This spring I've been taking note of the resurgence of Bermuda shorts, and the appeal of their awkward coolness. When I think of Bermuda shorts, two images come to mind: a pre-teen skater with messy hair and my mom in her Southern California garden.
Although gardening in a jumpsuit of sturdy workwear cotton sounds protective and quite clean, during the summer months, or in southern climates, full coverage is just not comfortable. Legs need to breathe and catch some sun after a long winter, and a little dirt on the knees never hurt anyone.
Here are 10 of our favorite gardening shorts pulled from fashion sources and outdoor stores alike.
Above: From Guideboat Co. in Mill Valley, California, the Women's Guide Shorts have two large patch pockets and are made from natural Japanese sateen for $135.
Above: From Margaret Howell's diffusion line, MHL by Margaret Howell, the Tennis Short is made from garment-dyed vintage cotton canvas fabric; $235 at La Garçonne. The shorts in a deep khaki color also are available directly from Margaret Howell.
Above: At true bermuda length, the Easy Stretch Shorts have a stealth elastic waistband for comfort; $39.95 from L.L. Bean.
Above: J.Crew's Harbor Shorts hit flatteringly at mid-thigh and come in a selection of nine colors (shown here in Scarborough Grey); $55.
Above: From Remodelista and Gardenista favorite, Le Vestaire de Jeanne, the Black Linen Uniform Shorts are ideal for the beach and the garden (even better if your garden is on or near the beach). The lightweight shorts are €115 ($128 USD) from Le Vestiaire de Jeanne. Read more about the brand in Effortless Dressing à la Française on Remodelista.
Above: From classic workwear brand Carhartt, the Sibley Denim Short has a longer length with added stretch for movement in the garden; $29.99 at Carhartt.
Above: The Flexible Insulated Shorts come from Snowpeak's unisex line of outdoor wear and are made with water-resistant Polartec Alpha fabric, which sounds fitting for dew-filled early mornings in the garden; $190 from Snowpeak.
Above: Pointer Brand's Carpenter Shortalls are made of washed indigo denim with plenty of pockets for $55 at L.C. King Manufacturing Co. They also carry the style as Painter Shortalls, made from a light colored cotton canvas.
Above: The Best Buds Garden Shorts (the short version of company's gardening pant) are made of a stain-resistant and moisture wicking fabric; $49.95 at Gardener's Supply Company.
Above: Known for its small-scale denim production, Chimala makes a jean so cropped that it could qualify as long shorts (cuffed heavily) or a modern capri. The Natural Indigo Narrow Tapered Cut Jean is $475 at Mohawk General Store.
For more gardening uniform essentials see:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Dungarees and Work Pants.
- Work Aprons: Keeping Clean While Getting Dirty.
- 10 Easy Pieces: Straw Hats.
- 10 Easy Pieces: French Market Totes.
More Stories from Gardenista