You're packing away your summer wardrobe on 27 September, and it's still 24°C in the living room. So shorts aren't done yet — and thank goodness. The good news? They're no longer just the denim pair you've had since school. This season, the style plays at tailored, cycling and floral. Whether you want structure, boldness or a bit of fun, there's a pair that deserves a place in your rotation.

Tailored shorts that make a statement

It's all about the cut. Look for a high waist, crisp pleats and a defined turn-up: this trio gives structure and lengthens the leg. On fabric, linen and cool wool give a clean drape and a sharp look, while lyocell blends stay soft and crease less. For colour, black, khaki or sand are three shades that go with almost everything in your wardrobe.

Product photo inspired by high-waisted tailored shorts with pleats (product ref. 1252837001)
Product photo inspired by high-waisted tailored shorts with pleats (product ref. 1252837001)

On top, a silk top tucked into the waistband defines the waist effortlessly. A slim belt finishes the look without weighing it down.

For linen, one useful marker is the European Flax® label. It guarantees a fibre grown in Western Europe and traceable from field to fibre. It says nothing, however, about where the garment was sewn or what happens to it at end of life.

Black high-waisted tailored shorts with pleats and turn-ups, worn with a tucked-in silk top
High waist, crisp pleats and a defined turn-up elongate the silhouette

Cycling shorts

It's back, but not in its neon 1980s form. The fit is close, the length stops mid-thigh, and texture does the work: a denser recycled polyamide often holds up better in the wash than a thin jersey. Wear it alone with an oversized jacket, or under a short dress for easy layering.

The one step that matters before you buy: hold the shorts under a raking light, then bend forward in front of the mirror. You'll immediately see whether they're opaque or show every line. Honestly, it's the only test that counts for this kind of piece.

Black mid-thigh cycling shorts in dense knit, worn under an oversized beige blazer
Worn alone or under an oversized blazer for contrast

Denim shorts

The eternal. This year, straight cuts and high waists are back ahead of ultra-tight styles. If you want to limit wash treatments, raw or lightly washed denim remains the more understated choice — provided you accept that it will fade at its own pace. Organic cotton is identified by the GOTS label: it covers cultivation and processing stages, but not recyclability.

For end of life, take worn pieces to a collection point. In France, the scheme is run by Refashion; in the UK, check local council recycling points or retailer take-back schemes.

High-waisted denim shorts trimmed with fine ivory lace, worn with a white shirt
Denim softened with discreet lace at the hem

Floral-print shorts

Hibiscus, liberty and small countryside motifs are still all over the shelves. The rule is simple: a bold print works with a plain top, while a small motif can carry a head-to-toe print. If you choose viscose, look for Lenzing™ EcoVero™: the material comes from certified wood, which limits the link to deforestation.

Product photo inspired by yellow Floral Yard shorts in Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Euroflax™
Product photo inspired by yellow Floral Yard shorts in Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Euroflax™

One detail changes the whole balance — length. Too short and it breaks the line; well placed, it lets the print breathe.

The shortcut that always works: flat sandals or loafers, never tights. And for length, trust the seated mirror test — shorts that ride up when you sit won't last the evening.

Floral cycling shorts with a small blue motif, worn under an oversized white shirt
Cycling shorts dare a small print, worn with a plain piece
Mini raw denim shorts with a frayed hem, worn with an oversized shirt
Straight cut and high waist keep mini denim shorts understated
Washed mini denim shorts, leather belt and frayed hem, worn seated
A washed denim that fades and pales over summers
Floral shorts with large hibiscus print, high waist, worn on a sunny terrace
A bold print is balanced with a plain top — the rule still holds
Cotton shorts with a very small floral print, worn from behind in a fitting room
A small print can carry a head-to-toe look, as long as the line stays clean
Fluid high-waisted viscose shorts with floral print, worn seated
Fluid viscose lets the print breathe and moves with you

Budget

Price gaps are huge on this piece, for a simple reason: fabric and where it's made matter more than style. Expect roughly:

  • High-street and fast-fashion retailers: £15 to £40.
  • Mid-range ready-to-wear (French labels such as Sandro, Maje and Sézane): £60 to £160, though UK prices vary.
  • Labelled linen or European manufacturing: £80 to £200, sometimes more for made-to-measure.
  • Technical cycling shorts in recycled polyamide: £25 to £80.
  • Second-hand, vintage or charity shops: £5 to £30, often with better finishes than new at the same budget.

What changes the price: raw material, environmental certification, production run length and season. You'll find these shorts in high-street stores, boutiques, brand websites and second-hand channels.

Sources

  • ADEME (French environment agency) — environmental impact of textiles: ademe.fr
  • Refashion — French collection and recycling scheme: refashion.fr
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) — scope of the label: global-standard.org
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100 — tests for harmful substances: oeko-tex.com
  • European Flax® — traceability of European linen: europeanflax.com
  • Lenzing™ EcoVero™ — viscose from certified wood: lenzing.com