Tiktok is filled with videos about Bermuda shorts, especially the 90s-denim style ones. These relaxed and comfortable jeans are having a big comeback but you’ll notice that the videos making the rounds show them mostly on slimmer women. If you’re a heavier or curvier woman, you’re probably wondering if this style can work for you.
Yes it can. In this article, we’ll show you how you can style these shorts depending on your body type and how to wear them in this Lagos heat or in London summer.
Why This Trend is Gaining Traction
Comfort has always been a major factor in the rise of fashion trends, which explains why top fashion houses have spearheaded a major Bermuda shorts resurgence across recent runway collections.. The length is perfect, it skims instead of clinging to the body and the denim gives it a nice structure. You can also go casual or chic with it depending on the right top. The combinations are endless with these shorts and that’s why they’re here to stay. Whether you prefer a relaxed ’90s cutoff or a clean tailored cut, fashion editors agree that knee-grazing denim Bermudas offer unmatched versatility for warm-weather dressing.
Just as the right accessories can elevate a denim look, a reliable smartwatch like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 helps you track your fitness and health goals in style, especially if you’re adding more movement to your daily routine.
The Body-Aware Guidance Nobody Else Is Giving You
If you have a fuller hip or thigh, wearing a Bermuda short too low can give a strained look instead of a relaxed one. The waistband should sit slightly above or right on your natural waist and not on your hip. That way, the denim will skim down your hips instead of clinging to your widest point. The look to aim for is a slightly relaxed or straight-leg cut through the thigh. That gives it an easy silhouette.
Hem length is another important factor to consider when choosing bottoms. Shorts that sit on or slightly above the knee will elongate your legs irrespective of your height or body shape. A mid-calf length makes you look shorter and frumpy. If you’re a petite woman, go for shorts with a shorter rise and inseam combination instead of a smaller size. You only want to adjust the length and not the fit around your waist.
Tops: Go for tops that skim your body. It will add balance to the fuller lower half and won’t hide your shape. A slightly cropped or fitted top with straight-cut Bermuda shorts will give you a defined waist without too much volume. If you have a straight silhouette through your hips or rectangular body shape, you can play with oversized tops without looking shapeless because there isn’t much volume on your lower half.
Two Ways to Wear the Bermuda Shorts
1. Everyday Casual
For a casual everyday look, pair your relaxed denim Bermuda shorts with a fitted or cropped tee and slides or sneakers. For readers in tropical climates like Lagos, standard 14oz rigid denim traps excess heat, making it essential to choose lightweight denim or linen-blend fabrics engineered for maximum breathability.
Budget price: Old Navy High-Rise Bermuda Jean Shorts regularly $32.99–$39.99.
Mid: ASOS DESIGN denim bermuda short in mid blue, £26.
Premium: Madewell Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Short. It’s around $78.
2. Smart Casual
If you’re in the creative space, you can elevate the silhouette into a sleek smart-casual ensemble by pairing it with a structured top and stealing a page from Adesuwa Rhodes’ corporate power blazer guide to balance out the casual denim. Pair this look with mules or low block heels. This is where the straight-cut silhouette of Bermuda Shorts really shines.
Premium pick: Madewell’s V-Waist Bermuda Short in Airy Denim, $98. Their lightweight weave is great for people in the UK and in Nigeria.
For people in Nigeria, the normal rigid denim is too heavy and made with unbreathable fabric, so it just won’t do in Lagos heat.
Make sure the label says lightweight or airy. You can also go for a cotton-stretch blend, which is closer to a good chino than a standard jean.
Madewell’s Airy Denim line above is a good option, but another alternative is Jumia’s Denim Active’s premium knee-length denim shorts, and they go for ₦17,500. It’s a lightweight budget option, and you can pair it with a loose cotton or linen top. Don’t choose a blend that traps heat, and go for open sandals over sneakers.
Bermuda Shorts in Nigeria, the UK, and the US
If you live in Nigeria, Jumia’s denim Bermuda-length shorts prices start from ₦17,500, along with other international brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, and Zara through their marketplace.
If you want to avoid shipping delays and all, you can try your local tailors. The fitted straight-cut design is easy enough for any decent tailor to replicate with a lighter fabric.
If you live in the UK: ASOS is your best option considering the range-to-price ratio. ASOS DESIGN’s denim Bermuda shorts go for £26–£29, with Pull&Bear close behind at £29.99. Topshop is on the higher end with £45–£46 for a more structured, put-together fit.
US: Old Navy is your best budget option at $32.99–$39.99 (it’s usually lower on sale). Levi’s and ASOS US are good middle options, while Madewell is at the premium end. Madewell’s denim shorts are airy and great for warm weather.
Shoes and Accessories That Actually Work
When transitioning your Bermuda shorts from daytime errands to an active outdoor weekend, grounding the outfit with chunky slides and a high-tech accessory like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds an effortless, modern edge. To keep the look sporty and functional while running errands, throw on a pair of clean white sneakers and complete the off-duty vibe with one of the best Garmin smartwatches for women on the go.
Avoid shoes with wide-leg Bermuda shorts as they look odd.
Mules are a good choice for smart-casual events. They look polished but are easy to move around in.
Do not wear shoes with ankle straps because they make your legs look shorter and compete with the shorts hem.
What to Skip
If you have a fuller body, it is not a good idea to wear Bermuda shorts that are low on the hip. They will not sit right and will keep riding up.
You should also avoid wearing Bermuda shorts that’re tight around the thigh. This will make your legs look bigger and make you look good.
In the summer, avoid wearing heavy denim Bermuda shorts. They will be uncomfortable and show sweat stains.
If you are wearing a loose top, do not pair it with wide Bermuda shorts. It will make you look bigger. Instead try to balance it with tapered or straight shorts.
The Floom Verdict
Bermuda shorts are best for women with fuller hips and thighs, especially when the shorts have straight legs or relaxed fit legs and a natural waist. It also looks good on women with rectangular body types who want to wear a boxier top with wider legs. For petite women, it is better to look for clothes with a shorter rise and inseam instead of just getting a smaller size.
Markets where it’s worth the price: Women who live in the United Kingdom can get good value for their money when they shop at ASOS. For women in the United States, Old Navy is a good place with affordable prices.
In Nigeria, Jumia is always a great option. You can also choose to get a lighter version made by a local tailor.
Not worth it if you want stiff and thick denim and live in a really hot and sweaty place. The fabric will be a real pain; or if you are really short and only want to go for a smaller size instead of looking for shorter pants because the fit will still be off.
Best option if it’s not for you: get a cotton or linen short in the same Bermuda length as it solves the size and heat issue just as well without the heavy denim. Worth considering for those in Lagos and easy to make locally at a similar or lower cost than importing denim.