Fashion

How to style jorts for warm weather – from vintage to micro

Sun's out, calves out!
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As soon as the temperatures hit the critical point of 20 degrees Celsius, it can only mean one thing. The season of jorts – or denim shorts – is upon us.

This week marks such a momentous occasion as streets are already being swarmed by an army of jorts. Are you one of those who feels a bit daunted by the idea of showing off your calves or maybe even thighs? Fret no more, because this spring there's no rules to specific silhouettes. From micro, bum-grazing ones to maxi, ¾-length loose cargos, girlies are sporting every shape and length imaginable – and this is exactly why we love jorts season. Denim shorts are an inclusive, versatile piece that can be interpreted by different body types and for different occasions.

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Diesel AW26

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Fendi AW26

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Just like our favourite street style icons, the most recent fashion shows presented a total range of what jorts might look like. At Diesel, Glenn Martens presented what are basically high-waisted, 1980s bikini-style denim shorts. Reserved for the boldest dressers out there, these denim pants are prime material for a bit of DIY with a pair of your old jeans. A pair of scissors and some ruching and you're on your way to turn looks in the best way possible. On the other side of the spectrum, Maria Grazia Chiuri's debut at Fendi showed a rougher, more masculine side of jorts – calf-grazing cargos paired with a boho vest, socks and peep-toe heels like it's the early 2010s again. We don't really want to choose between the two looks. Such is the charm of living in the era of 'anything goes.'

How to style jorts for warm weather?

When it comes to styling denim bermuda shorts for every day, the key is to treat them like your favourite pair of jeans: the more worn-out and roughed-up, the better. They are not a precious item, they're a staple that can adapt to different temperatures and weather conditions. Because once jorts are out of the storage, they're not going back in until the temperatures drop into sub-10s. Layered with a classic T-shirt and your favourite statement jacket, a pair of jorts instantly becomes a symbol of spring and summer mindsets. Its best accessories? A cool pair of sunglasses and an Aperol Spritz.

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Of course, the charm of jorts is the plethora of options on the market, and looking into platforms like eBay, Vinted, Depop or Etsy unlocks a whole new – or old – world. Whether you're a pro at finding pre-loved gems or a total newby, we've created some guidelines to finding the perfect pair of vintage jorts.


Long jorts with heeled boots

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While it might feel counter-intuitive to search for a pair of high boots for spring, the outcome is chic and totally worth it. A pair of dark blue or black shorts look fab with some suede or high-gloss boots that will create an illusion of an elongated silhouette with just a slash of skin showing as you walk. Ones with a low, kitten heel allow you stay fashion-forward without compromising on comfort. Pick maxi jorts that graze the knee or even go past it, for a play on volume, and tuck in a striped shirt. It's a winning look that's ideal for uncertain weather.

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Gianvito Rossi Pointy 55 Suede Knee-high Boots

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Free People We The Free Montana Shorts

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Asos Design Cleoni Premium Leather Pull-on Knee Boots in Chocolate

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Levi's Super Baggy Jorts in Black

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Granny jorts and heeled sandals

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Pulling off a pair of granny, mid-calf shorts can be a true art form. And unsurprisingly, it's all about the shoe choice. Finding the sexiest, heeled sandals in your wardrobe (or on your shopping list) is your best bet, as the two contrasting pieces come together in harmony. Wear the jorts slouchy, in a size up and with the waist dropped down to the hips, adding a rugby top and some sunglasses for maximum effect. Fun night out is guaranteed.

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Topshop Denim Editor Short in Rich Blue

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Mango Pointed Heel Sandals

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Denim Bermuda Shorts

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By Anthropologie Thong Kitten Heels

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Midi jorts with socks and Mary Jane flats

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Not too short, not too long – midi jorts are the perfect first foray into this world as they fit the widest range of bodies without revealing too much. But what about making them feel elevated? Rely on one of our favourite spring 2026 combos: cotton socks and Mary Jane flats. With a slip top or pyjama shirt, the final outfit is part girly, part boyish, and a totally stylish way to spend a full spring day out. A cross-body bag and a cardigan in a fun colour will be the final touches of fashion dreams.

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Free People We The Free Tippi Denim Shorts

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Free People Beloved Waffle Knit Ankle Socks

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Women's Relay Tour Mary Jane

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Calvin Klein Denim Mini Shorts

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Layered Socks

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Boden Flexi Tie Mary Jane in Leopard

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Micro jorts with tights

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Is the warm weather making you feel like a pop star who's about to take a stage at a festival? Honestly, same! That's why you should consider a pair of micro jorts – and yes, even denim underwear will work for this look. To bring them off-stage and into the day or, even better, night take a page out of Charli xcx's book and pair them with tights. In a lace pattern or a colourful print, hosiery will offer a sense of safety without losing on the high-impact of micro shorts. However, instead of a cropped or baby tee, find an oversized white shirt and do only one button. It's all about hiding and revealing because the eye has to travel.

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Guess Denim Underwear Bottoms

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Heist The Peacock Lace Patterned Tights Black

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BDG Piper Denim Mini Shorts

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Swedish Stockings Roxana Tiger Tights


Frayed jorts with biker boots

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You might have a pair of old jeans with cuffs that are totally ruined or just love the distressed look – a pair of jorts with a frayed hems is for you. To get that off-duty Kate Moss look from her festival-going Y2K era, pair frayed denim shorts with chunky moto boots in black or grey leather. In all its specificity, this is a combo that feels totally timeless and will maintain a sense of comfort and ease without too much effort.

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I.AM.GIA Aura Frayed Hem Denim Hot Pants in Distressed Dark Wash

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& Other Stories Wide-Shaft Boots

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Ganni Frayed Denim Shorts

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Steve Madden Benedict Brown Leather Biker Boots

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How to find the perfect vintage jorts?

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The process of finding a vintage pair of jorts that fits you can be quite an ordeal. Unlike with most contemporary brands who have their own guides, vintage sizing varies from brand to brand, decade to decade. Add to this an element of personalisation or tailoring that is key with denim, and you'll quickly realise that a size 28 can mean a lot of different things. So instead of going off the sizes on the labels, actual measurements of the items are your best shot at scoring gold.This is why the best thing to do is to commit 10 minutes to measuring your own body in order to have the most up-to-date, objective idea of the fit you're looking for. Similarly, you can measure a pair of jorts or jeans you already have in your wardrobe and love, and use them as a guideline. Although most pre-loved sellers will share exact measurements in the listings, don't be afraid to message and ask for those in case they don't have them stated. It's in their interest for you to be happy with your purchase.

Another key element to finding the perfect vintage jorts is nailing the shape. This is why searching through platforms like eBay and Vinted is all about using specific keywords. Perhaps you only want high-waisted jeans, a specific colour or print – make sure to include this in the search term. In addition, there are certain specialist denim brands that will uncover a wealth of items. Of course, there's Levi's, but also keep an eye out for pieces from Wrangler, Miss Sixty, Jordache, Lee, Gloria Vanderbilt, Guess and Calvin Klein, though the latter can often be considered a luxury item and therefore come at a higher price than actually valued.

Finally, consider the process of finding the perfect vintage jorts a case of trial and error. But just because they don't exactly fit, it doesn't mean you can't wear them. Becoming friends with your local tailor or dry cleaner is always helpful, as they can use their magic to transform something you're only okay with into a piece you will want to cherish forever.

Here's a selection of some of our favourite vintage jorts:

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Pre-loved Levi's 550 Women's Jorts Shorts Blue M W30

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Pre-Loved Vintage Boom Boom Jean Denim Shorts Women's in Size 16

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Pre-loved St Michael Vintage Shorts Size 10 28" Waist 1970s Hot Pants Made In UK

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Pre-loved Yes Yes Women's Royal Blue Denim Shorts Size 12 High Waist

Already on board and searching for your next pair? To help you get on your way during our first real heat wave of spring 2026, we've created the ultimate guide on how to style jorts like a total fashion pro. From teeny-tiny to oversized, we've got you covered.