The ‘Bermuda’ comeback: Why your dad’s favourite shorts are suddenly cool again

How short should my shorts be?

Let’s narrow the playing field of appropriate shorts lengths to somewhere between our knees and our crotch. Anything below the knees drifts into culottes territory and should be called “mediums”. Anything above is underwear. Those of us looking to wear shorts to the office or to the type of restaurant that offers bumps of caviar and charges exorbitantly for it might consider on-trend Bermuda shorts.

Adapted from military uniforms in the British territory during WWI by scissor-wielding soldiers, this style finishes 2.5 centimetres above the knee and has a relaxed cut. Neutral cottons and light wools have always been the smart traditional choice, but I recently spotted Sophie Holt, Oroton’s stylish creative director, wearing denim Bermudas with a navy blazer and boat shoes in an ­airport lounge. A refreshing nautical twist.

Micro shorts continue to be the popular choice of body-confident wearers everywhere. Steer clear of wearing them with halter tops, singlets or bralettes, though, unless you’re running a marathon, getting ready to party or in a Kylie Minogue karaoke competition. Better to pair short shorts with a crisp ­business shirt or jacket and layer a bralette ­underneath. Meanwhile, high-waisted styles bring a cute, 1950s freshness to proceedings.

When it comes to the gym, adopt any length that lets you exercise comfortably. Silver foxes, not averse to sporting a short hem in the gym, might consider a mid-thigh length, one that offers just a hint of quadricep rather than a full, upper-thigh flex.

Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.