Shorts are dead: big shorts dominate summer’s unexpected style shift
Summer’s a subtraction, a revelation – a shedding of layers and a brazen display of skin. But this year, the seasonal rulebook is being rewritten. Forget the fleeting trend of aggressively abbreviated shorts; big shorts are officially taking over.
The short-short sunset
For years, designers have pushed the boundaries of modesty with increasingly diminutive denim and tailored shorts. Models like Donald Glover, Paul Mescal, and Harry Styles have epitomized this trend, showcasing unapologetically toned quads in shockingly short silhouettes – often dubbed ‘slutty little shorts’ by the media. Prada, Tom Ford, and Saint Laurent even brought these micro-shorts to the runway, flirting with the absurd.
Big shorts: a bold return
But a seismic shift is underway. Across major cities – particularly in cooler neighborhoods like Bushwick – and scrolling through social feeds, the tide is turning. Short-shorts are retreating, replaced by a joyful embrace of voluminous, below-the-knee garments. Think sweeping shapes, confident proportions, and a distinct presence.
The roots of the trend
Designer Willy Chavarria sees this resurgence as a deliberate rejection of restrictive dressing, drawing inspiration from workwear, streetwear, Chicano culture, sports, and skate culture. “It’s about connecting to those worlds that shaped how I saw style growing up,” he explains. “The rejection of restrictive dressing. All of that filters into the silhouette.” The renewed interest is fueled by a new generation of male dressers unafraid to experiment with volume and shape, moving away from the controlled, slim-fit aesthetic that dominated menswear for so long.
A nostalgic nod
Content creator Sam Bolianatz notes a comfortable familiarity with these larger styles, referencing memories of his grandfather wearing oversized jean shorts and the enduring influence of 1990s J.Crew catalogues. “It’s a natural progression from baggy pants,” he observes. “Now that big pants have made it into the mainstream of menswear, I think there’s a new comfort level for guys to adopt big shorts.”
Defining the ‘big short’
Maximillian Ryan highlights the cultural significance, connecting the trend to the West Coast’s skate, surf, and Chicano communities, citing figures like Mark Occhilupo and Andy and Adam Irons, alongside his own Cuban heritage. “I was influenced by my family and their love for the lowrider car community,” he shares. “I learned and immediately loved the Chicano style. Dressed in the classic look of a flannel, baggy shorts or pants, Vans, and dark shades—similar to the style of surfers and skaters here in SoCal. Same thing, different font.”
Style icons and their picks
From AVP Men’s Fashion Office Bruce Pask’s arsenal of “skort-y cargos” to Dries Van Noten and Lemaire, brands are championing this new silhouette. Pask emphasizes the airy, breezy feel of long shorts, countering the predictable appeal of tiny styles. “They simply make a style statement,” he states. “They stand out.”
The rebellious spirit
Ultimately, the embrace of big shorts represents more than just a fashion trend. It’s a subtle act of rebellion, a refusal to adhere to conventional summer norms. As Dior Men famously showcased in 2026, these oversized shorts are a statement—a declaration that you’re in control of your style, regardless of the heat. And frankly, you'll look great doing it.