The Origin of Bermuda Shorts and What’s Behind their Resurgence in 2025

The Origin of Bermuda Shorts and What is Behind their Resurgence in 2025

When one thinks of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, something that stands a good chance of springing to mind is Bermuda Shorts. This fashion item, also known as dress or walk shorts, is once more attracting the attention of the fashion-conscious, and below, we look at what’s behind this and explore its origin.



Bermuda shorts are once more firmly back in the spotlight, or should we say sunlight? Summer 2024 saw their resurgence thanks to numerous designer Spring collections, including Fendi, Michael Kors, and Prada, which reminded the fashion conscious that in the right setting (coupled with the right legs), they can help create a spectacular look.

Shorts are an incredibly versatile clothing item that, although typically associated with warmer weather, have cemented themselves as a firm street-style winter favourite, thanks to celebrities including Rihanna, Katie Holmes, and Kiera Knightley popularising them over the colder months.

Below, we will explore the shorts’ Bermudian origin story and where to buy the perfect pair on the island of Bermuda itself.

The Bermuda short was invented in 1914 when Nathaniel Coxon, a Bermudian tea shop owner, hemmed his employees’ trousers for extra comfort in the heat. Ever since, wearing Bermuda shorts with long socks that reach just below the knee has become the island’s most iconic look and a worldwide trend.

A businesswoman wearing white shorts

On the island, these shorts are worn by virtually every Bermudian, including hospitality staff, office workers, and those looking to dress up a little on a day-to-day basis. Providing comfort, functionality, and elegance, the shorts define Bermuda style, so much so that many locals are known to wear them all year round.

When visiting Bermuda, travellers can shop at a wide range of outlets that provide ample opportunity to find the perfect pair of Bermuda shorts. Try Front Street in Bermuda’s capital city, Hamilton, one of the island’s best shopping hubs. Alternatively, take a stroll around Bermuda’s largest shopping centre, Washington Mall, which boasts over 50 retailers, or Clocktower Mall, situated in the Royal Naval Dockyard.

A woman wearing a pair of green shorts

Finally, visit award-winning shop TABS or “The Authentic Bermuda Shorts”, nestled metres from Front Street and set up by Bermudian Rebecca Singleton. Based on the staple piece, the store offers ‘the men and women of today’ shorts in modernised styles in an incredible range of colours.

For a break between shop-hopping, visitors should look no further than Rosewood Bermuda for a place to stay, which lies just a 15-minute drive from Front Street. The northeastern coastal resort provides the best of both worlds, situated in close proximity to the liveliness of Hamilton whilst allowing travellers to relax in stunning natural vistas of the sheltered Castle Harbour and its calm turquoise waters.

A pink sand beach at sunset

Guests can access the island’s largest private pink-sand beach from Rosewood’s stunning beachfront outpost, The Beach Club. Here, they can enjoy some of the best sunsets on the island over a beautiful, seasonal plate of food.

The Beach Club is the summertime social hub for resort guests and club members alike, offering an array of leisure amenities and exciting beachside events.

From classic beach barbecues, bonfires, and seasonal celebrations to curated pop-ups, musical and cinematic events, or just an easy day relaxing by the pool or the pink sand, the club is the ideal beach day destination to enjoy the resort’s best assets. There really is no better place to flaunt your Bermuda shorts!

A montage of photos of men wearing casual shortsThe Origin of Bermuda Shorts and What's Behind their Resurgence in 2025 2

Editorial Team

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