We’re in a somewhat mini-heatwave here in London, and that can only mean one thing: summer is officially here! And with this in mind, I’ve already started daydreaming about packing away my tailored wool trousers by early autumn. And taking their place? Of course, shorts.
A great alternative to the myriad of trouser styles I wear in the cooler months, I live in shorts practically all summer long. And more and more, we’re seeing shorts become the go-to style for stylish dressers, no matter the season or temperature. Not only do they strike the perfect balance between classic and cool, but I believe that with the right styling tweaks, they can work for literally any occasion. I’ve already invested in a pair of trusty Bermuda shorts, but with elevating my summer capsule wardrobe at the top of my priorities this month, I decided to go in search of shorts styles that are ready to dominate the summer of 2026. And when I say the season’s trending shorts styles look fresh they all manage to feel timeless.
From cute lace iterations that will help dress down your tank tops and tees, to comfortable utility styles that are sure to earn you cool points among the fashion set, keep scrolling to discover seven shorts trends that will dominate the summer of 2026 and beyond.
7 Shorts Trends Every Fashion Person Will Be Wearing in 2026
1. Tailored
(Image credit: Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: When it gets too warm for tailored trousers, I turn to shorts in this smart silhouette to see me through to early autumn. Seen on the runway by the likes of Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss, they create the perfect outfit for trousers that you can easily wear to the office or to a summer evening.
Shop what’s trending:
Polo Ralph Lauren
pleated cotton shorts
Straight from the runway.
H&M
belted tailored shorts
These look much more expensive than their £23 price tag.
Anyin Bing
Bryce Pleated Wool-Blend Shorts
Wear with loafers, trainers and sandals alike.
reece
Linen-blend tailored shorts
2. lace
(Image credit: Xiatzi Chen Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Once considered dull or even stupid, Lace is now one of the trendiest garments of this season. We’ve already seen lace taking over the world of blouses, skirts and dresses, and it looks like shorts in this vintage-inspired print are set to dominate summer 2026. It’s versatile, classic and most importantly, it looks (and feels!) cool throughout the warm season.
Shop what’s trending:
Wear a tank top and flip-flops during the day, and a blouse and kitten heels in the evening.
asos design
Crochet Lace Shorts
This dark recurrence is calling me.
free people
slip into some shorts
Everyone will think he is a designer.
3. Utility
(Image credit: Balmain Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: If you love a pair of cargo pants as much as I do, let me introduce you to its little sister, the utility short. A much lighter alternative to the Y2K-inspired trousers we all know and love, utility shorts will bring a cool girl edge to all your outfits this summer.
Shop what’s trending:
isabel marant
Barta Cotton Straight-Leg Shorts
free people
Frankie Washed Shorts
Contrast these with a pair of elegant slingback heels.
next
Ecru Pull-On Utility Denim Shorts
The perfect pair to take from day to night.
working days
loose low rise cargo shorts
Weekends never disappoint me.
4. Bermuda
(Image credit: Max Mara Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: The perfect balance of looking put-together but low-effort and feeling chic, Bermuda shorts offer a cooler (no pun intended!) alternative to the baggy, airy trousers that typically dominate the summer season. As I mentioned earlier, I only invested in a classic black pair last year, but I have to be honest, the styles I’ve linked below are tempting me too.
Shop what’s trending:
The styling possibilities are endless.
H&M
Linen-Blend Bermuda Shorts
just a little
long bermuda shorts with darts
This chocolate brown pair is calling to me.
MS
pleated longline shorts
5. Boxer
(Image credit: MSGM Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Wearing boxer shorts outside your home may seem daunting, but they’re actually incredibly easy to style. Matching equally well with both casual and dressier outfits, this is the kind of low-effort, high-reward style you’ll rely on from now until the beginning of autumn.
Shop what’s trending:
with nothing below
boxer shorts
The navy creates a nice contrast to my usual black clothes.
come on si
La Boxer Classica Striped Cotton-Poplin Shorts
Wear a white button-down shirt and minimalist trainers for a cool off-duty look.
free people
we are free daily striped boxers
This sage green will pair well with neutrals and bold colors.
MS
Pure Cotton Poplin Pajama Shorts
These come in sizes UK 6 – 22.
6. embroidered
(Image credit: Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Embroidery was seen all over the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, but its shorts with this beautiful detail have caught my attention for the upcoming warm-weather season. It’s beautiful and charming, and the best part? This will act as the focal point of every summer outfit, allowing me to keep the rest of my outfit as light-hearted as I like.
Shop what’s trending:
Maje
embellished denim shorts
So easy to dress up or down.
guys i like this
Friends love these x Lucy Mecklenburg Cream Embroidered Tailored Shorts with Linen
Perfect for my summer trips.
anthropology
Meow Province Town Embroidered Shorts
camilla
Crystal-Embellished tulle-trimmed embroidered floral-print satin-jacquard shorts
Wear equally well with blouses, tanks and tees.
7. Bloomer
(Image credit: Yuhan Wang Spring/Summer 2026 – LaunchMetrics Spotlight)
Style Notes: Hearing the word “bloomers” may initially sound intimidating, but rest assured that summer of 2026 is all about those romantically soft and billowing iterations. These bloomers are comfortable, keep you cool, and add an effortless polish to your outfit, making them perfect for tank tops, tees, and dresses. Blouses without felt are out there.
Shop what’s trending:
free people
Darling Days Bloomers
asos design
pull up bloomer shorts i
I’ll keep things simple and style these with a plain white vest top and minimalist leather sandals.
Pauline Dujancourt
Nina Jacquard-Knit Shorts
