As the weather warms up and we shed our heavy winter coats, that annual panic starts to set in: how will we find shorts that are comfortable but also suit our hipster style? We can’t be wearing boring old denim booty shorts!
Like a breezy dress or casual sandals, a good pair of shorts are an essential part of Summer. But, the problem arises when you try to find a style that suits you. Too short? Too long? Too colorful, or not colorful enough? We know the struggle, and we know how hard it can be to find shorts in vintage styles. Luckily, high waisted shorts are trendy at the moment so you can find lots of vintage-inspired pairs at even the most mainstream stores.
Never fear, Hipstery is here. We’ve picked our 12 favorite vintage-inspired shorts to get you through the Summer.
QUICK LOOK: OUR 3 FAVORITES
PILCRO RELAXED PLEAT SHORTS
FAITHFULL ISOLA LINEN SHORTS
CORDUROY PULL-ON SHORT
Pilcro Relaxed Pleat Shorts
pilcro relaxed pleat shorts
From top to bottom, each piece is both versatile and comfy - just how all your favorites should be! Delivering iconic silhouettes crafted from premium denim - along with boho blouses, breezy buttondowns, and beyond - this only-at-Anthro collection is designed to fit, flatter, and feel amazing.
Pleated details grant this easygoing pair of cotton shorts a bit of polish and retro charm. Available in a variety of soft colors like black, moss, lavender, peach and neutral, these shorts from Pilcro can be easily dressed up or down. Just add a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual look, or try a vintage blouse and a bold necklace for a look that's sure to earn you compliments.
- Made from cotton and elastane
- Machine washable
Faithfull Isola Linen Shorts
faithfull isola linen shorts
Faithfull pieces are feminine, flattering, and versatile enough for wanderlust-fueled adventuring. Prints are inspired by vintage textiles and antique markets from across the world, and each earth-toned garment is carefully produced using artisan techniques in Bali, Indonesia.
These linen shorts from Faithfull are the closest you will get to a genuine 70’s pair! Made from lightweight linen, these autumnal toned floral shorts are comfy, eye-catching and undoubtedly vintage. The chunky belt adds an extra 70’s flair that we love.
Faithfull pieces are inspired by vintage textiles and antique markets from across the world, and each earth-toned garment is carefully produced using artisan techniques in Bali, Indonesia.
- Manufacturers have found this style runs small, so they recommend sizing up for an ideal fit
- Made with linen
- Removable belt
- Hand wash only
Urban Renewal Recycled Overdyed Corduroy Pull-On Short
corduroy pull-on short
Cord shorts crafted from recycled vintage materials. Relaxed style with an elasticated waistband and finished with pockets to the sides.
These cord shorts from Urban Outfitters are crafted from recycled vintage materials and come in three colors: green, coral and purple. These shorts are perfect for a more relaxed vibe thanks to the elasticated waistband, loose fit and side pockets.
Urban Renewal recycled pieces are all created using vintage fabrics from old clothes and are created by hand in the US, so no two pairs are exactly alike. And you know we love unique items!
- Hand wash only
Urban Renewal Recycled Silky Scarf Short
silky scarf short
Unique and one-of-a-kind shorts up-cycled from vintage materials for a modern style.
Also from the Urban Renewal brand, these silky scarf shorts are unique and one-of-a-kind shorts up-cycled from vintage scarf materials. Each individual pair will vary due to the nature of the vintage fabrics - so you know that no one else has the same shorts as you!
The loose and elasticated style makes these shorts perfect for casual Summer days, and the patchwork scarf prints add a unique boldness that is sure to make you stand out.
- Hand wash only
BDG Patchwork Denim Volley Short
patchwork denim volley short
Essential volley short with a patchwork denim fabrication by BDG. Features a pull-on style with an elasticated waistband & adjustable drawstring closure. Fitted with pockets at the waist and back.
These more casual mens volley shorts from BDG are made with a patchwork denim fabric. They have a comfy pull-on style with an elasticated waistband and adjustable drawstring closure, making them perfect for dudes on the move. The distressed patchwork denim design makes these shorts look well-worn and, by proxy, extra vintage.
- Made from 100% Cotton
- Machine washable
Year Of Ours V-Waist Bike Short
v-waist bike short
Must-have activewear bike short from Year Of Ours in a stretchy ribbed knit that hugs every curve down to the mid-thigh hem. Topped with an overlapping V-shape waistband that sits at a high rise.
Everyone remembers those iconic pictures of Princess Diana leaving the gym in an oversized sweatshirt and tight bike shorts, and now you can recreate that classic 80s/90s look yourself!
These bike shorts from Year Of Ours are made from stretchy ribbed knit and go down to the mid-thigh for a more comfortable fit. They also feature an overlapping V-shape waistband that creates enviable curves (if that’s what you’re after!).
- Made from nylon and spandex
- Machine washable
Levi’s Ribcage Denim Short
levi's ribcage denim short
Slim-fit denim shorts from Levi's cut with a super high rise. Rigid denim cut with a raw hem for casual styling. Essential 5-pocket design finished with a button fly.
Nothing can beat a pair of classic high-waisted denim shorts from Levi’s. They were popular in the 70’s and they’re still popular now because they look so damn good!
This particular pair available from Urban Outfitters has a slimmer fit over the thigh and features a super high rise waist. It has that classic vintage rigid denim cut in deep blue with a raw hem for casual styling, and the essential 5-pocket design and a button fly. Just a hint: reviewers say the sizes run small, so you should try and shop 1 or 2 sizes bigger than your normal.
- Made from 100% cotton
- Machine washable
Nike Sportswear Air Fleece Short
nike sportswear air fleece short
Easy pull-on short from Nike crafted from a soft fleece with adjustable drawstring waistband. Finished with pockets at the sides and logo detailing.
Refreshing a wardrobe staple, these easy pull-on Nike Air Fleece Shorts are crafted from a soft fleece and come in three classic colors: black, cream and blue. Of course, they also have the iconic Nike logo embroidered on the side, as well as slip-in side pockets.
We particularly like that, although they are still stylish by design, these shorts are longer and looser than your average pair - making them perfect for going straight from breaking a sweat to the streets.
- Made from cotton and polyester
- Machine washable
Lakewashed Chino Shorts
lakewashed chino shorts
Most comfortable chino shorts have an easygoing feel and just the right amount of stretch for a style that looks and feels great all day long.
With a patchwork of summery blue colors, these comfortable chino shorts from LL Bean have an easygoing feel and an 80’s vibe. With just the right amount of stretch while still maintaining a slimmer fit, shorts like these are perfect for active people.
These shorts are made in a genuine patchwork style with different fabrics sewn together instead of just a patchwork pattern, which gives it a retro edge that we love.
- Made from cotton
- Machine washable
Lakewashed Chino Shorts in Bermuda Patchwork
lakewashed chino shorts in bermuda patchwork
In a patchwork of color, this most comfortable Bermudas have an easygoing feel and just the right amount of stretch. These chino shorts look and feel great all day long.
Very similar to the previous pair of patchwork chinos, these shorts also have the same blue pattern but are made with a longer Bermuda style that goes to just above the knees. Super comfortable, easygoing and just a bit stretchy, these chino shorts will look and feel great all Summer long.
- Made from cotton
- Machine washable
Plaid&Plain Women's High Waisted Denim Shorts
high waisted denim shorts
High waisted jean shorts with a cuffed hem and a “A-line” fit for a cute & flattering looking. Elastic waist make them comfy denim shorts for women
These high waisted denim shorts with a cuffed hem and an “A-line” fit are both cute and flattering. An affordable alternative to traditional Levi’s shorts, we love that they have the quintessential loose vintage denim look but also an added modern twist thanks to the paper bag waist.
You can wear these high waisted shorts with t-shirts, blouses and crop tops, and the thick fabric means you can also wear them in colder weather with leggings or tights underneath.
- Made from 100% cotton
Retro Vintage Memphis Men's Summer Shorts
men's summer shorts
This short is perfect for surfing and summer beach. The short sleeve shirt with the same pattern swim trunks makes you brilliant.
Another pair of shorts for the guys, these swim trunks have time travelled straight from the 80’s to your closet. You’ll recognize this iconic pattern instantly - and so will everyone else.
The fabric of these swimming trunks is quick-dry, lightweight and comfortable. For maximum comfort the tightness can be adjusted freely according to your waist circumference and they also feature a mesh inner lining.
- Made from 100% polyester
- Machine washable