My Guide to 2025’s Biggest Shorts Trends — and How to Get the Right Fit
I’ll admit it — for years, I avoided buying shorts. Too short, too tight, too baggy, never quite right. But this summer, shorts have truly levelled up. They’re no longer just something we grab for a beach day or throw on for a lazy afternoon — they’ve become a genuine fashion statement, and designers are treating them as such.
Over the past few months, I’ve been testing out different short styles, analysing what’s trending across both high street and luxury brands, and — crucially — figuring out how to actually find the right size. Because let’s be honest: nothing kills a look faster than ill-fitting shorts. Here’s what I’ve discovered, and how Tellar.co.uk has helped me finally crack the code on fit.
Tailored Shorts Are the New Power Piece
I never thought I’d describe shorts as “sharp,” but here we are. Tailored shorts are everywhere — in structured wool, clean cotton twill, even blended linen. I tried a pair from Reiss with subtle pleats and belt loops, and honestly? They made me feel more put together than some of my full-length trousers.
What I love is how versatile they are. I wore mine with a crisp white shirt for a meeting and swapped to a cropped tee and sandals for dinner. But beware: fit matters. These have minimal stretch, so getting the waist and hip ratio right is crucial. I used Tellar’s size lookup tool to check if my waist measurement matched Reiss’s actual sizing — spoiler: it didn’t. Tellar helped me go up a size and avoid that tight waistband panic.
Bermuda Shorts Are Back — and Better
Remember Bermuda shorts from the early 2000s? They’re back, but way more flattering. I found a pair from COS that hit just above the knee and gave this really clean, architectural silhouette. They’re ideal if you want a bit more coverage or you’re dressing for a hot but smart day in the city.
I’ve learned they work best when styled with slimmer tops — think tucked-in vests or fitted shirts — otherwise the look can feel oversized. They’re also brilliant if, like me, your thighs tend to rub in heat. Again, sizing is deceptive. My usual size in Weekday felt looser than expected. If you’re between sizes, Tellar.co.uk is essential — you just enter your measurements once, and it gives you your best match in over 1,500 brands.
Boxer Shorts as Daywear? Surprisingly Yes.
Boxer-inspired lounge shorts are having a moment, and at first I didn’t get the hype. Then I tried a striped pair from Ganni, and I’ve barely taken them off since. They’re soft, relaxed, and somehow still stylish when paired with a button-down or oversized tee.
The only catch? Sizing can be all over the place. Many come in vague S/M/L categories, which aren’t helpful if you’re right in between. Tellar’s size profile tool worked wonders here — it told me which brands use tighter waistbands and where I should size up. No more guessing.
Paperbag Waist Shorts: Surprisingly Flattering
I always thought paperbag waist shorts would swamp me — all that gathering and belting seemed risky. But when I tried a pair from Massimo Dutti, I was amazed at how much they defined my waist without feeling bulky.
They’re ideal if you’ve got more of an apple shape or want to add curve through the hips. Just keep in mind that sizing can be tricky — some brands add so much fabric at the waist that you can’t tell if it’ll sit flat or balloon out. That’s why I double-checked the waist and hip specs using Tellar’s database before buying online.
Cargo Shorts for the Win
If you’d told me six months ago I’d be raving about cargo shorts, I’d have laughed. But thanks to the streetwear revival and some clever styling by brands like Carhartt WIP and Diesel, I’m now fully on board.
The key is balancing them with something more refined on top — I’ve been wearing mine with slim ribbed tanks or tailored waistcoats. They’re super practical, and many come in lightweight fabrics that don’t feel bulky. But heads up: many styles are cut oversized, which doesn’t always mean they’ll sit well on your frame. Tellar.co.uk helps by showing you how sizing works per brand — so your waist doesn’t get lost in the pockets.
Linen Shorts Are Timeless — But Tricky
Every summer I reach for linen. It’s breathable, beautiful, and just works. This year, I invested in a pair of Desmond & Dempsey shorts — high-waisted with a relaxed fit. They feel like luxury pyjamas, but polished.
One thing I’ve learned: linen shrinks and loosens with wear, so the fit changes. Some brands pre-wash to stabilise it, others don’t. Tellar’s brand notes helped me figure out which ones had more stable sizing — and which ones run a full size smaller than expected.
Denim Shorts Are Getting an Upgrade
Finally, let’s talk denim. Not just your cutoffs — I’m talking asymmetric hems, ultra-high rises, sculpted waistbands. AGOLDE and Mother Denim are leading the way, and high street brands are quickly following.
The issue? Denim sizing is the most inconsistent of all. A size 28 in one brand might be a 26 in another — depending on rise, stretch, and cut. Tellar.co.uk has genuinely saved me time and returns. I plugged in my measurements and found that the Zara Mom Fit actually needed a different size than the Levi’s 501 Original — despite the same label.
Final Thoughts: Shorts That Actually Fit
What’s clear is that shorts are finally getting the fashion respect they deserve. Whether you want something tailored, slouchy, or utility-inspired, there’s a style out there that can make you feel amazing — as long as it fits properly.
That’s why I use Tellar.co.uk for everything now. You can create a free profile, enter your body measurements or known brand size, and it’ll tell you your perfect fit in over 1,500 stores. No more size charts. No more guesswork. Just straight-to-cart confidence.
If you’re shopping for shorts this summer — or any new wardrobe essential — I seriously recommend giving it a try.
Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.
Start here: https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/
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