Here’s what to know if you’re daunted by them

The hemlines on some men’s shorts might be creeping further up their thighs, but in the women’s department, things are only getting longer.

You’ve likely noticed the rising popularity of jorts – aka longer, baggier jean shorts – among Gen Z in the past few years, and they’ve now been joined on store racks by their tidy tailored cousin, the Bermuda short.

Yes, after years of shorter shorts reigning supreme, you’ll be seeing this long, loose silhouette everywhere as we come into warmer weather. They’ve enjoyed plenty of red carpet action this year, including at the Venice Film Festival and New York Fashion Week, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

One Aussie retailer that’s wholeheartedly embraced the trend is Target – versions of the style are currently in store, with more to come in the new spring range.

Musing on the appeal of Bermuda shorts, Target’s head of design Ella Newton says it’s largely down to the nostalgia of the ’90s.

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“I think they’re informed by their era,” she told nine.com.au at a celebration of the brand’s 100th birthday.

“But it’s the versatility of them, as well ... [you can] wear them casually, or dress them up with some accessories and a nice top. They can look really polished.”

While some fashion lovers have already jumped aboard the trend, others are hesitating on the sidelines, daunted by the idea of adding such a different silhouette to their wardrobes.

Obviously, there are benefits to shorts that kiss the knees. Hello: less opportunity for chafing, or bare thighs sticking to leather seats on sweaty days, is a win.

But if you’re used to chucking on a pair of denim cutoffs and calling it a day, styling longer shorts may be a little intimidating – a feeling Newton understands.

“It can be really daunting to try a new silhouette, but change is as good as a holiday,” she said.

“Initially, it can feel a bit funny, and you can convince yourself it’s not for you. Sometimes I think you’ve really got to practice wearing them.”

Newton says learning how to style the shorts in a way that works for you is also key.

That might be a suiting-inspired look, adding a jazzy ‘going out’ top, or simply teaming them with a white tee – there’s no right or wrong.

“Spend the time finding what silhouette matches you, and you feel confident with.”

The long and short of it

As a member of Team ‘I Don’t Know How I Feel About Bermuda Shorts’, I decided to have a crack at styling them to see if I might change my tune. (Although, I am a huge advocate for not buying into trends you don’t love.)

Arming myself with a pair of Lily Loves black shorts ($40) in my local Target, I created three quick outfits in the change room, later showing Newton the photos to get her verdict.

Look one involved a classic, close-fitting charcoal tank top; I forgot to grab a belt, so use your imagination.

This combo was most consistent with my personal style – ‘big pants, small top’ all the way – and thus most likely to get me over the line with the concept of longline, loose shorts.

“I think it’s a really nice proportion play. You can do both, but having a fitted top with a roomier, oversized silhouette on the bottom is a nice balance,” Newton said.

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Look two teamed the shorts with a casual funnel-neck parka for a more between-seasons feel – and a more relaxed fit. The jacket has an elasticated hem, which I positioned to sit at the top of the shorts.

“I love this outfit. I’m very much an oversized fan, I feel like it looks really chic ... it’s an understated, effortless look,” Newton said.

“I think having a long arm and a short leg is an important proportion for this season. Even a long-sleeved tee is really cool with a short and a ballet flat.”

Finally, I met the silhouette of the Bermuda shorts head-on with some serious volume up top, wearing a puffy balloon-sleeved blouse – a look that would ordinarily be well out of my aesthetic comfort zone.

Newton said this was the dressier outfit of the three, and would be enhanced with some fun earrings.

In terms of proportions, the designer had one final note about teaming big shorts with a big top: “Showing the waist is important, just to anchor the silhouette.”