It's the Summer of Jorts—Here's How Fashion People Are Wearing Them Now

For years, jean shorts sat firmly in the "ultra-casual" bucket—picture Daisy Duke or a '90s supermodel slipping into a pair of cutoffs without a second thought. But this summer, shorts of every kind are having their moment, from silk shorts trimmed in lace to crisp Bermuda styles and sporty track-stripe numbers. And right in the middle of it all, jorts are making a full-blown comeback. Only this time, they've grown up: longer, roomier, and a lot more refined than the versions we grew up with.

The new crop of jorts covers a huge range—everything from super-relaxed and slouchy to sharp and put-together. They're no longer just something you throw over a swimsuit at the beach. The fashion world has taken the category and turned it into a genuinely versatile wardrobe piece. Below, a look at how stylish women are wearing jorts this season, and why they're nothing like the pair you remember from a decade ago.

Where Jorts Came From

Denim cutoffs first showed up during the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Hippies, rock musicians, and their entourages started hacking the legs off their jeans as a small act of defiance against convention. The trend picked up steam through the '70s, drifting out of the punk scene and into everyday fashion. Its biggest cultural breakthrough came in 1979, thanks to Daisy Duke's now-legendary tiny cutoffs on The Dukes of Hazzard—a look so recognizable that "Daisy Dukes" became shorthand for denim shorts altogether.

By the '90s, jean shorts had turned into an off-duty essential for models and celebrities. Luxury labels like Chanel and Alaïa gave the silhouette a high-fashion twist, while Cindy Crawford—whose 1992 Pepsi ad, with her white tank and high-waisted cutoffs, became a reference point for model-off-duty style—helped cement the look, alongside skaters and hip-hop artists who brought their own spin to it. That scene in particular popularized baggier, looser cuts, which essentially set the stage for the relaxed jorts silhouettes we're seeing again today.

The early 2000s swung the pendulum back toward the super-short, '70s-style Daisy Duke look. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Christina Aguilera made low-rise denim cutoffs a defining piece of Y2K fashion. Since then, short denim has never really left—it's just cycled through different silhouettes depending on the era.

The Jorts Comeback, Explained

This summer's jorts are everywhere, but they look nothing like the cutoffs that have dominated hot-weather closets for the past few decades. The new mood is all about length and volume. Bermuda-style jorts have become the breakout hit of the season, with labels like Levi's, Staud, and Agolde reworking a hemline that used to be divisive. This longer cut instantly feels more polished, and it works just as well paired with a feminine blouse and kitten heels as it does with a plain tank and sneakers.

That said, the shorter, vintage-inspired high-rise cutoff hasn't gone anywhere for people who like to keep things brief. The main difference now is fit: today's shorter styles are a touch looser in the leg, trading the skin-tight cut of the early 2000s for something more relaxed.

Brands known for their cool-girl appeal—Reformation, Anine Bing, and others—keep proving that jorts can be dressed up or down without losing their easy, effortless feel. Whichever way you style them this season, denim shorts are striking a real balance between polish and comfort.

How to Actually Wear Jorts

Given their casual roots and this season's emphasis on longer, looser cuts, it makes sense if you're not sure how to make jorts feel like "you." Here's a rundown of different ways to wear them, whether you want the look dressed up, toned down, or somewhere in between.

Keep It Simple

Whatever silhouette you choose, jean shorts work best when styled without overthinking it. Pair them with the basics—a plain tank top, a pair of sneakers, and a leather belt—for an outfit that looks effortless but still put-together.

Jorts to the Office

Jorts don't have to be reserved for weekends or beach trips. Throw on a tailored blazer or structured jacket, and the whole look instantly feels sharper. That mix of relaxed denim against sharp tailoring makes for an outfit that works for both the office and dinner out.

Lean Into White Denim

White jorts deserve more attention than they get. Long a favorite among minimalists, a pair can elevate even the most basic outfit. Style them with a bold, saturated top or classic black, then finish with kitten heels for something that works equally well on a beach trip or a night out.

The Laid-Back Layer

An oversized button-down is the fastest way to give jorts an easy, California feel. Wear it open over a tank top or swimsuit, add flip-flops, and you've got a look that feels completely unbothered.

Double Denim

For anyone ready to commit, denim-on-denim is basically the warm-weather version of the classic Canadian tuxedo. Try a denim vest for a coordinated look, or layer on an oversized denim jacket for something more relaxed. Matching washes or mixing shades—either way, it lands somewhere between cool and effortless.

Making Jorts Work in Cooler Weather

Denim shorts don't have to disappear once summer ends. Layer them with a leather jacket, blazer, or oversized coat, and finish with ankle boots or knee-high boots for a transitional outfit with a little edge.

Finding the Right Pair

Before you can style jorts any of these ways, you need a pair worth building an outfit around. A few standout options from this season's top denim labels are worth adding to your rotation as you settle into the trend.