Nope, Bermuda shorts aren't shorts people in Bermuda wear, although the style did originate from there. Traditionally, Bermuda shorts sit on the waist, fall just below the knee and have a semi-casual appearance. You'll now find slightly different takes on the classic design, with denim and faux leather Bermuda shorts that come in black, white and pretty much any shade you can imagine.
To help you pick the best Bermuda shorts for women, we've put together this buying guide. We've included everything you need to know about sizing, fabric and fit, including plus-size and petite. Check out our ranking of the top 10 best women's Bermuda shorts in the UK, available from ASOS, Amazon, Argos and John Lewis!
Quick List - Top Women's Bermuda Shorts
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There are a few things you should consider when searching for a pair of Bermuda shorts that are flattering and comfortable. Luckily for you, we've put together this guide with tips to help you select the right material and fit for your needs!
Clothing sizes can vary wildly between brands as there are no universal measurements when producing women's clothing. That's why shopping in size-specific ranges can help you narrow down your search for the perfect fit!
Many brands have specific ranges for "plus-size" and "petite" women. Standard, or "straight size" clothing is typically made to fit women over 5' 5". So if you're under 5' 4", you might want to buy petite shorts. This will ensure you get the knee-length fit Bermuda shorts are known for.
There's no set shape for Bermuda shorts. They typically sit just above the knee and tend to have a regular, relaxed or slim leg shape. The relaxed fit is particularly good for women with hourglass figures as the loose silhouette helps to balance curves - not to mention, they're the most comfortable style too!
Tailored shorts often have a regular fit. They're not as wide as the relaxed fit, which gives them a smart-casual appearance. This style is great for women of all body shapes, and make for stylish summer office wear.
Slim fit shorts are the equivalent of skinny jeans, as they hug the leg. This fit helps shape the figure, allowing you to show off your curves with confidence. These suit both curvy and slim figures, but can be a bit restricting.
Bermuda shorts come in all kinds of fabrics, from woven polyester to stretchy cotton denim. But it's not just about how the fabrics look, they also have some practical benefits. Find out what they are below!
Denim is a popular choice, as it's hardwearing. These shorts will last a long time and hold up better against daily wear and tear. However, denim is also insulating, so it's best not to wear these shorts on especially hot days, unless you wan to end up feeling hot and sticky!
Denim is commonly made from cotton, but it can also be mixed with elastane, viscose and polyester. Elastane gives the denim some stretch, which can be further enhanced by choosing a viscose-polyester blend. Stretchy denim is less restricting, making it more comfortable for wear whilst walking or doing physical activity.
Whether you choose an attractive matte or gloss finish, faux leather shorts also have their advantages. It's resistant to stains and UV light, so the colour won't fade over time. But, like denim, this fabric is better worn on cooler days as it isn't very breathable.
Faux leather is often made from Polyurethane (PU), which is cotton or polyester fabric that's coated in PU plastic. It's a vegan material with a similar feel and look to leather, although not as hardwearing as the real thing.
Woven fabrics are thick and stiff, which gives them a more structured look. Top choices are polyester or cotton, which are both breathable materials. These fabrics are much lighter than denim and faux leather, so are better for warmer days.
Check to see if a woven fabric contains a small percentage of elastane to give the material some stretch. This is particularly important for curvy woven as it'll help you achieve a closer fit. Although, woven shorts without stretch can work particularly well for rectangular and athletic body types.
You've probably seen chino trousers and shorts before, but did you know it's a type of fabric? Chinos use a twill fabric made out of cotton, and sometimes elastane for stretch. Chino shorts are a popular choice as they can be worn with both smart and casual looks.
The construction makes the fabric durable, so it'll last a long time. In fact, British army uniforms are often made from chino fabric, as it is one of the only materials that can outlast rigorous training. Furthermore, It's ideal for warm days, as it is naturally breathable.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mango Cotton Blend Pleated Bermuda Shorts | ![]() | Stunning Traditional Suit Appearance | |
2 | Tu Petite Denim Bermuda Shorts | ![]() | A Better Length for a Petite Frame | |
3 | FatFace Navy Falmouth Bermuda Chino Shorts | ![]() | Chino Shorts in a Bermuda Style | |
4 | Whistles Bermuda Shorts in Acid Light Wash | ![]() | Sustainable Cotton Shorts With a Relaxed Fit | |
5 | Ghospell Tailored Bermuda Shorts | ![]() | Professional Pastel Co-Ord With Stretch | |
6 | ASOS DESIGN Curve denim '90's' longline shorts | ![]() | ||
7 | Twisted Wunder Bermuda Shorts Co-Ord in Multi Mini Chec | ![]() | Standout in This Colourful Print | |
8 | BB Dakota PU Bermuda Short in Green | ![]() | Light-Weight Vegan Alternative to Leather | |
9 | Mango Faux Leather Bermuda Shorts | ![]() | A Tracksuit Design With a Glossy Shine |
These show-stopping shorts fall just above the knee in true Bermuda style! The tailoring is by far the best on our list, as they have two very neat tucks that create a structured effect that resembles suit trousers. The thick material only adds to this, giving them an office-ready look.
They'll flatter most body types as the fabric is stretchy enough to adapt to your shape, and the red colour looks very bold. They belt loops, pockets and they're machine washable, so you can easily clean them at home.
If you're under 5' 4", you might want to try these petite shorts. They'll be a better fit lengthwise, resting just above your knee as Bermuda shorts should. Sometimes a slim fit can feel a bit too restricting around the legs, but the extra fabric around the thighs to stop these from feeling uncomfortable.
These jeans shorts are made from stretch cotton and they're true to size. They also have a classic mid-wash that'll match pretty much any top in your wardrobe.
Do you remember what we said about chino fabric in our buying guide? That's right, it's one of the most hardwearing fabrics you can buy! It's also lightweight and breathable, so you won't feel hot and sticky wearing these all summer long.
The flattering cut and dark colour gives these shorts a smart yet versatile look. You could dress them up for work or wear them with a t-shirt on your days off. They're also stretchy for improved comfort.
Denim Bermuda shorts often have a slim fit, but not these! This pair have a relaxed shape with a wider leg to balance curves and help you to stay cool in the heat. The shorts look attractive with a light acid wash, and the denim is 100% cotton, so will feel comfortable against your skin.
Whistles only make sustainable cotton garments, so they'll be a more environmentally friendly pick. Best of all, they have five pockets to store your phone, keys and more!
These shorts come as a co-ord set with a matching blazer! So if you need a smart suit, you can purchase them together, or separately if you simply fancy a pair of pastel shorts. We love the beautiful lilac colour that looks bold with a feminine touch.
They're tailored with tucks at the front and back, which will give them a better fit. This means they'll be tighter at the waist, but with plenty of movement around the legs. The material also has some stretch to stop them from being restricting.
It can be hard to find a good pair of plus-sized denim shorts, but we may have finally found some! These organic cotton shorts have a relaxed fit for a casual vibe, without being to big and baggy, and the lightwash makes them incredibly easy to pair with both light and dark clothing.
However, you may want to buy a size or two bigger, as these shorts tend to run small. But once you find a comfortable fit, you won't want to take them off. The fabric is soft and of excellent quality, with a distressed hem that complements the design perfectly.
If you're looking for something a bit different, try these Twisted Wunder Bermuda shorts. They look a bit different to the traditional style as they're a lot shorter than knee length.
The colourful print gives them a creative design that's perfect for anyone who likes fun pieces, and you can even purchase a top in the same material to match. Unfortunately, they don't have a belt loop or any stretch, so they aren't as adaptable to individual body shapes.
These PU faux leather shorts look just as good as the real thing, but no animals have been harmed in the making! They're very comfortable, with a wide leg cut and made from a material that's lightweight.
That said, you'll probably want to save these for cooler days, as the PU fabric can get quite warm. In fact, they'd look great with a pair of black tights if you fancy incorporating them into your autumn and winter wardrobe. Furthermore, they have a nice fit as the back of the shorts is elasticated.
You probably haven't seen anything like these PU leather shorts before! The oversized design resembles tracksuit shorts, but the glossy shine of the material gives them a smart-casual look. They're very flattering too, as they come in a slimming black colour and have a slightly longer length.
The fully elasticated waist might start to feel tight and uncomfortable if you're wearing them all day. Although, it will improve the fit, especially if you have a curvy figure. Plus, there's a comfortable lining inside.
Alongside Bermuda shorts, there's plenty of other clothing items you can buy to create a smart-causal wardrobe. So if you're shopping for a sophisticated office look, we've ranked some of the best women's work trousers, shirt dresses and mule heels available to buy online!
We hope you've found our buying guide helpful and enjoyed browsing through our ranking of the top 10 best Bermuda shorts. If you haven't already brought a pair, remember to consider material and the cut of the leg when comparing options. We're sure you'll look and feel great in your new shorts!
Author: Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: Mango|Cotton Blend Pleated Bermuda Shorts
No. 2: Tu|Petite Denim Bermuda Shorts
No. 3: FatFace|Navy Falmouth Bermuda Chino Shorts
No. 4: Whistles|Bermuda Shorts in Acid Light Wash
No. 5: Ghospell|Tailored Bermuda Shorts
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