How to Style Bermuda Shorts Like a Minimalist Muse

Bermuda shorts are here again, and you'd better be ready for their comeback. This trend, once considered a faux pas in the early 2000s, has finally found its way into the wardrobes of fashion enthusiasts everywhere. As we search for office-appropriate linen shorts and breathable cutoffs, it’s clear that more and more fashionistas are embracing Bermuda shorts and pulling off chic looks. The secret to nailing a fashionable Bermuda shorts outfit lies in the right styling—as always, right. With minimalist basics and It girl–approved accessories, there's definitely a way to make Bermuda shorts feel cool again. If that’s not worth celebrating, we don’t know what is!

Browse our fave Bermuda shorts outfit ideas below and check out the tips on how to wear Bermuda shorts in a modern way.

What are Bermuda Shorts

Bermuda shorts are a stylish option for women who prefer casual dressing without leaning towards dresses or skirts. These shorts are designed to hit at a specific length just above the knee and are both well-fitted and breathable. Being mostly casual, Bermudas can be dressed up with tailoring or elegant pieces.

The origins of Bermuda shorts trace back to the islands of Bermuda, where local policemen started wearing shorts that fell above the knee, paired with knee-length socks. In Bermuda, this style is deemed suitable business attire for men when crafted from suit-like fabric and worn alongside knee-length socks, a dress shirt, tie, and blazer. This fashion trend played a significant role in transforming women’s clothing choices. During the 1950s, leisurewear—like Bermuda shorts, pedal pushers, capri pants—gained popularity in Western fashion.

Types of Bermuda Shorts

Not all Bermudas are cut from the same cloth and with the same fit. From tailored city slickers to beach-bound linens, this knee-grazing icon shapeshifts to match your mood. Let’s have a look at the most popular types of Bermudas you will see everywhere.

• Tailored Bermuda Shorts: Usually made from suiting fabrics like cotton-twill or linen blends. They hit above the knee and come with pleats, waistbands, pressed creases, making them perfect for office dressing, city strolls, etc. They are summer’s answer to your favorite trousers.
• Cargo Bermuda Shorts: These bring utility to the wardrobe with pockets for days. Cut longer and generally looser, they embrace '90s aesthetic. Best for off-duty hours, getaways, styling with a tank and sandals.
• Denim Bermuda Shorts: Rebels of the summer wardrobe. They give you the comfort of jeans with a fair amount of breeze. Pair with a shirt, a tee, or something silky if you're feeling unpredictable.
• Athletic Bermuda Shorts: Your off-duty MVPs—born in the gym, raised on the street. Elastic waistbands, swishy fabrics, fitted silhouette—they pair just as well with sneakers and sports bras as they do with oversized button-downs and unexpected accessories.
• Linen Bermuda Shorts: The breeziest answer to summer dressing dilemmas—happens when tailoring takes a beach holiday. Best worn with sun-kissed skin, a relaxed shirt, and a mindset somewhere between Amalfi and your own balcony. Wrinkles are a part of the charm. 

Tips for Wearing Bermuda Shorts

Refer to them as Bermuda shorts or jorts, these stylish staples are a must-have in your wardrobe for the spring, summer, and transitioning between seasons. Let’s dive into what makes Bermuda shorts a great choice and what to look for when selecting the perfect pair.

• Choose the right fit: The days of overly fitted Bermuda shorts are behind us—now, we prefer a more loose-fitting style. This could be jean shorts or tailored shorts made from linen or cotton. If you find it challenging to accommodate your thighs and hips, go up a size. Ideally, the length of Bermuda shorts should fall just above the knee. 
• Wear heels: Some worry that Bermuda shorts might make their legs look shorter. However, there’s a simple way to counter this effect and create the illusion of longer legs—slip on a heel, particularly in a nude shade. Even a low kitten-heel sandal can work wonders.
• Add a third piece: To avoid a boring look, add a third piece to your outfit. This could be an oversized linen summer blazer, a sweater draped over your shoulders, a belt, or a lightweight cardigan. The longer cut of a blazer or cardigan complements the extended inseam of the shorts. If you opt for something shorter, aim for a piece that hits right at the waist, where your top meets your shorts.
• Tuck Your Shirt In: The days of relying on long tunic-style tops or leaving your tee untucked are gone. You don’t always have to wear a fitted shirt if it’s not your style. Yet, tucking in your top is often a reliable option.

9 Bermuda Shorts Outfits

Although the style may seem prescriptive, Bermuda shorts rank among the most versatile options for warm-weather wardrobes. This year, we're seeing a surge in popularity for ripped denim, wide-leg styles, and tailored shorts. Keep it laid-back with distressed knee-length jorts, or go for elegance with a chic white Bermuda shorts suit. The choice is yours.

With a feminine top

Pair tailored Bermudas with a top that flirts—silk camis, sculptural blouses, a tube that time-traveled from the '90s. It’s the power suit for rooftop drinks, gallery strolls, showing your knees to the sun. 

Feminine meets functional when we combine the Sculpted tube top with the Tailored shorts by House of Dagmar. Add a pair of kitten heels, a stylish handbag, and cool sunglasses to complete the look.

With a relaxed tee and sneakers

The off-duty model starter pack—an oversized tee, low-top sneakers, Bermuda jean shorts. Throw it on without thinking—errands, coffee runs, pretending you're too cool to be recognized—effort is minimal, effect is maximum. Bonus points if your tee and shorts look like they’ve been loved for years.

​Let’s build our look around the Loose shorts from Agolde—a versatile pair in light blue with distressed hems. Team it with the Oversized cotton t-shirt from House of Dagmar and the Two-color tone suede sneakers by Ghoud for an easy-going everyday-suitable look.

With a blouse and sandals

Are you looking for the perfect casual date night outfit but find it tricky to dress up without a dress? But you don’t necessarily need a traditional dress to impress your significant other. Try a flowy blouse paired beautifully with fitted Bermuda shorts and sandals—and enjoy a charming look for your evening out.

The Peplum-hem cotton blouse by Erika Cavallini, for example, is a chic date option—feminine, but modest. Style it with the black Bermudas and Hereu’s Asymmetrical woven sandals for a minimalist take on a black-and-white trend.

With a shirt

Denim Bermudas meet their match in a black shirt—simple, right? This is the kind of fashion math trendsetters swear by: 1 part contrast, 2 parts cool. The contrast hits like a well-timed plot twist—add a black leather belt, sandals or flip-flops, a baguette bag or a straw tote.

It can be a classic button-down or something more exciting, like the Puff-sleeve linen blouse by 120% Lino. But the main role is reserved for the Relaxed-fit denim shorts from Citizens of Humanity—faded medium blue, organic cotton, distressed hems.

With a hoodie

After a long day, when you're ready to unwind and slip into something comfy but aren't quite ready for pajamas, this outfit is perfect. A hooded sweater paired with flowy Bermudas and your fave flip-flops creates a charming look—ideal for lounging at home.

Check out this cool set from FTC Cashmere, featuring the Drawstring cashmere shorts and the Short-sleeve cashmere hoodie. The length of shorts is a bit shorter than traditional Bermudas, but they give off the same relaxed feeling, along with a modernized look.

As a co-ord

Call it a co-ord or just two besties who happen to match—either way, Bermudas love a partner. Whether it's a ready-made set or a clever DIY duo in the same mood (pattern, hue, style), the result is peak pulled-together energy. Try the one with the stripes—they’re like the espresso of summer prints: energizing and forever in style.

Our main hero is the Striped Bermuda shorts by Erika Cavallini with a cool stretchy waistband. We combined them with the Striped cotton shirt from Beige Brown in the same blue-and-white stripe and the Cross-strap leather sandals to finish off with the summer touch.

As a tailored suit

When trousers tap out for the summer, Bermudas step in—tailored and cooler in every sense. Pair them with a matching blazer or vest, and you’ve got a suit that means business but also won’t overheat for it. It’s the boardroom-to-brunch uniform for women who like their tailoring with a breeze.

The Classic linen blazer from House of Dagmar is a neutral base for your Bermudas—you’ll need them made of linen in the same cream shade. To make the look shine—literally—add a pair of Metallic-effect loafers from Hereu to the ensemble.

With a denim jacket

Double denim is a sure thing, but don’t stop there. Bermudas of all kinds—tailored, linen, cargo—play well with a trusty denim jacket. It’s the universal plus-one that adds texture and structure. Underneath—a tank, tee, or knit—depending on your weather. Just add attitude and go.

We love elongated jackets to balance the Bermudas' length, such as Agolde’s Oversized vintage denim jacket. Put it on top of the Ribbed tank top by Beige Brown and your fave shorts for a lovely everyday ensemble.

With a cardigan

College-core, but from a runway perspective. Bermudas with a cardigan, loafers, visible socks deliver that preppy punch. It’s scholarly chic for the fashion-literate—fresh, crisp, slightly ironic. Wear it like you’ve got a seminar at 10 and a gallery opening at 6.

Lightweight knits, like the Pointelle cardigan from House of Dagmar, are the best for warmer months. Team it with your jorts or linen shorts, add Hereu’s Slouchy shoulder bag or a small cute backpack, and you are ready to break some school rules.