The Grown-Up Way To Wear Denim Shorts This Season

Sometimes a trend rolls round that makes sense – baggy jeans? Absolutely. The return of Adidas Sambas? Yes please. But denim cycling shorts? We weren’t so sure. That was until we saw people actually wearing them. With Coachella kicking off festival season last month, we've already spotted denim shorts across the street-style set, and as summer nears, expect to see plenty more.

As we venture (or so it feels like, ever so slowly) into the warmer months, we’re starting to think about a hot-weather wardrobe. Denim shorts included. A staple of any summer wardrobe, a great pair of denim shorts, that fit perfectly, are a go-to. But it’s not all Daisy Dukes - or teeny-tiny cut-offs. This time around knee-length denim and denim cycling shorts are the grown-up take on a classic. The longer length and a thigh-hugging style makes for a surprisingly flattering cut that are much more wearable than you’d first think.

Smarter and often more tailored than the teeny tiny denim cut-offs, knee-length denim shorts can easily be dressed up or down. For a casual cool-girl approach, try Raey’s raw-hemmed offering, paired with un-buttoned shirts and ribbed white tank tops à la Gigi Hadid. Add casual trainers or flip-flops – comfort is key, here – and finally, some sunglasses et voila, an easy-peasy outfit that’s bang on trend.

For something a little more office-friendly, wear yours with simple loafers or kitten heels and oversized tailoring. A sensible (but chic) handbag will expertly finish it all off then as the evening approaches, add a slick of red lipstick and you’re ready for dinner and drinks.

So, denim cycling shorts? We're sold.

SHOP: The Best Denim Cycling Shorts

How long should denim cycling shorts be?

The ideal length for denim cycling shorts if you want to channel your inner Gigi Hadid is just above the knee. This length provides the perfect balance so they're long enough to stop any chafing and riding up (nobody wants to be greeted with a bit of bum, we're not in the early 2000's anymore). But, they're short enough to maintain that sleek look. If you did want something shorter then mid-length shorts are a happy medium.

Should denim cycling shorts be tight?

Traditional cycling shorts (you know, the spandex ones) are made to be form-fitting, so denim versions should mimic this to a certain extent. But, since denim is more structured than athletic fabrics (they've got nothing on linen), a slightly relaxed fit might be a better option for practicality.

A good fit for denim cycling shorts means they hug your body without pinching or causing discomfort, allowing you to move to your heart's content at all times.

Julia Harvey is Shopping Editor for Grazia UK and has been for the past two and a half years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online. Having previously worked at other women's magazines, Elle UK, Glamour and British Vogue, Julia has gained over eight years of experience within the fashion industry, graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a First Class degree in Fashion Communication and Promotion.