Jorts with cargo pockets, jorts that go below the knee, jorts with a monogram print, jorts with a raw hem…. browsing through the latest products to release at retailers leaves you staring in the face of countless denim shorts.
We've even started seeing people wearing their jorts with Timberland boots — what is going on?
Only a few summers ago, this style of long and baggy shorts was found exclusively in highly-practical wardrobes of middle-aged suburban men (and the odd old-school skater). But now, jorts have joined the likes of hiking sneakers, cardigans, and cargo pants in getting the dad-core treatment.
We've noticed that shorts are getting terrifyingly long, even approaching 3/4 length territory, and it seems that a lot of blame rests at the door of jean shorts.
We really shouldn't be surprised though, the writing has been on the wall for the denim legwear. A$AP Rocky wore a pair to tease his Vans collaboration two summers ago, Justin Bieber has been using them as a summer alternative to his signature baggy jeans, and let's not forget the Hadid sisters rocking jorts over jeans all the way back in 2018. But it still feels so wrong seeing jorts luxury-fied en masse.
Seeing this once-ridiculed style on the runway and in the wardrobes of celebrities, I can't help but see John Cena in his wrestling prime.
"I chose denim because you don't blow the crotch in denim," Cena previously told James Corden about his signature legwear. "I tried cargo pants, and in front of the world a few times, here I am, trying to put my life on the line with the superstars that I have a match with, and everybody is just looking at my dick. So denim's a safe play."
Of course, we aren't expecting you to go out wrestling in your newest jorts, but he does make a good point about one of the big pros of the style — its toughness. Denim has its routes in workwear due to its durability and it means that any pair you buy now will likely stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
It's part of the reason why skateboarders adopted jean shorts, the subculture that the style is now almost synonymous with.
The scene hasn't always been open to the idea of shorts, with early skate magazines and video shoots even having a policy against them — partly because it meant legs were too exposed to gashes and partly because they were perceived as being uncool. But jean shorts proved to be one of the few exceptions in the 80s and early 90s, provided they reached below the knee to stop them from getting cut up.
That same style of shorts is now finding the limelight again, and skateboarding's pioneering role in streetwear no doubt has a part to play. But unlike in the late 20th century, this time around the shorts are finding themselves on the runway and in the wardrobes of celebrities.
Browsing online for our favorite pairs of jorts available right now, ranging from classic Levi's to Japanese denim courtesy of KENZO, check out some shopping suggestions down below.
Scroll down to find the best Jorts for summer 2023.
Our Legacy Wide-Leg Longline Denim Shorts
If you're on the hunt for some big and baggy denim shorts, then you've come to the right place. This pair from Our Legacy ends well below the knee and features a slightly unfinished hem.
Dries Van Noten SSENSE Exclusive Denim Shorts
With a unique dye effect and raw edges at the cuff, these Dries jorts are sure to catch a few eyes.
Balenciaga Raw-Hem Denim Shorts
Think upscale Burner participant. He wants to fit in with the rough-around-the-edges festival set - but he has means. Balenciaga elevates jorts to astronomical heights with a bangin' grey colorway.
KAPITAL Straight-Leg Appliquéd Patchwork Denim Shorts
There's a touch of whimsy in these shorts. With patchwork applique, this makes us think of Moonrise Kingdom - a perfect homage to adventure and wayfaring.
Givenchy Paneled Denim Shorts
For those not too keen on showing too much leg, Givenchy's paneled shorts are a great option for summer — especially if you're one to prioritise pocket space.
KENZO Sailor Loose Denim Shorts
Kenzo's created an elevated take on jorts with this sailor-inspired pair crafted from Japanese Kaihara denim. The oversized pockets and contrast stitching are the details that elevate the style.
GmbH Rim Denim Shorts
It's not all just big and baggy denim shorts over here. This pair from GMBH comes with its signature double zip closure at the front and will ensure that your showing lots of leg this summer.
Sacai Belted Denim Shorts
Long gone are the days of forgetting to wear belt when on the run — this cargo pair courtesy of Sacai comes with its own 'jelt.'
Winnie New York Denim Shorts
Although these double-knee denim shorts take inspiration from workwear, we don't recommend getting them scuffed-up through a spot of DIY.
Crenshaw Skate Club X Browns Denim Shorts
I can't imagine ever feeling restricted with a pair of these shorts on, they're about as baggy as it gets.
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