A suit with shorts, or a Bermuda shorts suit, is exactly what it sounds like, a modern twist on the classic men’s suit, where tailored shorts replace traditional trousers.
Over the past few years, the shorts suits have appeared on runways, red carpets and at trend-forward events. This design has evolved into a stylish and practical alternative for men who want comfort but still look sharp. It’s a go-to option for summer weddings, rooftop cocktail parties, resort looks and even business-casual workplaces.
Meanwhile, considered unconventional, shorts suits are still a tricky style for some people who want to balance sophistication and ease. Problem is resolved – with the guideline on how to choose and dress this trendy garment, we will make shorts suits become your favourite choice!
What is a Perfect Shorts Suit?
Just like with any tailored garment, the fit, proportions and finishing touches make a perfect outfit, showing the difference between a sharp, modern look and something that feels out of place.
Suit Jacket
The jacket is what anchors the look and keeps it refined. Similar to traditional suits, shorts suits come with two jacket options: single-breasted and double-breasted. A single-breasted blazer is the most versatile option, offering a clean and streamlined silhouette. For those who want to make more of a statement, a double-breasted jacket adds boldness and is particularly stylish.
Navy Double-Breasted Jacket with Bermuda Shorts
Structure and fit matter most. The blazer should be slim but not restrictive, with clean lines that flatter the shoulders and waist. The length should end just around the hips, long enough to balance the shorts, but not oversized. As this style is usually worn in summer, lightweight construction is ideal, using half-lining or unstructured shoulders to make it feel breathable and comfortable.
Don’t forget to pay attention to smaller details. They may make big impacts on your overall look:
- Lapels: Slim lapels keep the look modern and sharp, while wider lapels give a retro, bold edge.
- Collars: A notch collar is classic and versatile, while peak lapels add formality and flair. For a relaxed summer resort vibe, a softer, unstructured collar can work beautifully.
- Shoulders: structured but natural, avoiding the boxy look of traditional suiting.
- Sleeve Length: The sleeve should end just at the wrist bone, showing a hint of shirt cuff (about half an inch).
- Button Stance: For single-breasted jackets, a two-button style with the top button fastened elongates the torso. For double-breasted styles, a slightly higher button stance creates a more structured look.
Suit Shorts
The shorts are what set the style apart, so their fit and cut must be impeccable. The most important rule: the shorts should sit just above the knee. Too long and they look sloppy; too short and they lose the elegance of a tailored piece.
In fashion, they specifically call this design Bermuda shorts. Their origin dates back to the early 20th century in Bermuda, a British territory with a tropical climate. Local bankers and military officers began wearing tailored knee-length shorts with long socks as a practical yet formal solution to the heat, eventually making them part of the island’s national dress. Over time, the style spread internationally and became known as a polished casual summer wear.
Always opt for tailored shorts over loose fits. They should have clean lines, a flat or slightly pleated front and a comfortable but slim fit through the thighs. Think of them as the warm-weather equivalent of dress trousers: structured, sharp and built to complement a blazer.
Also, avoid overly baggy shorts, which throw off the proportions and make the outfit feel wrong. The goal is a look that is refined and cohesive, not weekend wear, but true suiting with a twist.
Tips to Choose and Style Shorts Suits
A shorts suit only works if it’s styled with intention. Every detail counts in making this look polished rather than experimental.
Colors and Patterns
Color sets the tone of the outfit. Although it’s not a must, shorts should match the jacket in both color and fabric to exude elegance. Each palette conveys different feelings and meanings, so consider the occasion carefully before you dress it:
- Light colors for summer: Beige, light blue, pastels and soft greys give a breezy, fresh vibe. They are perfect tones for weddings, rooftop parties or daytime events.
- Darker tones for formality: Navy, charcoal and black bring sophistication, making them suitable for cocktail evenings or semi-formal settings.
If you’re just trying the shorts suit for the first time, start with a solid neutral like navy or beige. They’re versatile and easy to style. Then, to add more character without being distracting, opt for subtle checks, pinstripes or plaids. For bolder personalities, don’t hesitate to try vibrant hues and tropical-inspired prints.
Fabrics
Fabric choice is what makes a shorts suit practical in warm weather, calling for lightweight, breathable types that ensure your look feels refined and comfortable. Each one offers a different and level of formality, you can go for:
- Linen: The classic summer pick — airy, breathable and effortlessly stylish.
- Cotton blends: Crisp and versatile for every occasion.
- Lightweight wool: Keeps structure and formality while staying cool.
- Seersucker: Subtle texture and built-in ventilation, perfect for outdoor.
Discover more fabric options in our Spring-Summer Suit Fabrics article. Keep in mind that stiff and heavy fabrics are not really appropriate for shorts suits. They make shorts bulky and break the balance of the outfit.
Shirts and Tops
Your top garment choice can shift the mood of a shorts suit instantly. From classic elegance to casual cool, the top is what ties the outfit, deciding whether it looks polished, semi-relaxed or laid-back.
Never go out of style, a crisp white shirt works with every suit color and occasion. If you’re heading to a business casual place or wearing shorts suits for a relaxing party, switch to a polo shirt in solid neutral hues. Meanwhile, daily shorts suit outfits welcome a plain crew-neck t-shirt paired with a linen or pastel shorts suit. 
To ensure the underneath top won’t ruin your suit, also think about the fit. Shirts should be slim through the body without pulling at the buttons. Polos should skim the torso and end just at the hips, not too long or baggy. T-shirts should be fitted at the shoulders and chest, with clean lines that complement the sharpness of the suit.
If you’re going casual with a tee, check out our guide on styling suits with t-shirts.
Footwear
The right choice of shoes enhances the tailored feel. Aim for sleek silhouettes that complement the outfit’s balance between casual and formal.
- Loafers: Leather or suede loafers are the most reliable choice, pairing perfectly with both linen and wool shorts suits.
- Sneakers: Minimalist sneakers in white or neutral tones give a modern twist
- Sandals: Best reserved for beach or resort events. Choose sleek leather designs over flip-flops to maintain sophistication.
Chunky shoes or boots are not recommended; they overwhelm the streamlined proportions of tailored shorts, making your lower figure look too short or disproportionate.
Accessories
Accessories are where you can add personality to a look. A slim leather belt is often the simplest but most effective choice, especially when it matches your shoes and ties the look together. For a touch of flair, a pocket square can introduce color or subtle patterns, just enough to make the blazer pop without overwhelming the outfit.
Sunglasses are another summer essential; classic shapes like aviators or wayfarers instantly bring a cool, modern edge to a shorts suit. When it comes to jewelry, keep it clean and minimal. A refined watch or a thin bracelet complements the tailored look far better than chunky accessories.
And then there’s an important question: tie or no tie?. For weddings, offices or events with a stricter dress code, a tie (or even a bow tie) can finish the outfit beautifully. But for casual occasions, skipping it allows the relaxed vibe to shine.
Outfit Ideas with Men’s Bermuda Shorts Suits
Below are outfit ideas that show how to adapt this trend for different occasions, each with a clear balance of comfort and sophistication.
Creative Workplaces and Business-Casual Offices
n creative industries or business-casual settings, a pastel shorts suit, styled with a tailored polo shirt, offers the right mix of professionalism and relaxed flair. Finish with brown suede loafers, which complement lighter tones perfectly. It’s a look that signals style while maintaining elegance.
Explore our picks for the best sneakers to wear with suits in a business setting
Summer Weddings
A summer wedding demands a look that feels formal but breathable: a navy shorts suit paired with a white dress shirt and loafers strikes that balance perfectly. Navy keeps the look polished, while shorts add a relaxed twist. Add a pocket square in a light color or a subtle tie for extra refinement. The result is an ensemble that feels festive, weather-appropriate and still respectful of the occasion.
Design Your Summer Wedding Suit
Evening Events
For evening occasions where formality steps up, go sleek and sophisticated. A black shorts suit paired with a crisp shirt and dress sneakers delivers modern elegance. For accessories, a slim watch or a monochrome pocket square enhances refinement. Stick with leather footwear designs in black or white to keep the look cohesive.
Cocktail Parties and Rooftop Events
When the setting is stylish yet relaxed, a beige linen shorts suit with a fitted t-shirt and clean sneakers is an ideal choice. Linen keeps you cool, while the neutral beige creates a modern, understated elegance. Keep accessories light to match the effortless vibe, like a textured belt or simple bracelet. The sneakers should be minimal, white or tonal leather styles.
Travel and Resort Looks
Travel and resort wear calls for ease. A light pink unstructured shorts suit paired with a relaxed tee is the perfect balance. A holiday can’t be a holiday without sunglasses; wear them with sandals (but never casual flip-flops). The outfit transitions effortlessly from daytime exploring to evening dining, proving the shorts suit’s versatility beyond city life.
| Occasion | Shorts Suit | Top | Shoes | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Workplaces | Pastel shorts suit | Polo shirt | Brown suede loafers | Minimal accessories |
| Summer Weddings | Navy shorts suit | White shirt | Leather loafers | Light pocket square, subtle tie |
| Evening Events | Black wool/cotton shorts suit | Dress shirt | Dress leather sneakers | Slim watch, monochrome pocket square |
| Cocktail / Rooftop Events | Beige linen shorts suit | Fitted t-shirt | Minimal sneakers | Textured belt, simple bracelet |
| Travel / Resort | Light pink unstructured suit | Relaxed tee | Sandals | Sunglasses |
FAQs
What are shorts suits called?
Shorts suits are most commonly referred to as a “Bermuda shorts suit”, named after the island of Bermuda, where tailored knee-length shorts became part of formal wear in the early 20th century. A suit with shorts combines a tailored blazer with matching shorts, offering a polished yet breathable alternative to traditional trousers, especially in warm weather.
What height are shorts suits for?
A shorts suit can work for men of any height as long as the proportions are tailored correctly. Shorts should sit just above the knee to elongate the legs. For shorter men, slightly higher hems can create the illusion of longer legs, while taller men should avoid shorts that are too short to keep balance. The key is fit, not height.
Can men wear a blazer with shorts?
Yes, pairing a blazer with shorts is not only acceptable but also a modern menswear trend. The blazer should be lightweight and slim-fitting to complement the casual vibe of shorts. Avoid overly formal blazers with heavy structure; instead, choose linen, cotton or lightweight wool. When styled with a crisp shirt, polo or even a fitted tee, the blazer-and-shorts combo works well for cocktail events, summer weddings and creative workplaces.
What body type looks good in Bermuda shorts?
Bermuda shorts flatter most body types because they are designed to be slim, tailored and sit just above the knee. This length visually balances the legs and avoids the boxy effect of baggy shorts. Men with athletic builds benefit from the clean lines that highlight proportions, while slimmer frames gain structure from pleats or flat fronts. The key is avoiding oversized fits; tailored shorts give a sharp, cohesive look for any body type.
What are Bermuda shorts dress code?
Bermuda shorts are considered smart casual or semi-formal attire, depending on how they are styled. In Bermuda itself, they are worn with a blazer, shirt, tie and long socks as part of the national dress code. Internationally, Bermuda shorts suits are acceptable for summer weddings, cocktail events, rooftop parties or even business-casual offices. The rule is to keep them tailored and paired with smart pieces like loafers, polos or dress shirts.
Are shorts suits appropriate for weddings?
Yes, as long as the wedding is outdoor, beachside or summertime, a shorts suit can be a stylish and comfortable option. Choose darker colors like navy for formality or linen neutrals for destination weddings. Always pair with a crisp shirt and polished footwear such as loafers.
What shoes go best with a suit and shorts?
The best shoes for shorts suits are loafers, minimalist sneakers or sleek leather sandals. Loafers are perfect for formal occasions, sneakers bring a modern edge for casual settings and sandals work only in resort or holiday contexts. Avoid bulky footwear like boots, which overwhelm the proportions of shorts.
