Generally speaking, a good pair of shorts should end midway up the thigh for maximum breeziness. They are called shorts after all, not longs. But there is an exception to the rule, and it’s a style that has been rapidly growing in popularity over the last few years: the Bermuda short.

These knee-grazing shorts are longer and generally roomier than their cropped counterparts. In the past, this has seen them ridiculed, but with oversized, flowing silhouettes back in the spotlight, this particular style of warm-weather legwear is experiencing a resurgence of sorts. What’s more, they can fill a gap in your wardrobe that you may not have even realised exists.

The additional length offered by Bermuda shorts makes them a tad more formal than regular shorts. This gives you a legwear option other than trousers to fall back on when you need to look vaguely presentable on hot days. OK, so they’re not exactly dress pants, but they’re certainly smarter than a standard pair of swimmers with a five-inch inseam.

Thinking of welcoming a pair of Bermudas into your summer wardrobe? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Bermuda Shorts?

Bermuda shorts have been part of menswear since the early 20th century. The story goes that they were first created by a Bermudian shop owner who decided to hem uniform pants for his staff.

The British soldiers stationed there during World War One adopted the style and brought it back overseas with them when they left. The shorts continued to be used by the British armed forces in tropical and desert climates, and it wasn’t long before they caught on with the civilian population too.

Traditionally, they were worn with knee-high socks, a dress shirt and a blazer, and while you aren’t bound to this exact outfit, you can take it as an example of the Bermuda short’s formal potential. These are shorts that can legitimately be dressed up, which makes them a bit of a game changer when it comes to looking sharp in the summer.

In design terms, Bermuda shorts can be defined by their length. The hem generally sits just above the knee, making them considerably longer than the average pair of shorts. They tend to be cut relatively wide too (if it’s slim-fit, it’s not a Bermuda!), which means they work well with boxy, oversized, breezy summer pieces.

Bermuda Shorts Buying Considerations

Fabric

Flax London

Bermuda shorts can be made from all sorts of fabrics, but two of the most popular are cotton twill and linen.

Twill gives a smoother, softer finish that pairs well with smarter pieces, but linen is cooling, breathable and quick drying, making it perfect for the hot weather.

Length

Flax London

The very specific knee-length cut of Bermuda shorts is what makes them. Go any longer and you’re in three-quarter-length territory, any shorter and you’re back to plain old shorts.

The hem should sit no higher than an inch above the top of the knee, so take note of this when you’re trying different pairs on for size.

Price

Loro Piana

Price will vary a lot depending on the chosen fabric, the name on the label and the country of manufacture.

Head to the high-street retailers if you want to pick a pair up on the cheap, but expect to pay well into the hundreds for high-end versions made by Italian ‘quiet-luxury’ brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana.

The Best Bermuda Shorts Brands

Flax London

Flax London is a specialist brand which crafts clothes exclusively from linen, making its garments perfect for decking out your warm-weather wardrobe.

With a 9-inch inseam, its classic patch-pocket fatigue shorts fall firmly into Bermuda territory, and they’re available in a range of understated, neutral colours for £140 a piece.

Shop now at Flax London

Velasca

Velasca was founded around the idea of bringing real Italian craftsmanship to style-conscious customers all over the world. It works with the country’s best mills and makers to make Italian artisanal clothing accessible. What’s more, it’s all done direct to consumer, which means no middleman markups to pay.

This helps to keep the price down on what are already expensive garments to begin with. The brand deals in everything from tailoring to shoes, including some beautiful pleated Bermuda shorts.

Shop now at Velasca

Loro Piana

If you’re shopping for Bermuda shorts on a shoestring, feel free to scroll right past this one. Loro Piana’s luxurious garments are made using some of the world’s finest fabrics, and as a result, have some of the world’s most eye-watering price tags.

Still, if money’s no object, these are some of the best shorts to be found, and there are plenty of styles to choose from. These change from season to season, but they’re often towards the smarter end of the spectrum, featuring tailored details like pleats, hook-and-button fastenings and high-end materials.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Incotex

Italy’s Incotex is one of the leading names in high-quality men’s legwear. Its chinos and linen pants are some of the best in the game, but the brand also makes some fantastic Bermuda shorts for the warmer times of the year.

These are dressy shorts more reminiscent of a pair of cut-off tailored trousers than your average pair of poolside swimmers, which makes them perfect for summer settings where you want to make a good impression.

They’re not cheap though, so expect to shell out somewhere between £250 and £300 for a pair.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Brunello Cucinelli

Much like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli is an Italian luxury brand known for its use of fine materials and its  exorbitant price tags.

The label specialises in upscale casualwear and soft tailoring, which puts a garment like the Bermuda short firmly in its wheelhouse.

Again, this probably isn’t the best brand to go to if you’re on a budget, but for deep-pocketed gents who must have the best of the best, it’s one of the most lavish and luxurious options out there.

Shop now at SSENSE

Vilebrequin

Premium resortwear brand Vilebrequin is best known for its swim shorts, but it does make casual shorts too… including Bermudas.

The French label specialises in laid-back, beachy styles, so don’t expect to find anything overly smart or remotely tailored here.

In fact, many of the Bermudas on offer feature cargo pockets, which give them a distinctly relaxed look. There are of course un-pocketed versions too, cut from lightweight fabrics like tencel and linen.

Shop now at Vilebrequin

Canali

Canali is another luxurious Italian label that specialises in suits, shirts, pants and elegant casualwear cut from fine fabrics.

There are a number of colour options to choose from when it comes to Bermuda shorts, including green, white and cream.

They’re simply styled, with no external detail or branding, which makes them great for understated smart-casual looks in the summer months.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Gucci

If you want to make a statement with your shorts, you could turn to a high-fashion brand like Gucci. This Italian haute-couture powerhouse is famous for its logo prints, flowery patterns and eye-catching use of colour, and all of that extends to its offering of shorts too.

The label has a wide array of knee-grazing options available to choose from, some plain, some patterned and some featuring the iconic all-over monogram print.

Shop now at MATCHESFASHION

Frescobol Carioca

Brazilian resortwear brand Frescobol Carioca is one of our firm favourites when it comes to fancy swimwear and stylish beachy staples.

There are a number of styles available that fall just above the knee for a slightly smarter look, including linen, herringbone and plain cotton versions that are all great for tackling the warm weather in style.

Shop now at MATCHESFASHION