The heatwave has taken over the UK this week, with temperatures soaring. It's always quite the task to decide what to wear when the weather hots up, but a surefire winner is always a great pair of shorts.
That being said, they can feel unforgiving if they are particularly short, which is where the mighty Bermudas come in. Famously tailored, they were initially designed for the military to wear in tropical climates like Bermuda, hence their namesake.
© GettyCut just above the knee, they were adopted in the 1940s as a modest yet breezy option for both men and women, later drifting into business casualwear.
© Getty ImagesThe longer length is ideal for anyone who prefers something more modest, and the best way to wear them is slightly loose. Bermudas aren't meant to be skin tight, which is great news when dressing for the heatwave.
Duchess Sophie gave a fine example of how to wear Bermuda shorts in 2018. The royal attended a sailing day at the Association of Sail Training Organisations, and donned a lovely denim pair, which she teamed with a casual, expertly-cut T-shirt. She added minimal jewellery and trainers, keeping her look fuss-free yet timeless.
Get Sophie's look
There are some incredible Bermuda shorts just like Sophie's on the high street right now.
Mint Velvet has an ultra-chic denim pair that also comes in white for that French Riviera feel, and opting to go for a lightweight pair in linen is also a cooling option - these pastel blue shorts from Nobody's Child have a streamlined finish.
You can dress up Bermuda shorts with fancy flats or even a pair of wedges for an evening-ready look.
Royal ladies get shorty
It's rare to see the Princess of Wales wearing shorts, but in 2022, she headed to Plymouth with the 1851 Trust, where she joined Sir Ben Ainslie and the British crew at a SailGP event. Nailing nautical chic with major aplomb, the wife of Prince William sported a pair of linen 'Oyster' shorts with gold buttons from Holland Cooper.
© Getty ImagesAlthough ZaraTindall has worn denim shorts many times in an off-duty setting, her most memorable moment was in 2024, when she was pictured arriving at Southmead Hospital after her mother, Princess Anne, was hospitalised after sustaining minor injuries at her home on the Gatcombe Park estate.
© GettyZara donned a pair of cut-off denim shorts, which she teamed with a slightly oversized denim shirt. The royal teamed the look with a pair of grey and white Adidas Gazelle trainers, sunglasses by Monc, and she wore her cream Aspinal London bag cross-body.
