What Is a Bermuda Shorts?
09 Apr 2024
When the movie "Pretty Woman" was released in 1990, the popularity of Bermuda shorts skyrocketed. You bet Julia Roberts in shorts with arrow prints looked incredibly luxurious and elegant in contrast to the ultra mini skirt. On the wave of general interest in the fashion of the 90's Bermudas simply could not go unnoticed. For a century and a bit, these shorts have gone from military uniforms to clothes from fashionable catwalks.
Bicycle shorts, another of the brightest hits of those years, returned to fashion at the end of the last decade, but their triumph was short-lived. However, Bermuda shorts had a much more successful cut, and soon began to confidently supplant the tight-fitting "bicycle shorts". Today wide knee-length shorts occupy a strong position in street fashion, cautiously make their way into the women's business closet, and it is simply impossible to imagine a summer vacation without them.
The secret of the successful return is that Bermudas is suitable for women with almost any complexion and height. For the same reason, it is easy to choose add-ons to them and create successful images for any season. Comfortable, yet calm and restrained, they are perfect for informal sets with T-shirts and for office looks with jackets and classic shirts.
Many people wonder what the word "Bermuda" means in the context of clothing, where did this name come from? How should you style Bermuda shorts in summer 2024? Keep reading this blog and you will find out the answers.
Bicycle shorts, another of the brightest hits of those years, returned to fashion at the end of the last decade, but their triumph was short-lived. However, Bermuda shorts had a much more successful cut, and soon began to confidently supplant the tight-fitting "bicycle shorts". Today wide knee-length shorts occupy a strong position in street fashion, cautiously make their way into the women's business closet, and it is simply impossible to imagine a summer vacation without them.
The secret of the successful return is that Bermudas is suitable for women with almost any complexion and height. For the same reason, it is easy to choose add-ons to them and create successful images for any season. Comfortable, yet calm and restrained, they are perfect for informal sets with T-shirts and for office looks with jackets and classic shirts.
Many people wonder what the word "Bermuda" means in the context of clothing, where did this name come from? How should you style Bermuda shorts in summer 2024? Keep reading this blog and you will find out the answers.
Why Are They Called Bermuda Shorts?
Bermuda shorts, or simply Bermudas, have become one of the most popular items of summer clothing. Originally introduced as a less formal alternative to military uniforms, they quickly made their way first into men's and then women's closets.
This shorts, it's easy to guess, is named after the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean. As a British colony, the islands were one of the hottest spots in the empire, so soldiers and workers had to come up with new ways to escape the debilitating heat. Nathaniel Coxon, who owned a tea house in Bermuda, was the first to introduce shorts as a uniform. To make life easier for waiters and bartenders who worked for the tea house, Coxon dressed them in shorts just above the knee.
In the 1950s, Bermudas gained their mass popularity. Before that, shorts were only appropriate for children and as part of school uniforms. However, the "formality" of Bermudas made them popular among American students so much so that many Ivy League universities banned the wearing of shorts on their campuses. By the 1980s, however, all these bans were lifted, and shorts returned not only to campuses but became more common on the streets. By that time, bermuda shorts were still made "strict" - mostly of beige fabric, they were hemmed so that the length was just above the knee, and some models were even accompanied by pant arrows.
Bottega Veneta's creative director, Daniel Lee, brought Bermudas to the runway for the first time. They were gorgeous black leather shorts. Since then, this element of clothing has ceased to be masculine and has become more universal. Including the season, because the Bermudas are relevant all year round. Even in the winter time, you can still wear them with tights, sweaters, and warm boots.
This shorts, it's easy to guess, is named after the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean. As a British colony, the islands were one of the hottest spots in the empire, so soldiers and workers had to come up with new ways to escape the debilitating heat. Nathaniel Coxon, who owned a tea house in Bermuda, was the first to introduce shorts as a uniform. To make life easier for waiters and bartenders who worked for the tea house, Coxon dressed them in shorts just above the knee.
In the 1950s, Bermudas gained their mass popularity. Before that, shorts were only appropriate for children and as part of school uniforms. However, the "formality" of Bermudas made them popular among American students so much so that many Ivy League universities banned the wearing of shorts on their campuses. By the 1980s, however, all these bans were lifted, and shorts returned not only to campuses but became more common on the streets. By that time, bermuda shorts were still made "strict" - mostly of beige fabric, they were hemmed so that the length was just above the knee, and some models were even accompanied by pant arrows.
Bottega Veneta's creative director, Daniel Lee, brought Bermudas to the runway for the first time. They were gorgeous black leather shorts. Since then, this element of clothing has ceased to be masculine and has become more universal. Including the season, because the Bermudas are relevant all year round. Even in the winter time, you can still wear them with tights, sweaters, and warm boots.
What’s the Difference Between Bermuda Shorts and Capris?
First of all, let's define the concepts. Both Bermuda shorts and capris are good because they allow you to demonstrate slim legs - and this is a real boon for warm weather.
Capri is a narrow pants, the length of which can reach the middle of the lower leg. Bermudas are long, loose-fitting shorts just above or up to the knee.
With Coco Chanel's initiative, pants have taken a leading position in women's closets, but the designer Sonia de Lennart is considered to be the inventor of the shortened model. Pants, cut at the middle of the shin, called capri - by the name of the Italian island of Capri, where the idea was born. As the legend goes, it was inspired by local fishermen who tucked their pants for convenience.
Very quickly the trend was picked up by other fashion houses, and in the fifties-sixties, no show was without a demonstration of a closet item so beloved by women. In 1952, costume designer Edith Head chose this style to create the image of Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday". Subsequently, capri became an element of the everyday style of the actress, and after her, the trend was picked up by other celebrities of the time: Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, and others.
Bermuda shorts appeared in the early XIX century as an element of military uniform. They got their name in honor of the Bermuda Islands, where the British landed during the First World War. In the post-war period, this clothing was firmly associated with beach vacations, summer walks, and sports.
Capri is a narrow pants, the length of which can reach the middle of the lower leg. Bermudas are long, loose-fitting shorts just above or up to the knee.
With Coco Chanel's initiative, pants have taken a leading position in women's closets, but the designer Sonia de Lennart is considered to be the inventor of the shortened model. Pants, cut at the middle of the shin, called capri - by the name of the Italian island of Capri, where the idea was born. As the legend goes, it was inspired by local fishermen who tucked their pants for convenience.
Very quickly the trend was picked up by other fashion houses, and in the fifties-sixties, no show was without a demonstration of a closet item so beloved by women. In 1952, costume designer Edith Head chose this style to create the image of Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday". Subsequently, capri became an element of the everyday style of the actress, and after her, the trend was picked up by other celebrities of the time: Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, and others.
Bermuda shorts appeared in the early XIX century as an element of military uniform. They got their name in honor of the Bermuda Islands, where the British landed during the First World War. In the post-war period, this clothing was firmly associated with beach vacations, summer walks, and sports.
Who Can Wear Bermuda Shorts?
It is known that tall and slender ladies go with almost any clothes. Bermuda shorts are no exception. The beauty of the fashionable product is that it not only highlights the advantageous features of the figure but also well hides the flaws of the body shape, creating a visual balance of the silhouette.
When buying classic knee-length Bermudas, petite size ladies have to be careful, since they will definitely not suit low women with forms. The petite figure will become "heavy", and more squat with Bermudas easily. Otherwise, this clothing is ideal: it suits women of any age. Also, Bermudas with pleasure are worn by men, for whom they were originally created.
When buying classic knee-length Bermudas, petite size ladies have to be careful, since they will definitely not suit low women with forms. The petite figure will become "heavy", and more squat with Bermudas easily. Otherwise, this clothing is ideal: it suits women of any age. Also, Bermudas with pleasure are worn by men, for whom they were originally created.
How to Wear Bermuda Shorts for Women in 2024?
Their variations are impossible not to notice in the Instagram accounts of fashionistas and it-girls, and more and more brands are offering their interpretations. This variation of shorts is one of the most unique components of a woman's closet. With their help, you can form an appealing outfit in any style and for any season. In 2024, Bermuda shorts with a classic straight cut and length just below the knee will be in trend. You can choose a successful model both for a strict office suit and for a romantic and delicate image and here are some chic outfit ideas.
*️⃣Bermudas for office
For office style, Bermuda shorts are the most suitable of all shorts. Laconic business suits made of structured cotton, viscose, or linen are a summer must-have for those who must adhere to a certain dress code in the office (in the heat it is especially hard to do it). You can replenish your closet with two or three suits at once: monochrome beige, plaid, striped - these are the most versatile options that are easy to mix with different shoes and accessories.
Wear a short-sleeved shirt, a basic top, or a T-shirt under the jacket. Complete the look with pointy-toed open-back shoes, mules, or leather rough sandals without flashy decorations. To make this look suitable for a party - just add a massive necklace and change your business bag for a smart mini dress.
*️⃣With a shirt
Bermuda shorts in combination with a shirt is a great alternative to a pantsuit. Moreover, all models will look good: from voluminous to fitted. Wear the first one on release, as Jil Sander suggests, and the last one tucked into the shorts and complement the image with a belt - you will get a graceful "hourglass" silhouette. Bermudas with a print will add a special zest to the look. Stripe, plaid, or even snake print, like Luke and Lucy Meyer.
*️⃣With a cardigan
This perfect combo was created by Jonathan Anderson. The designer proposed to combine Bermuda shorts with a relaxed cardigan. You can choose the style of the latter to your taste: tight or voluminous, as at the Loewe show. We recommend tucking either option into your shorts to keep your proportions balanced. And to make the look more interesting, wear a shirt under the cardigan - it will make a great outfit for the office. The final touch - loafers or "masculine" derbies. The wow effect is guaranteed.
*️⃣Summer vacation style
Stylists highly recommend including Bermuda shorts on your summer vacation shopping list. After all, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, ramie, and silk are best suited for hot weather. However, modern materials such as modal, lyocell, and viscose should not be forgotten.
Light-colored Bermudas made of linen fabric are perfect for informal vacations. Just add a pair of brightly colored T-shirts or print T-shirts to your suitcase, and you can create comfortable and organic looks for hot summer days. Complement such Bermudas with sandals, sneakers, or flip-flops to complete a stylish summer bow.
On cooler days, you can complement light-colored Bermuda shorts with a nautical-inspired cotton pullover, espadrilles, or sneakers to match. The combination of white and beige creates the most relaxed image and protects from the scorching sun. Choosing natural shades and materials, such as unbleached linen, will emphasize the naturalness of your style. A straw backpack or a woven cross body bag is recommended as accessories. The final touch will be a hat with a high brim and a small brim, adding summer freshness and charm to your look.
*️⃣Denim Bermudas
Feel like Britney Spears of the early noughties and put together a denim total-bow to get the most on-trend look of the season. Rhyme the denim Bermuda shorts with a top or vest made of the same material. By the way, if the denim is the same color, in such an outfit you will look a little taller and slimmer.
But you don't have to dare to make fashionable experiments. Denim Bermudas are universal players and perfectly rhyme with both basic models and trendy "naive". Complement such shorts with a tight or shortened knit top or a flying blouse with ruffles. Just remember, if you want to look slimmer, the waist area should remain undercoated or open, as in the case of cropped models. Then the clothes will not add extra centimeters to the silhouette.
*️⃣With a romantic top
A more romantic image will turn out if you combine Bermuda shorts with a seductive top. With airy ruffles like Christian Dior, with cutouts, or just with floral decorations. Moreover, such a top will look good with both strict suit shorts and more relaxed denim shorts - it all depends on where you plan to go. The cherry on the cake is boat shoes or slingbacks, which will make the outfit even more feminine.
*️⃣For winter outfits
Those who think that Bermuda shorts are exclusively summer clothes are deeply mistaken. Another undeniable plus of Bermudas is that they can be worn all year round. In order not to freeze in late fall or winter, choose Bermudas made of denser fabrics, such as tweed or leather. Warm Bermudas will look appropriate for monochrome turtlenecks or blouses with jackets wide cut. Regarding outerwear, for winter shorts is best to choose a long coat, sheepskin, or long down jacket, refusing a short jacket. When combining bermudas with insulated tights, it is worth bearing in mind that owners of low height should not wear light-colored bermudas over dark tights.
*️⃣Bermudas for office
For office style, Bermuda shorts are the most suitable of all shorts. Laconic business suits made of structured cotton, viscose, or linen are a summer must-have for those who must adhere to a certain dress code in the office (in the heat it is especially hard to do it). You can replenish your closet with two or three suits at once: monochrome beige, plaid, striped - these are the most versatile options that are easy to mix with different shoes and accessories.
Wear a short-sleeved shirt, a basic top, or a T-shirt under the jacket. Complete the look with pointy-toed open-back shoes, mules, or leather rough sandals without flashy decorations. To make this look suitable for a party - just add a massive necklace and change your business bag for a smart mini dress.
*️⃣With a shirt
Bermuda shorts in combination with a shirt is a great alternative to a pantsuit. Moreover, all models will look good: from voluminous to fitted. Wear the first one on release, as Jil Sander suggests, and the last one tucked into the shorts and complement the image with a belt - you will get a graceful "hourglass" silhouette. Bermudas with a print will add a special zest to the look. Stripe, plaid, or even snake print, like Luke and Lucy Meyer.
*️⃣With a cardigan
This perfect combo was created by Jonathan Anderson. The designer proposed to combine Bermuda shorts with a relaxed cardigan. You can choose the style of the latter to your taste: tight or voluminous, as at the Loewe show. We recommend tucking either option into your shorts to keep your proportions balanced. And to make the look more interesting, wear a shirt under the cardigan - it will make a great outfit for the office. The final touch - loafers or "masculine" derbies. The wow effect is guaranteed.
*️⃣Summer vacation style
Stylists highly recommend including Bermuda shorts on your summer vacation shopping list. After all, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, ramie, and silk are best suited for hot weather. However, modern materials such as modal, lyocell, and viscose should not be forgotten.
Light-colored Bermudas made of linen fabric are perfect for informal vacations. Just add a pair of brightly colored T-shirts or print T-shirts to your suitcase, and you can create comfortable and organic looks for hot summer days. Complement such Bermudas with sandals, sneakers, or flip-flops to complete a stylish summer bow.
On cooler days, you can complement light-colored Bermuda shorts with a nautical-inspired cotton pullover, espadrilles, or sneakers to match. The combination of white and beige creates the most relaxed image and protects from the scorching sun. Choosing natural shades and materials, such as unbleached linen, will emphasize the naturalness of your style. A straw backpack or a woven cross body bag is recommended as accessories. The final touch will be a hat with a high brim and a small brim, adding summer freshness and charm to your look.
*️⃣Denim Bermudas
Feel like Britney Spears of the early noughties and put together a denim total-bow to get the most on-trend look of the season. Rhyme the denim Bermuda shorts with a top or vest made of the same material. By the way, if the denim is the same color, in such an outfit you will look a little taller and slimmer.
But you don't have to dare to make fashionable experiments. Denim Bermudas are universal players and perfectly rhyme with both basic models and trendy "naive". Complement such shorts with a tight or shortened knit top or a flying blouse with ruffles. Just remember, if you want to look slimmer, the waist area should remain undercoated or open, as in the case of cropped models. Then the clothes will not add extra centimeters to the silhouette.
*️⃣With a romantic top
A more romantic image will turn out if you combine Bermuda shorts with a seductive top. With airy ruffles like Christian Dior, with cutouts, or just with floral decorations. Moreover, such a top will look good with both strict suit shorts and more relaxed denim shorts - it all depends on where you plan to go. The cherry on the cake is boat shoes or slingbacks, which will make the outfit even more feminine.
*️⃣For winter outfits
Those who think that Bermuda shorts are exclusively summer clothes are deeply mistaken. Another undeniable plus of Bermudas is that they can be worn all year round. In order not to freeze in late fall or winter, choose Bermudas made of denser fabrics, such as tweed or leather. Warm Bermudas will look appropriate for monochrome turtlenecks or blouses with jackets wide cut. Regarding outerwear, for winter shorts is best to choose a long coat, sheepskin, or long down jacket, refusing a short jacket. When combining bermudas with insulated tights, it is worth bearing in mind that owners of low height should not wear light-colored bermudas over dark tights.
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