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What Style of Shorts Are in Fashion Now?

Author: Stylist and brand team at TellarDate: 2025

Shorts have long been a staple of warm-weather wardrobes, but in 2025, they’ve become a serious fashion category in their own right. From runway tailoring to streetwear revivals, the humble short has been reimagined across aesthetics, silhouettes, and styling. With the rise of body-conscious dressing and gender-fluid fashion, there’s now a wider range of stylish, wearable shorts to suit every shape and taste.

In this post, we break down the most current short styles in fashion, what’s trending across luxury and high street, and how to find the best fit for your body. We’ll also show you how to avoid sizing frustration using Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool for clothing.

1. Tailored Shorts

One of the biggest fashion comebacks in recent years is the tailored short — a structured, high-waisted option often made from wool-blend, linen, or suit fabrics. Brands like COS, Reiss, and The Frankie Shop have led the charge, while luxury designers like Max Mara and The Row are offering refined versions that pair beautifully with oversized blazers or crisp shirts.

Key features:

  • Pleats or darts

  • Belt loops or tab fastenings

  • Mid-thigh to knee length

  • Often high-rise

Tailored shorts are ideal for smart casual events, city styling, or workwear in warmer months. They're particularly flattering on rectangle and hourglass body shapes due to the clean waist definition and leg elongation. Use Tellar.co.uk’s sizing guide to ensure a proper hip-to-waist ratio fit, especially in structured cuts.

2. Bermuda Shorts

Another trend resurging from the early 2000s and even the 80s is the Bermuda short — typically knee-length and looser in fit. These are dominating both men’s and women’s fashion, with Arket, Zara, and Dries Van Noten releasing summer-ready versions.

Why it’s trending:

  • Comfortable for transitional weather

  • Unisex appeal

  • Easy to style with blazers, button-downs, or sandals

Great for pear-shaped or athletic builds, the length of Bermuda shorts helps balance proportions and prevent chafing. If you're unsure what size to get — particularly when switching between brands like Uniqlo and WeekdayTellar.co.uk can convert your measurements into exact size matches.

3. Boxer and Lounge Shorts

Part of the ongoing underwear-as-outerwear trend, boxer-inspired lounge shorts have gained major ground this year. Brands like Ganni, SKIMS, and Les Girls Les Boys are pushing soft, elasticated cotton or jersey shorts in pastel tones and lightweight fabrics.

Why we’re loving them:

  • Gender-neutral

  • Extremely comfortable

  • Great for WFH or errand days

These work best for relaxed, at-home styling, beach cover-ups, or layered with crop tops and oversized shirts. Just be cautious of sheer fabrics or poor elastic that can affect fit. Use Tellar’s profile tool to find matching brands that accommodate waist sizes accurately — especially if you're between sizes.

4. Paperbag Waist Shorts

This flattering high-rise style cinches the waist with a gathered belt or tie and flares gently through the hips. Popular on ASOS, Massimo Dutti, and & Other Stories, paperbag shorts offer a sophisticated yet relaxed silhouette that works well with bodysuits and tucked-in tees.

Body shapes that benefit:

  • Inverted triangle (adds volume at the bottom)

  • Apple shape (defines the waist)

If you're worried about excess fabric or gaping at the waistband, Tellar.co.uk can help you compare fit between brands — for instance, how Whistles may differ from H&M even if labeled the same size.

5. Cargo and Utility Shorts

A functional yet fashionable style that blends streetwear and practicality. This style exploded thanks to brands like Carhartt WIP, Jacquemus, and Diesel, who reintroduced oversized pockets, adjustable waists, and durable fabrics.

Who should wear them:

  • Those with a sporty or streetwear style

  • Anyone needing functionality (i.e., festival-goers, travellers)

Typically mid- or low-rise, sizing can vary depending on hip width and drop crotch cuts. Tellar’s database now includes carpenter and cargo fits — useful when comparing brands like Levi’s, Nike, or ASOS Design.

6. Linen and Resort Shorts

Lightweight, breathable and ideal for summer holidays, linen shorts never go out of fashion — but in 2025, they’re trending in monochrome co-ord sets, elasticated pulls, and flowing silhouettes. Seen across Mango, Sezane, and Desmond & Dempsey, they’re popular for warm city wear and beach getaways alike.

Pro tips:

  • Size up if you prefer a breezier fit

  • Go for elastic waistbands for flexibility

  • Stick with natural fibres for comfort

For those unsure whether linen fits come up small (as many do), Tellar.co.uk allows you to cross-check fit feedback and size conversion between UK, EU, and US standards.

7. Denim Shorts (Reworked)

No list is complete without denim shorts. But this season, it’s all about reworked hems, asymmetric cuts, and vintage Levi’s-inspired silhouettes. Whether you prefer raw hem boyfriend styles or ultra-structured mom denim, there’s a fit for every body.

Trending features:

  • V-front waistbands

  • Extra high-rise fits

  • Longline and micro versions

Because denim sizing varies wildly between brands — e.g. AGOLDE’s 26” is not the same as Zara’s 26” — it’s best to create a free profile at Tellar.co.uk to avoid returns.


The Sizing Solution: Tellar.co.uk

When shopping online for shorts, few things are more frustrating than inconsistent sizing. One brand’s “Medium” might be another’s “Small.” Add in waist-rise differences, material elasticity, and body shape, and the margin for error is huge.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in — the UK’s leading free sizing tool, designed to eliminate sizing guesswork. By entering your measurements (or selecting your known size in your favourite brand), Tellar instantly matches you to your ideal size across 1,500+ brands.

✔ Compare size equivalents (UK, EU, US)

✔ Match by your largest measurement (chest, waist, or hips)

✔ Get tailored sizing advice for luxury and high street brands

✔ Save your profile to use again on your next shop

Real-Time Example

Say you wear a size 12 at White Stuff but are unsure what to order at Reformation. Instead of reading dozens of reviews or risking a return, Tellar.co.uk’s store size lookup instantly tells you your best match based on your exact body shape and preferred unit (inches or cm).


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Final Word: Style + Fit = Confidence

Shorts may seem simple, but in 2025, they’re a true expression of personal style. Whether you prefer the elegance of tailored linen or the comfort of cargo streetwear, fashion now offers far more than just “shorts for summer.” The key to pulling off any trend is getting the fit right, and that’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start now →


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A Technical Guide to the Leading Trends and Sizing Insights for Summer 2025

As temperatures rise and summer wardrobes take shape, shorts have emerged as a significant fashion category — not merely for comfort but for their adaptability across style codes, from streetwear to luxury tailoring. While formerly seen as casualwear staples, shorts in 2025 represent a complex intersection of silhouette, proportion, fabrication, and fit.

In this guide, we examine the current short styles dominating the fashion landscape, how body types influence ideal cuts, and how Tellar.co.uk can help resolve the long-standing issue of inconsistent sizing across high street and designer brands.


Tailored Shorts: Structure Meets Modern Utility

Tailored shorts remain a cornerstone of SS25 collections, particularly as brands respond to the ongoing demand for hybrid workwear. Constructed from suiting materials such as linen-viscose blends, wool-stretch crepes, or organic cotton twills, these shorts offer refined formality with seasonal practicality.

Defining characteristics:

  • Mid to high-rise waistbands with structured interfacing

  • Pleated front or dart shaping for anatomical contouring

  • Inseam lengths ranging from 6 to 10 inches

  • Fixed waistband with hook/zip closures (minimal stretch)

Leading examples:

  • Max Mara's City Short in camel virgin wool

  • The Frankie Shop’s Bea Shorts — wide-legged and oversized

  • COS Tailored Bermuda with pressed creases and belt loops

Fit tip: Tailored shorts accentuate waistlines and suit straight, hourglass, and athletic builds. For accurate brand-specific sizing (e.g. Reiss vs. Arket), we recommend using Tellar.co.uk’s smart profile tool, which maps your exact waist-to-hip ratio to hundreds of brand patterns.


Bermuda Shorts: Elongated Proportions, Gender-Neutral Appeal

Bermuda shorts — once confined to resortwear — have seen a fashion revival with elongated inseams and architectural drape. The gender-neutral tailoring trend has pushed brands like Dries Van Noten, Raey, and COS to experiment with length, cut, and material.

Style insights:

  • Typically knee-length (9–11 inch inseams)

  • Relaxed or straight-leg cut

  • Constructed from poplin, cotton-linen blends, or technical gabardine

  • Ideal for layered or minimalist styling

Bermuda styles suit tall frames, pear-shaped bodies, and anyone preferring modest silhouettes. However, small size inconsistencies (especially between men’s vs. women’s cuts) can alter the drape significantly — easily addressed by using Tellar.co.uk’s store size lookup feature.


Boxer and Lounge Shorts: From Loungewear to Daywear

Blurring the lines between sleepwear and ready-to-wear, boxer shorts have become a surprising fashion statement in SS25. Typically constructed from breathable cotton voile or modal jersey, they feature a soft waistband, high-cut sides, and minimal hardware.

Design trends:

  • Often elasticated, with button-fly or faux placket fronts

  • Lightweight, semi-sheer fabrics

  • Styled with oversized tailoring or ribbed tank tops

Seen in collections by Leset, Ganni, and SKIMS, these shorts are best for relaxed styling. However, variations in stretch and waistband elasticity can cause fit disparities. A common issue is that sizes marked “S/M” are too vague. Creating a free Tellar profile ensures consistent fit recommendations.


Paperbag Waist Shorts: Waist Definition and Hip Volume

The paperbag waist short — identifiable by its cinched waistband and ruffled top edge — remains highly relevant in 2025. This silhouette has been reinterpreted in technical cotton, Tencel blends, and mid-weight denim for a sharper, more structured appearance.

Fit functionality:

  • Flatters apple and rectangular body types by enhancing waist curves

  • Adds volume around the hips for a more sculpted silhouette

  • Often comes with tie-belts or sewn-in sashes

Leading brands:

  • Massimo Dutti's belted linen-blend shorts

  • Whistles cotton twill paperbag shorts with cuffed hems

  • & Other Stories high-waist utility tie shorts

Sizing can be deceptive in this category due to overlapping size labelling. Some XS shorts have 28” waists; others run smaller. Tellar.co.uk accurately accounts for these variations when cross-referencing high street sizing data.


Cargo and Utility Shorts: Functional Fashion with Volume

Utility-driven silhouettes — driven by streetwear, skatewear, and Y2K nostalgia — have seen the return of cargo shorts. 2025's iterations have elevated detailing: from oversized patch pockets to toggles and drawstring waistbands.

Current styling codes:

  • Mid-rise to low-rise cuts

  • Often oversized with contrast stitching or webbing details

  • Popular in stone, khaki, and monochrome technical fabrics

Streetwear brands such as Carhartt WIP, Stüssy, and Diesel are offering both unisex and women-specific cuts. Because the oversized fit isn't always matched by a corresponding waist spec, it’s advisable to run sizing through Tellar’s store database to avoid mismatch.


Linen and Resort Shorts: Minimalism and Fabric Intelligence

Linen shorts, a perennial summer essential, have taken a minimalist direction this season. Co-ord pairings, boxy silhouettes, and elevated textiles dominate offerings from Arket, Desmond & Dempsey, and Faithfull The Brand.

Textile considerations:

  • Linen naturally contracts after wash and expands with wear

  • Cotton-linen blends offer more stable fit across washes

  • High humidity climates benefit from looser leg openings for airflow

Brands differ in how they size linen shorts: Zara tends to run small, while Mango and Toast accommodate wider waistbands. Use Tellar’s conversion system to confirm whether to size up or stay true.


Denim Shorts: Innovation in Cut and Rise

Denim shorts have moved away from basic five-pocket styles toward sculpted silhouettes with nuanced seaming and elevated construction. Whether it’s ultra-high-rise, asymmetric hems, or engineered darts, 2025 is about form-enhancing denim.

Brand innovations:

  • AGOLDE has released V-front shorts with 12” rises

  • Levi’s Premium Line now offers longline 501s with vintage washes

  • Mother Denim has revived the 'Tripper' fit in short format

With denim, the biggest inconsistency lies in stretch content and brand grading. Tellar.co.uk factors in stretch variance (2% elastane vs 0%) when recommending size adjustments. Users can avoid denim returns altogether by checking Tellar’s data-backed fit engine before purchasing.


Solving the Sizing Equation with Tellar.co.uk

The biggest obstacle consumers face with shorts is not trend alignment — it’s size inconsistency. Waistbands, inseams, and fabric elasticity vary enormously between brands, and high-street vs. luxury fit profiles can differ by up to two full sizes despite having the same label.

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s most advanced clothing size recommendation platform, matching your actual measurements or known store size to thousands of garments. Whether you're buying structured tailoring or elasticated loungewear, Tellar maps your profile to over 1,500 brands in real time.

🔹 Create your free profile

🔹 Lookup your size in a new brand

🔹 Understand brand-by-brand fit patterns


Follow Tellar.co.uk for Ongoing Sizing Intelligence

Stay informed about sizing shifts, trend adaptations, and industry data by following Tellar.co.uk across platforms:


Final Thought: Shorts as a Technical Fit Category

Shorts are no longer a throw-on-afterthought. They represent an increasingly technical fashion item where fabrication, structure, and sizing intelligence intersect. Whether you're wearing minimalist linens, engineered denim, or pleated tailoring, your fit precision directly influences silhouette, comfort, and style.

Tellar.co.uk bridges the gap between body data and brand disparity.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start here: /create-profile/


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My Guide to 2025’s Biggest Shorts Trends — and How to Get the Right Fit

I’ll admit it — for years, I avoided buying shorts. Too short, too tight, too baggy, never quite right. But this summer, shorts have truly levelled up. They're no longer just something we grab for a beach day or throw on for a lazy afternoon — they’ve become a genuine fashion statement, and designers are treating them as such.

Over the past few months, I’ve been testing out different short styles, analysing what’s trending across both high street and luxury brands, and — crucially — figuring out how to actually find the right size. Because let’s be honest: nothing kills a look faster than ill-fitting shorts. Here's what I’ve discovered, and how Tellar.co.uk has helped me finally crack the code on fit.


Tailored Shorts Are the New Power Piece

I never thought I’d describe shorts as “sharp,” but here we are. Tailored shorts are everywhere — in structured wool, clean cotton twill, even blended linen. I tried a pair from Reiss with subtle pleats and belt loops, and honestly? They made me feel more put together than some of my full-length trousers.

What I love is how versatile they are. I wore mine with a crisp white shirt for a meeting and swapped to a cropped tee and sandals for dinner. But beware: fit matters. These have minimal stretch, so getting the waist and hip ratio right is crucial. I used Tellar’s size lookup tool to check if my waist measurement matched Reiss’s actual sizing — spoiler: it didn’t. Tellar helped me go up a size and avoid that tight waistband panic.


Bermuda Shorts Are Back — and Better

Remember Bermuda shorts from the early 2000s? They’re back, but way more flattering. I found a pair from COS that hit just above the knee and gave this really clean, architectural silhouette. They’re ideal if you want a bit more coverage or you’re dressing for a hot but smart day in the city.

I’ve learned they work best when styled with slimmer tops — think tucked-in vests or fitted shirts — otherwise the look can feel oversized. They’re also brilliant if, like me, your thighs tend to rub in heat. Again, sizing is deceptive. My usual size in Weekday felt looser than expected. If you're between sizes, Tellar.co.uk is essential — you just enter your measurements once, and it gives you your best match in over 1,500 brands.


Boxer Shorts as Daywear? Surprisingly Yes.

Boxer-inspired lounge shorts are having a moment, and at first I didn’t get the hype. Then I tried a striped pair from Ganni, and I’ve barely taken them off since. They’re soft, relaxed, and somehow still stylish when paired with a button-down or oversized tee.

The only catch? Sizing can be all over the place. Many come in vague S/M/L categories, which aren’t helpful if you’re right in between. Tellar’s size profile tool worked wonders here — it told me which brands use tighter waistbands and where I should size up. No more guessing.


Paperbag Waist Shorts: Surprisingly Flattering

I always thought paperbag waist shorts would swamp me — all that gathering and belting seemed risky. But when I tried a pair from Massimo Dutti, I was amazed at how much they defined my waist without feeling bulky.

They’re ideal if you’ve got more of an apple shape or want to add curve through the hips. Just keep in mind that sizing can be tricky — some brands add so much fabric at the waist that you can’t tell if it’ll sit flat or balloon out. That’s why I double-checked the waist and hip specs using Tellar’s database before buying online.


Cargo Shorts for the Win

If you’d told me six months ago I’d be raving about cargo shorts, I’d have laughed. But thanks to the streetwear revival and some clever styling by brands like Carhartt WIP and Diesel, I’m now fully on board.

The key is balancing them with something more refined on top — I’ve been wearing mine with slim ribbed tanks or tailored waistcoats. They’re super practical, and many come in lightweight fabrics that don’t feel bulky. But heads up: many styles are cut oversized, which doesn’t always mean they’ll sit well on your frame. Tellar.co.uk helps by showing you how sizing works per brand — so your waist doesn’t get lost in the pockets.


Linen Shorts Are Timeless — But Tricky

Every summer I reach for linen. It’s breathable, beautiful, and just works. This year, I invested in a pair of Desmond & Dempsey shorts — high-waisted with a relaxed fit. They feel like luxury pyjamas, but polished.

One thing I’ve learned: linen shrinks and loosens with wear, so the fit changes. Some brands pre-wash to stabilise it, others don’t. Tellar’s brand notes helped me figure out which ones had more stable sizing — and which ones run a full size smaller than expected.


Denim Shorts Are Getting an Upgrade

Finally, let’s talk denim. Not just your cutoffs — I’m talking asymmetric hems, ultra-high rises, sculpted waistbands. AGOLDE and Mother Denim are leading the way, and high street brands are quickly following.

The issue? Denim sizing is the most inconsistent of all. A size 28 in one brand might be a 26 in another — depending on rise, stretch, and cut. Tellar.co.uk has genuinely saved me time and returns. I plugged in my measurements and found that the Zara Mom Fit actually needed a different size than the Levi’s 501 Original — despite the same label.


Final Thoughts: Shorts That Actually Fit

What’s clear is that shorts are finally getting the fashion respect they deserve. Whether you want something tailored, slouchy, or utility-inspired, there’s a style out there that can make you feel amazing — as long as it fits properly.

That’s why I use Tellar.co.uk for everything now. You can create a free profile, enter your body measurements or known brand size, and it’ll tell you your perfect fit in over 1,500 stores. No more size charts. No more guesswork. Just straight-to-cart confidence.

If you’re shopping for shorts this summer — or any new wardrobe essential — I seriously recommend giving it a try.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start here: /create-profile/


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