While men’s shorts have never been shorter – see Paul Mescal at the recent Gucci menswear show – women’s are only getting longer. Knee-length denim cut-offs, or “jorts”, are fast becoming the popular denim silhouette of the summer, championed by everyone from Gigi Hadid to Hailey Bieber to Katie Holmes. The best news is that they’re ideal for this current non-summer.
If jorts give you flashbacks to the early 2000s, you’re not alone. They’re part of the current vogue for all things Y2K, fuelled in large part by TikTokers who are dialling up the nostalgia with ballet flats and trucker caps. That the look is beloved by Gen Z, though, shouldn’t stop you from adopting it as part of a grown-up and modern workwear wardrobe.
“While thigh-high-and-above denim shorts are best kept for the beach, jorts have a modest nonchalance that is ideal for work,” says Alexandra Fullerton, stylist and founder of My3words.co. “An oversized poplin shirt, a slouchy blazer and chunky sandals or loafers are all ideal accompaniments that will add polish to the denim.”
Pay attention to details like the hemline and the pockets. “Make sure your office jorts are hemmed, not raw edged, and indigo or dark washes will look most professional,” advises Fullerton. “A pleat-front also makes them feel more trouser-y. Skater kids can get away with cargo pockets, rips, low-rider waistlines and bleached washes but to do shorts the grown-up way, look for darker washes and no distressing. Think smart dark jeans, just shorter.”
“The Risha is our best-seller, season after season,” says Karen Phelps, creative director of Agolde, whose denim is loved by celebrities including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kendall Jenner. “Inspired by vintage denim, it sits slightly low-slung on the waist with an emphasised longer inseam making it an easy style to dress up or down during the summer months.”
For many of us, there’s some serious sartorial maths going on when it comes to short lengths. Too much thigh on show, and you’re in chaffing and wedgie territory. Too little, and it can start to feel frumpy – like a geography teacher on a field trip to the beach.
“Jorts should hit on the knee, covering the kneecap, which is actually an incredibly flattering place for them to finish,” explains Fullerton. “It will divide your clothed body into 2/3, and create an aesthetically pleasing ratio that echoes the rule of thirds which artists apply to landscape or portrait painting. This ensures your body will be flatteringly in proportion.”
But that flattering effect depends on wearing jorts right. “Jorts need to be baggy. A fitted jort moves into capri pant territory, which is a whole other trend,” advises Fullerton. “The baggier silhouette is more elegant, makes your legs look slimmer and is more current. Whether you choose flat front or paperbag depends on your own body shape. Both look chic but a pleat front and Italian slanted pockets are ideal for wearing your jorts in smart, city situations.”
Of course, what you wear your shorts with is also important. If you’re opting for a longer pair, then it’s fine to have a slither of skin showing – whether that’s your midriff, décolletage, or shoulders – and even to style with a low kitten heel. For a shorter style, it’s the reverse – try a looser-fitting top, or something with longer sleeves, to avoid looking like a teenager.
And while the A-list favour Agolde, Toteme and Citizens of Humanity brands, the high street also has plenty of options, from Me+Em’s high-rise Bermudas, to Jigsaw’s A-line patchwork pair and M&S’s front pleat style. One of the most popular amongst fashion editors is Albaray’s denim Bermudas.
“We have recently introduced a denim bermuda or ‘jort’ style which is proving really popular,” says Karen Peacock, Albaray’s chief creative officer and co-founder. “This longer silhouette offers versatility and a smart edge which works with a variety of footwear from trainers to sandals to boots and will also allow customers to wear them for a variety of occasions, even the office.”
If you’d rather flaunt your legs, then the classic Daisy Duke – named after Catherine Bach’s character in The Dukes of Hazzard – never goes out of fashion.
“For mini-shorts, the most successful way to style them is by contrasting perceived notions,” says Fullerton. “We all know tiny denim shorts will look great on holiday with sliders, a vest and a piña Colada: so mix up those preconceptions and tuck a crisp, striped poplin shirt into the waistband, add a designer logo belt and fabric Mary Janes (I like the ones from Flabelus). Wider legs are definitely more flattering on any body shape – there should be a visible gap between skin and fabric – as spray-on shorts can look overtly sexy unless that’s the vibe you’re going for.”
The best “jorts” to buy now
Agolde Distressed denim shorts, £180, Net-a-Porter; Dark blue denim, £240, Toteme
Front pleat, £32.50, Marks & Spencer; High-rise bermuda, £150, ME+EM
Patch pocket, £65, Jigsaw
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
