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Worn to the office or packed for beach holidays, shorts are warm-weather wardrobe staples. With 27 pairs to peruse, here’s the long and the short of this summer’s must-have styles.
Tailored
Let a pair of shorts take the place of your favourite straight and wide-leg pants this summer. Tropical wool will keep you chic in the heat, while linen and cotton are seasonal favourites. Look for finishing touches like waistband details, pleated fronts and neat hems for maximum polish.
Friends With Frank Candice shorts
$349
A cotton-blend woven fabric gives this A-line style structure. The extended waistband detail also adds polish to the pair. Try the Ada shorts if you’re looking for a longer silhouette. Incu Collection Sadie pleated shorts
$200
Cut to a wide leg with a loose fit and detailed with front pleats, this style is easy-wearing but still work appropriate. Incu Collection also offers up the Dissident short in smoke grey if you’re looking for a neutral hue. St Agni tailored shorts
$399
Classic menswear detailing meets a higher hemline on this pair. They’re made from wool with subtle stretch for a comfortable fit. Wear them with a baby tee and minimalist sandals for on-brand styling from the Byron Bay label. Bassike Bermuda short
$380
This baggier silhouette leans into Bassike’s offbeat everyday approach. It’s cut from midweight cotton poplin with slight stretch, which makes for comfortable summer styling. Elka Collective Albi short
$199
Use this pair to create a power summer suit with the matching longline vest in soft blue. Elka Collective also offers the Marbella short and Nina vest in white. Arnsdorf Margaret short
$360
The sandwashed silk fabric balances the elastic waistband and sporty touches on this style to land it in the tailored category. A pair of strappy heels will elevate them a tad more. Marle Ramona shorts
$280
This pleated-front pair has become a brand signature from Kiwi label Marle over the past few seasons. Match it with the Leo vest this summer. Jorts
Love them or hate them, Y2K-inspired denim shorts are back. Lean into ’90s grunge with baggy, knee-length styles in dirty washes. There are also printed pairs and more classic iterations if you prefer.
Peachay jorts
$180
Peachay’s jeans are almost always sold out. And there’s a similar expectation for the local brand’s jorts. Be quick if you want in on this style designed for smaller waists. Bassike mid-rise denim shorts
$380
This style can be worn on the waist for a straight fit or sized up for a lower, slouchier look. Raw hems add to the appeal of the faded wash. Wynn Hamlyn denim shorts
$245
This unisex style from Kiwi brand Wynn Hamlyn pushes the Y2K agenda. It also comes in a dirty wash to further the aesthetic. Afends Emilie shorts
$110
There’s ’90s essence to this high-rise waist, baggy-leg style, complete with a hammer loop. They’re made from the brand’s signature eco-friendly organic cotton, recycled cotton and hemp denim. 
Denimsmith Aspen short
$189
Another black style, this pair is made from comfort stretch denim. The wash is designed to fade over time for a lived-in look. EM on Holiday Happy Hibiscus Vacation shorts
$190
Sydney brand EM on Holiday applies its off-duty state of mind to this pair of printed shorts. Match the hibiscus motif to swimwear and use oversized shirting to amp up the vibe. Assembly Label boxy denim short
$90
A more classic silhouette, this style from Assembly Label offers a relaxed fit with a boxy, wide leg. The stonewashed Boy short is another easy option. Boxers
This trend trickled down from the Miu Miu runway (as many of the most fashionable movements do) to the streets during the European summer. You can quite literally borrow from the boys and nick a pair from the top drawer of the man in your life, or invest in more purposeful styles. A blazer and ballet flats are your office-friendly counterparts. But matching button-down shirts are another great styling choice.
Maison Essentiele boxer shorts
$160
Boudoir or beach? The Sydney-based brand says “why not both?” This classic silhouette comes in a range of colours (striped and plain), as well as cotton and silk finishes. Maggie Marilyn linen shorts
$175
Size up in this elasticated waist style for a more relaxed look – style with the matching banana-yellow shirt and striped swimwear made in collaboration with Fella. LMND Chiara shorts
$159
Another sunshine-hued style. Wear this striped pair with chunky sneakers and tonal finishing touches. EM on Holiday boxer shorts
$95
With a boyfriend fit that can be worn high or low on the waist, this green striped style has January written all over it. Just add a Golden Gaytime. P Johnson linen day shorts
$295
Tailoring might be at the heart of P Johnson, but its more casual offering is given the same care. These striped linen shorts are finished with an elasticated drawstring waist and deep side pockets. Friends With Frank Suki shorts
$329
This comfort-first style is made from a crinkled cotton-blend fabric. Wear them to brunch with the matching top. The set also comes in white. Kowtow 02 shorts
$169
This candy-striped longline style comes from Kowtow’s Reimagine collection – an edit of pieces made from surplus materials. The full silhouette creates a skirt-like look. Camilla and Marc Apollo shorts
$200
The branded waistband detail on this pair speaks cool-girl fluently. Wear it with an oversized blazer and kitten heels. We hope you like the products we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
