If you, like me, straddle two generations and thus, refer to yourself as a Zillennial, you may remember the cult of American Apparel.
During its height, I was a young tween, permitted on occasion to shop there by my parents, though I certainly wasn’t allowed the shimmering, metallic clothing item I so desperately wanted: the Disco Hot Pants.
Absurdly cheeky with a sky-high waist, I trawled the racks of studded, insanely short and skin-tight alternatives at Oxford Street Topshop to no avail. To this day, I still covet the relic of Hipster history.
Like all sartorial trends, hot pants have made a comeback - but this time with lower waistlines. Micro mini shorts are trending this summer. From frilly cottage-core bloomers to sporty adidas running shorts and festival-inspired leathers, the choices are endless.
Micro trends have left many fashion lovers with sartorial fatigue, myself included. Some fashion writers are even admitting to a loss of personal style. Am I a Gorpcore girl? Or is modern twee more my aesthetic? Does this make me look like I’m trying to be something I’m not?
The landscape is overwhelming to say the least, but let me help you cut through the noise. Put simply, if it makes you feel good, it doesn’t matter if it fits into a certain, TikTok-ified, preconceived aesthetic.
Micro shorts have been around for decades in various iterations, popularised by Mary Quant in the 1970s, Kate Moss in the 2000s, and more recently, iconic headliners such as Doechii, Megan Thee Stallion and Charli xcx.
There’s also something appealingly androgynous about the comeback of short shorts. Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams frequently trade vintage Adibreak shorts, while Harry Styles is often spotted strutting around Rome and London enjoying thigh guy summer. Boxer-style shorts with blue and while pinstripes have also become wildly popular and boast a breezy “my boyfriend and I share clothes, and I just rolled out of bed” vibe.
No singular fashion faction owns the trend, and if you’re up for exploring the hot weather essential, we’ve curated a selection of the best micro/mini shorts on the market for cheeky summer fun.
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Pull & Bear Polka dot Bermuda shorts
Like something out of a Brigitte Bardot flick, these polka dot micro shorts from Pull & Bear will take you from day to night on the French Riviera with effortless, cool-girl ease. Pair with some black, slim Havaianas for the ultimate summer it-girl look.
Buy now £15.59, Pull & Bear
UO Piper Bengaline Shorts
Featuring a flirtatious pinstripe design and exaggerated belt loops for festival accessorising, these micro shorts from Urban Outfitters are practically made to go with a pair of knee-high biker boots.
Buy now £36.00, UO
Free People Nova Fringe Shorts
Channel 70s-inspired aesthetics with these vegan suede tassel shorts from Free People, which boast a low-rise silhouette and slim microfit for all your summer partying needs. Dress up with frills and lace, or dress down with a baggy t-shirt.
Buy now £118.00, Free People
adidas Originals x ASOS mini shorts
It’s safe to say that adidas has quite the monopoly on this decade’s trending styles.
From Sambas to cult-favourite mini shorts in various styles, you’ll seldom spot a celebrity off-duty who isn’t sporting one of the two.
Our summer pick? This pair of sporty minis, which are part of a limited edition collaboration with ASOS and come in a lovely teal and green colourway.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS
Peachy Den The Cindy Shorts
Peachy Den’s Cindy Shorts have been going strong for a good two summers now, and their popularity shows no signs of wavering.
The mid-rise bicycle shorts are endlessly flattering, extremely comfortable and crafted using a recycled gingham seersucker fabric.
Buy now £90.00, Peachy Den
DÔEN Arbre Broderie Anglaise Cotton Shorts
Beloved for their high-end broderie anglaise designs, we love the sheer wearability of these charming black shorts from DÔEN. Plus, unlike the majority of the flowing white cotton pieces in the brand’s collection, you don’t need to worry about grass stains during your summertime picnic.
Buy now £170.00, Net-A-Porter
H&M Cotton Poplin Shorts
In case you hadn’t heard, wearing sleepwear outdoors is in. These pyjama-style mini poplin shorts from H&M are perfect for morning strolls to your local coffee shop.
Buy now £14.99, H&M
Faithful Lila Checked Linen Shorts
Handmade in Bali by local artisans, these linen shorts are both lightweight and durable, meaning they’re ready for any summertime adventures on the horizon.
They’re mini shorts, but with a slightly looser leg for better freedom of movement and less chafing. The pastel yellow and white gingham print harks back to Mary Quant’s 1960s designs.
Buy now £150.00, Net-A-Porter
Zara x Kate Moss Metallic Leather Shorts
It’s only fitting that Kate Moss’ dedicated festival collection with Zara should include a couple of micro shorts. These metallic leather ones are showstoppers to say the least, and are sure to elevate your going-out ensembles tenfold.
Buy now £149.00, Zara
Minka Dink London White Mini Shorts
Made with 100 per cent easy breezy cotton and complete with a subtle embroidered design, Minka Dink’s white mini shorts are the perfect throw-on companion for your holidays abroad and walks around Costa del London alike.
Buy now £62.00, Minka Dink
