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Spring is here, and you know what that means: it’s time to dust off the shorts and let your pins see daylight again. But if you’re not quite ready to embrace the short-shorts trend, don’t worry, there’s always Bermuda shorts, and they’re looking seriously cool right now in the world of men’s style.
We particularly rate men’s Bermuda shorts because they’re just so versatile: wear them with sandals on the weekend, loafers to the office or sneakers to the pub. They suit just about every body shape too, although guys on the shorter side might want to look for a pair that finishes just below or on the knee, while taller guys can easily get away with a longer cut.
So, to help you fill out your spring wardrobe, here’s our roundup of the coolest men’s Bermuda shorts you won’t regret buying.
The Best Men’s Bermuda Shorts
1. Zara Relaxed Fit Denim Bermuda Shorts
If you’re new to men’s Bermuda shorts, Zara’s relaxed-fit denim pair is a pretty safe place to start. It’s denim, so it’s going to already feel familiar to you, but the longer length and relaxed leg give it a more modern shape than a standard pair of cut-offs.
Wear these Bermuda shorts with a plain white T-shirt, a striped shirt or a loose overshirt. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the length of the shorts do the work. We like denim Bermuda shorts with a slightly chunky sneaker or a simple leather sandal, especially when the denim has a washed finish.
Why they’re cool: Denim shorts are familiar, and this pair is super easy to wear and gives you the longer Bermuda shape without straying too far from what you already probably wear.
2. Cotton On Super Baggy Pleated Short
Cotton On’s Super Baggy Pleated Short is for anyone who wants to try the wider Bermuda short without spending a fortune. The pleats give the front a bit of shape, while the baggy cut keeps things relaxed and comfortable all round.
Try a fitted or regular-cut tee, a tucked-in knit polo or a short-sleeve shirt worn open over a singlet.
We love the shape of these ones – they aren’t conservative shorts, but they aren’t hard to style either. If you’ve been wearing slim shorts for years, the extra room will take a day or two to get used to. After that, you’ll probably wonder why your old shorts were so narrow.
Why they’re cool: You get the oversized, pleated look at a budget-friendly price, which makes them an easy first step into wider shorts.
3. Bronze Snake Dom Relaxed Short
The Dom Relaxed Short from Bronze Snake is a good option if you want a pair of men’s Bermuda shorts that are cool but understated. The sand colour is a big selling point too – it’s very easy to wear with any coloured shirt you can think of: white, black, faded blue, olive shirts and so on.
These Bermuda shorts look especially good with a simple white tee and brown sneakers, or with a pale blue shirt and leather sandals. You can also lean into the tonal look with a chocolate or tan top.
Why they’re cool: They’re a really easy pair to throw on before you head out the door to lunch or the pub.
4. Studio Nicholson Fowld Pleated Short
The Fowld Pleated Short is our premium Bermuda short on this list. Made from a 74% cotton and 26% linen blend, it’s the perfect fabric for warmer weather. It’s designed with an oversized fit, so expect a generous leg and a longer line.
This is a style of Bermuda short that can be worn in a more elevated setting, like the office. Wear it with a clean shirt or a fine knit and finish with loafers, derbies or minimal sneakers.
If you like clothes with a bit of texture and don’t mind spending more on a good summer piece, this is a strong one.
Why they’re cool: The cotton-linen blend is great for summer, and gives a more elevated look.
5. XLARGE Amplify Pleated Short in Chocolate
The XLARGE Amplify Pleated Short has a lot going for it, especially at under $110. It’s a loose-fitting tailored short with front pleats, a wide leg, and an adjustable waistband. The chocolate stripe adds a subtle pattern into the mix if you’re wanting to move away from block colours.
You can wear these with a T-shirt and sneakers, but it also works with a shirt and loafers when you need to look a little more put together. We like the chocolate version for spring and summer, but it also comes in a striped black, if that’d more your style.
Why they’re cool: They look more expensive than they are, and the wide tailored fit works across casual and smarter outfits.
6. COS Belted Wide-Leg Denim Shorts
These COS Belted Wide-Leg Denim Shorts are made from pure cotton denim and feature front pleats, a wide leg and an adjustable belt. The indigo colour is an absolute classic, while the construction makes them look more like trousers that have been shortened. The belt is a nice detail we like because it gives the waist a cleaner finish.
Wear these with a tucked-in shirt or a simple tee. A suede loafer would work well, while a clean white sneaker would keep the outfit more relaxed. Just avoid adding too many oversized pieces at once (the shorts already have plenty of volume).
Why they’re cool: They’re denim shorts with the structure of tailored trousers.
7. Mutimer Side Pleat Shorts
Looking for Bermuda shorts with a side of extra volume? Go for these Mutimer’s Side Pleat Shorts. The design uses dual side pleats to create a wide, billowing silhouette, with the shorts sitting below the knee. They’re made from 100% cotton gabardine and finished with a faux tortoise-shell button and an embroidered M motif.
These are a statement pair, so they don’t need much styling. A close-fitting tee or cropped shirt will perfectly balance the width. If you’re wearing a larger top, keep the rest of the outfit clean and choose a shoe with a bit of weight – a substantial sneaker, derby or workwear-inspired shoe will keep everything in proportion.
Why they’re cool: The side pleats create a more voluminous shape than standard Bermuda shorts.
8. Porter James Double-Pleated Shorts
Porter James knows how to make a good pair of pleated shorts. This brown pair is cut wide through the leg and finishes just below the knee, with a semi-elasticated waistband for a bit of extra comfort. The fabric is a structured cotton blend with nylon and a small amount of stretch.
Again, we think brown is the ideal colour for these shorts, and you could pair them with an ecru tee, a navy knit polo, a white shirt or a faded denim overshirt. In the footwear department, loafers and suede sneakers are both good options.
Why they’re cool: The fit is wide, the brown is easy to match with the rest of your wardrobe, and the waistband gives you comfort without ruining the shape.
9. Thrills Visions Jacob Short
The Visions Jacob Short from Thrills is a more relaxed take on the Bermuda shape. It’s a great option for weekend-wear when you want to keep it casual but still look stylish.
Try it with a vintage tee, a rugby top or a loose short-sleeve shirt. Skate shoes and retro runners are the obvious match, though a simple sandal can work when the weather is sunny and warm.
Why they’re cool: Easy to style and a little more interesting than the usual black or beige shorts.
10. I Love Ugly Alby Pleated Short
The Alby Pleated Short from I Love Ugly is built around an oversized, baggy fit with a half-elastic waistband. The shape is extra fluid and drapey, and the navy colour gives it a rich, slightly dressier feel.
These are a great choice if you like the look of tailoring but still want to be comfortable. Wear them with a waffle tank, a Cuban-collar shirt, a simple knit or a tucked-in tee. A chunky sneaker will make the outfit feel more casual, while a loafer or leather sandal is a better option if you need to dress it up.
The half-elastic waistband is a great feature too; you get the clean look of a waistband at the front, with a little more room when you’re sitting, walking or eating a very ambitious lunch.
Why they’re cool: The drape is excellent, and it comes in five versatile colours.
What Counts as Bermuda Shorts?
Men’s Bermuda shorts are longer shorts that generally finish around the knee or just above it. They’re usually cut with a straight, relaxed or tailored leg rather than a close fit through the thigh. They often have pleats, belt loops, welt pockets and a more structured waistband.
The length, however, is the main thing. A short pair of running shorts, for example, isn’t a Bermuda, even if it has a relaxed fit. As a rough guide, look for an inseam of around 20 to 25cm, though the right length will depend on your height and how much room you like through the leg.
Importantly, a good pair should be nowhere near touching your thighs, and you should be able to sit down comfortably. Make sure when you sit down that the hem creates a clean line instead of bunching up.
What Shoes Should You Wear with Bermuda Shorts?
The best shoe depends on the exact Bermuda shorts. Tailored or pleated Bermuda shorts work well with loafers, derbies, woven leather shoes and leather sneakers.
Denim and baggier styles pair best with more casual shoes, like retro runners, skate shoes, canvas sneakers or sandals.
If you’re not sure which shoe to pair your Bermuda shorts with, start with a simple white or off-white sneaker. It works with denim, brown, black, navy and most earthy colours.
Men’s Bermuda Shorts FAQs
As with any trends, it depends on your workplace. In a creative office, tailored Bermuda shorts look very cool with a collared shirt, belt, clean socks and loafers. Choose a pair in wool or linen rather than denim. For a more conservative office or client meeting, we’d leave them at home unless shorts are specifically accepted in the dress code.
If you’re buying your first pair, start with chocolate, black, navy, indigo, stone or olive. These colours are easy to wear with white, cream, grey, blue and other earthy tones.
Absolutely, but the trick is to avoid a very wide leg combined with an overly long hem, as that can weigh down the shape. Look for a pair that finishes around the knee, wear a shorter or tucked-in top, and choose shoes with some structure, like chunky sneakers.
One hundred per cent!. Crew socks work really well with Bermuda shorts, especially with sneakers or loafers. White socks are the easiest option, but a bit of colour can make a simple outfit a lot more interesting.
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