Hey Dad, Can I Borrow Your Jorts This Summer?
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.
sacai Denim Bermudas
If you're on the hunt for some big and baggy denim shorts, then you've come to the right place. This pair from sacai hits the knee and features an incorporated belt.
Camperlab Beige Print Denim Shorts
With a unique tie-dye-like swirl pattern and trumpet shape, these Camperlab jorts are sure to catch a few eyes.
Acne Studios Logo-Jacquard Denim Shorts
Think upscale Burner participant. He wants to fit in with the rough-around-the-edges festival set – but he has means. Acne elevates jorts to astronomical heights with a bangin' textured jacquard.
Amomento White Denim Shorts
In a pristine shade of white, these baggy knee-lengths add those extra summer, OOO vibes to your look.
Diesel Denim Shorts
For those not too keen on showing too much leg, Diesel's wide shorts are a great option for summer — especially if you're one to prioritize leg room.
KUSIKOHC Origami Cut-Out Denim Shorts
KUSIKOHC created an elevated take on jorts with this cut-out pair. The frayed edges, slightly below-knee length, and creamy color make a case for how jean shorts can look and feel far more interesting that whatever you might initially envision upon hearing the words.
44 LABEL GROUP Corrosive Denim Shorts
It's not all just big and baggy, cuffed denims over here. This pair by 44 LABEL GROUP comes adorned in a print of what looks like rust, and hit above the knee for a unique take on the titular category.
Monitaly Tie Dye Denim Shorts
Long gone are the days of subtly slutty short shorts – at least as far as these multi-colored, embroidered jorts are concerned.
Sky High Farm Workwear Print Denim Shorts
Neither jeans nor shorts often feature bold graphics. In this case, however, you'll be treated to a pop-art-style design all over the front, with a blank, blue jean back and the brand's signature fruit emblem as the almost-literal cherry on top.
Kenzo Embroidered Jorts
With their contrastive stitching, colorful back pocket patch, and sailor-themed design details, these straight-legged jorts prove that reducing a pant's length means not to reduce its visual appeal or sense of intricacy.
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