By: Cindy Suzuki, Studio Stylist
Published On: 6/26/26
STYLING 101
The Long and Short of…Well, Shorts
Here’s the long and short of it all: we’re all about shorts this summer.
Bermudas are reclaiming their cool-girl status, tap shorts are going sophisticated, and sporty shorts are having their biggest moment yet, football and all.
Whatever your vibe is, these are the hottest pairs we’re reaching for this summer:
Bermudas are reclaiming their cool-girl status, tap shorts are going sophisticated, and sporty shorts are having their biggest moment yet, football and all.
Whatever your vibe is, these are the hottest pairs we’re reaching for this summer:
THE TOP SHORTS TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2026
1. SPORTY SUMMER TRACK SHORTS
This summer’s most unexpected, but aptly timed trend, coincides with all the sporting events we’re looking forward to this season. That’s right–sporty track shorts are moving off the field and onto the pavement. The key to styling them? Juxtaposition: think romantic tops, preppy polos...basically anything you’d never actually break a sweat in.
2. LONGER DAYS, LONGER (SHORTS) LENGTHS
Knee-grazing lengths have quickly become the go-to style this summer and for good reason—they're versatile for every occasion. One of my favorite longer shorts is the Menorca Slouchy Capris as they’re easy for the beach and beyond. I also love our ,a href="Tough Love Petal Shorts as an elevated jort (jean short) that goes with everything from button downs to lacy camis. Knee-grazing lengths have quickly become the go-to style this summer and for good reason—they're versatile for every occasion. One of my favorite longer shorts is the Menorca Slouchy Capris as they’re easy for the beach and beyond. I also love our Tough Love Petal Shorts as an elevated jort (jean short) that goes with everything from button downs to lacy camis.
3. SILKY & STYLISH TAP SHORTS
I’m all about ease when it comes to summer styling, which is why the tap short has become my favorite go-to bottom. When I don’t know what to wear on a scorching day, I love these silky shorts with an oversized tee and ballet flats. Alternatively, when I want to be a little more dressed up, I love how chic tap shorts look with a blazer and a romantic blouse.
4. TAILORED & TIMELESS TROUSER SHORTS
Consider tailored shorts your summer cheat code. They offer a structured, put-together look that works just as hard in the office as they do at a rooftop happy hour. Similar to how I’d wear menswear-inspired trousers, I’d wear shorts like these with an easy tank and call it a day. Bermuda shorts are back!
5. MICRO SHORTS MOMENT
Micro shorts are here again, and we can’t get enough of them. This summer’s take offers playful options in print, soft fabrication, and unique detailing–proving there’s a micro for everyone. If it’s your first foray into micro shorts, consider starting with the Hit The Road shorts: they’re versatile enough to wear with your favorite top and sandals, or to throw on with swimwear for a beach day.
This summer’s most unexpected, but aptly timed trend, coincides with all the sporting events we’re looking forward to this season. That’s right–sporty track shorts are moving off the field and onto the pavement. The key to styling them? Juxtaposition: think romantic tops, preppy polos...basically anything you’d never actually break a sweat in.
2. LONGER DAYS, LONGER (SHORTS) LENGTHS
Knee-grazing lengths have quickly become the go-to style this summer and for good reason—they're versatile for every occasion. One of my favorite longer shorts is the Menorca Slouchy Capris as they’re easy for the beach and beyond. I also love our ,a href="Tough Love Petal Shorts as an elevated jort (jean short) that goes with everything from button downs to lacy camis. Knee-grazing lengths have quickly become the go-to style this summer and for good reason—they're versatile for every occasion. One of my favorite longer shorts is the Menorca Slouchy Capris as they’re easy for the beach and beyond. I also love our Tough Love Petal Shorts as an elevated jort (jean short) that goes with everything from button downs to lacy camis.
3. SILKY & STYLISH TAP SHORTS
I’m all about ease when it comes to summer styling, which is why the tap short has become my favorite go-to bottom. When I don’t know what to wear on a scorching day, I love these silky shorts with an oversized tee and ballet flats. Alternatively, when I want to be a little more dressed up, I love how chic tap shorts look with a blazer and a romantic blouse.
4. TAILORED & TIMELESS TROUSER SHORTS
Consider tailored shorts your summer cheat code. They offer a structured, put-together look that works just as hard in the office as they do at a rooftop happy hour. Similar to how I’d wear menswear-inspired trousers, I’d wear shorts like these with an easy tank and call it a day. Bermuda shorts are back!
5. MICRO SHORTS MOMENT
Micro shorts are here again, and we can’t get enough of them. This summer’s take offers playful options in print, soft fabrication, and unique detailing–proving there’s a micro for everyone. If it’s your first foray into micro shorts, consider starting with the Hit The Road shorts: they’re versatile enough to wear with your favorite top and sandals, or to throw on with swimwear for a beach day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What shorts are in style right now?
A: Relaxed denim cutoff shorts, longer Bermuda shorts, pull-on styles, linen and satin designs, and bloomer-inspired silhouettes are all trending this season.
Q: Are longer shorts more popular than shorter styles?
A: Both ultra-short and knee-grazing options are currently on point, but there's a strong shift toward longer, looser fits (think: jorts!) for everyday wear that feel comfortable and effortlessly cool.
Q: What fabrics should I look for in shorts?
A: Breathable linen and cotton blends are perfect for warm weather, while classic denim shorts remain a staple. Silky satin options like tap shorts add a dressier, lightweight touch.
Q: How can I style trendy shorts for different occasions?
A: Pair them with oversized button-downs or relaxed blazers for a polished look, or keep it easy with simple tees and sneakers or sandals for casual days.
Q: Can shorts work for both day and night looks?
A: Absolutely—tailored knee-length shapes, polished A-line cuts, and satin shorts styles can be dressed down with flats or elevated with heeled sandals and structured tops.
Q: What fit details make shorts feel current and flattering?
A: High or mid-rise waists, a slightly wider leg opening, and enough length for comfortable coverage are key details that align with current shorts trends, and work well on many body types.
Q: Are denim shorts still in style for summer 2026?
A: Yes, denim shorts—especially relaxed, longer silhouettes with a lived-in feel—remain a warm-weather essential and pair effortlessly with just about anything.
Q: What color shorts are trending this season?
A: White denim, classic blue, and soft neutrals are all popular, along with rich satin-y hues and bold red tones for a playful pop of color.
A: Relaxed denim cutoff shorts, longer Bermuda shorts, pull-on styles, linen and satin designs, and bloomer-inspired silhouettes are all trending this season.
Q: Are longer shorts more popular than shorter styles?
A: Both ultra-short and knee-grazing options are currently on point, but there's a strong shift toward longer, looser fits (think: jorts!) for everyday wear that feel comfortable and effortlessly cool.
Q: What fabrics should I look for in shorts?
A: Breathable linen and cotton blends are perfect for warm weather, while classic denim shorts remain a staple. Silky satin options like tap shorts add a dressier, lightweight touch.
Q: How can I style trendy shorts for different occasions?
A: Pair them with oversized button-downs or relaxed blazers for a polished look, or keep it easy with simple tees and sneakers or sandals for casual days.
Q: Can shorts work for both day and night looks?
A: Absolutely—tailored knee-length shapes, polished A-line cuts, and satin shorts styles can be dressed down with flats or elevated with heeled sandals and structured tops.
Q: What fit details make shorts feel current and flattering?
A: High or mid-rise waists, a slightly wider leg opening, and enough length for comfortable coverage are key details that align with current shorts trends, and work well on many body types.
Q: Are denim shorts still in style for summer 2026?
A: Yes, denim shorts—especially relaxed, longer silhouettes with a lived-in feel—remain a warm-weather essential and pair effortlessly with just about anything.
Q: What color shorts are trending this season?
A: White denim, classic blue, and soft neutrals are all popular, along with rich satin-y hues and bold red tones for a playful pop of color.
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