How to Buy Bermuda Shorts

For many, the very mention of Bermuda shorts evokes images of vacationing retirees in Florida with straw hats. It often puts a bad taste in the proverbial mouth of the most fashion savvy. However, regardless if you are 16 or 65, you can wear Bermuda shorts in a stylish and age appropriate way. Follow these steps to buy Bermuda shorts and make this trend work for your age and personality.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess whether your body type is conducive to buy Bermuda shorts or shorts in general. Stand in front of a full length mirror and pay special attention to the ratio of your bottom legs to the top, and the general shape of your legs and your hips.

2. Decide where you will primarily be wearing your Bermuda shorts. Take into account your age to help you decide the tightness, and lowness of your Bermudas before you go to the store to try anything on.

3. Visit your favorite store in the late spring/early summer months to find the largest selection of Bermuda shorts. Try on at least 4 different styles; Limit you choices to colors that flatter your skin tone and represent your own personal style.

4. Pay special attention to shorts that are solid colored or have small patterns. Larger patterns tend to make one look a bit larger.

5. Decide what length best works for you. Bermuda shorts run from almost hitting the knee to roughly the middle of the calf; the larger your upper legs, the longer your shorts might want to be, depending on the tightness of the shorts.

6. Buy light cotton fabrics for beach wear, and pick a slightly heavier material for everyday wear. Dress up your look by looking for black, dark gray or pin-stripped Bermudas and pair them with heels for an appropriate casual work look.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that gaucho shorts or "city shorts", which include the black or pin stripped variety, are yet just another offset of the classic Bermuda shorts. These shorts were typically worn by men, and have patterns of tiny sail boats or nautical patterns.
• Play with your look by pairing the shorts with a blazer or possibly a short dress. Cute flats or heels are always a good way to spice up the Bermuda look.