Tired of gravity-defying mini skirts and Coachella-coded Daisy Dukes dominating your Instagram feed? You’re not alone. Fashion seems to be clinging to a relentless “sun’s out, bums out” mantra - but for those navigating a London summer (at best, a lukewarm suggestion of one) or clocking in at the office, baring all doesn’t always feel practical.
Enter jorts. Ever-slouchy and endlessly controversial, jorts remain a polarising fashion relic, existing alongside mullets, skinny jeans and glove shoes. The boyish cut-outs continue to teeter between irony-tinged subcultural fashion statement and BBQ-primed dad attire, yet it appears that they are bang on trend for 2026. At least according to the sartorial elite.
The divisive silhouette originated in the mid-20th century as a DIY solution to repurposing worn-out jeans, emerging alongside denim’s rise in casual American fashion. By the 70s and 80s, jorts became a popular summer staple, embraced for their laid-back appeal by both men and women.
© GettyIn the 90s, jorts took on a baggier, skater-inspired look, associated with grunge and street style. However, by the 2000s, they fell out of favour, ousted by the skin-tight, crystal-clad domination of the Y2K aesthetic.
Fast forward a few years, when the slouchy silhouette re-entered the European fashion lexicon for SS25, dominating the runways during Milan Fashion week. Much to the delight of denim lovers, the cotton slacks have stayed on the radar ever since, reappearing on the autumn/winter 2026 catwalks courtesy of leading designers across both womenswear and menswear.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeBrands including Dior Homme, Collina Strada, and Kseniaschnaider debuted XL menswear offerings designed for transitional climates, while a season prior, Stella McCartney, Hui and GCDS adopted the androgynous staple as a womenswear hero piece. Likewise, key players of the jorts renaissance include street style hubs from Levi’s to Wrangler and Carharrt, who all shine the spotlight on the utilitarian, Channing Tatum-approved design of the gender-fluid design.
Gloriously casual and infused with Americana charm, jorts have become a certified cool-girl essential. Gen Z muses such as Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Simone Ashley, Emily Ratajkowski, Maya Jama and Hailey Bieber continue to generously dole out jorts-centred street style looks to yield inspo from - not to mention every Scandi style influencer across social media.
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© GettyTypically paired with kitten heels to serve a hybrid masc-femme ‘fit or Western cowboy boots, the baggy bottoms allow for a functional fashion statement. Which is probably why they are here to stay - not just for the season, but for the year.
As we all know, fashion is cyclical, and several decades later, jorts are having their moment once again - in all their 'dadcore' glory. Shop our favourites below.
Best jorts for 2026:
Ayla Frayed Denim Shorts
Citizens of Humanity
Citizens of Humanity will always be our first port of call for ethically crafted denim. An investment piece yes, but the brand is committed to ongoing sustainability initiatives, including its Regenerative Cotton Programme, which promises sustainable, enduring denim pieces to wear on repeat - no matter the season.
Judda Glitter Denim Shorts
Acne Studios
Dusted with a futuristic glitter sheen, Acne Studios' Judda Glitter Denim Shorts are primed to take you from park to party with ease. Not a want, but a need.
The Jort
Frame
Crafted from 100 per cent premium cotton, Frame's light-wash jorts are a flattering find to see you through the summer. Complete with a non-stretch finish and knee-grazing length for everyday elegance.
Knee-Length Denim Shorts
Available in three colourways, Cos' slouchtastic jorts feature a cool-girl, longline cut and an espresso-hued wash for versatile Scandi-inspired styling.
Denim Barrel Jort
Topshop
Thought the barrel trend was over? Topshop says think again. The brain's playful floral jacquard bottoms in ecru white are proof that one needn't be resigned to plain aesthetics. We'd style ours with heeled flip flops and a simple tank.
Denim Shorts
Diesel
Another denim connoisseur, Diesel is brimming with must-see options for those wanting to infuse their summer wardrobes with a touch of Y2K flare. We love the vintage wash of these city-chic cutouts.
Capicci Denim Short Indigo
Nude Project
Slip into effortless summer style with a helping hand from Nude Project. Finished with chain stitching embroidered logo on back pockets and the brand's signature cherry motfis, these below-the-knee jorts pair perfectly with a plain white tee and mules.
Mid-Rise Denim Bermuda Jorts
Mango
A halfway house between Bermuda bottoms and jorts, Mango's affordable denim slacks are topping our summer wish list.
Gray Puffa Denim Shorts
L'uu Dan
A hard and fast lesson in subversive luxury, L'uu Dan's inky-wash, Italian-made jorts are reserved for those with a taste for the finer things in life. Add an oversized bomber into the mix for a street style look that's set to turn heads.
Annie Denim Shorts
Damson Madder
Opt for a rich, dark-wash offering thanks to Damson Madder. The brand's Annie Denim Shorts boast a soft cotton cut made with recycled fibres, in addition to a baggy utilitarian silhouette for breezy summer strolling.
The Half Pipe Bermuda Fray Denim Dhorts
Mother
Cut with an on-trend barrel design, frayed hems and a mid-wash finish, Mother's denim jorts are set to become a wardrobe staple - whether you're jetting off this summer or staying put in the city.
Low Rise Loose Jort
Wrangler
Featuring a vintage wash, a raw hem finish and the brand's signature 5-pocket styling, Wrangler's jorts are a failsafe choice for those wanting to embrace comfort-first, skater-girl style with ease.
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