As micro shorts take a back seat, relaxed, long shorts are stepping into the spotlight. Once associated with the ‘dadcore’ aesthetic of the ‘80s and ‘90s, long shorts have undergone a stylish revival, returning in elevated cuts and tailored finishes that make them surprisingly versatile. From boardrooms to brunches, the modern iteration can be dressed up or down with ease.
What are long shorts
They are knee-grazing or below-the-thigh shorts that offer a more relaxed, modest alternative to micro shorts. The long-shorts trend encompasses a range of silhouettes, including Bermuda shorts and culottes, all of which feel far more refined than the styles popularised in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Alayna Zaid, fashion expert and founder of Siorai, says, “Back then, they were largely casual, low-rise, oversized, and often styled as an extension of everyday basics. Today’s interpretation has a stronger focus on tailoring, proportion, and fabrication.” The silhouettes are now being paired with oversized blazers, sharp shirting, lightweight knits, and polished separates that give them a much more fashion-led appeal. They’re no longer just a practical summer piece; they’ve become part of the wider conversation around relaxed tailoring and modern dressing.
Luxury brands are repositioning long shorts as a sophisticated wardrobe staple. High-street brands are embracing the trend through a more accessible lens, often exploring denim, utility influences, and relaxed proportions, according to Alayna Zaid, fashion expert and founder of Siorai.
Spotted on runways and celebrities
While the term “long shorts” may still conjure up images of Adam Sandler and his signature oversized basketball shorts, the silhouette has undergone a more stylish transformation in recent years. Celebrities such as Zendaya have embraced tailored Bermuda shorts and elongated hemlines, helping elevate the once-casual style into a contemporary wardrobe staple. The trend has also found strong support on the runway. Across recent 2025/26 Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections, brands such as Loewe, Dior, Dries Van Noten and Jean Paul Gaultier showcased long shorts in a variety of silhouettes, styling them with everything from structured jackets to oversized shirts.
