Fashion

The Bottoms That Are Replacing Our Editors’ Denim Shorts This Summer

written by TINSLEY CRISP

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summer shorts not denim"
summer shorts not denim
Source: @ashbegash
Source: @ashbegash

Despite having ruled our summer wardrobes for most of our lives, over the past few years, denim shorts have lost a bit of their luster. With fresh alternatives like linen shorts, pedal pushers, and breezy maxi skirts, warm-weather outfits have the opportunity to feel a bit more interesting than they do with typical denim cut-offs.

Thanks to 2025’s dressing themes of soft power and renewed maximalism, this season’s denim short alternatives are equal parts effortless and elevated. For the minimalist, a mix of tailored short and structured minis are coming into play; for the maximalist, an endlessly supply of striped boxer shorts and printed pull-on pants are here to inject more pattern into summer outfits. While denim shorts shouldn’t be written off completely—long denim shorts will also be having a moment this season—extending your arsenal of bottoms can help breathe new life into your typical warm-weather uniform.

Whether you’re on the hunt for bottoms for lounging indoors or bopping around town, these are the five denim short alternatives to lean on in 2025.

Poplin Midi Skirts

A poplin midi skirt can take your summer wardrobe pretty far; they’re lightweight, breathable, and easy to style. You really only need one or two—black and white, if you ask me—to create a near endless number of outfits to carry you from day to night over the next several months. The good news, too, is that they’re perpetually in style. Outside of the usual neutral suspects, trending color options like butter yellow can help to make a statement when paired with summer tanks and tees. Personally, I’m eyeing a striped version ahead of my annual trip to Cape Cod.

Smocked-Waist Poplin Midi Skirt
Madewell
Smocked-Waist Poplin Midi Skirt

2 colors available

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Poplin Pleated Midi Skirt
Banana Republic Factory
Poplin Pleated Midi Skirt

2 colors available

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Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt
Aerie
Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt

8 colors available

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Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt
Banana Republic
Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt

6 colors available

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Trouser Shorts

Source: @laura.byrnes

Trouser shorts can help bring a bit of structure to the season of breezy silhouettes. Style their longer inseams the way you would any of your go-to shorts, and don’t be afraid to play with proportions by trying your hand at styling them both with more form-fitting tanks and oversized button-ups.

Pleated Drop-Waist Trouser Shorts
Sézane
Pleated Drop-Waist Trouser Shorts
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Mid-Thigh Crepe Shorts
Aritzia
Mid-Thigh Crepe Shorts

10 colors available

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Pleated Trouser Shorts
Madewell
Pleated Trouser Shorts

3 colors available

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Ponte Shorts
Universal Standard
Ponte Shorts
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Boxer Shorts

If you took a chance on the boxer-short trend last summer, you’re in luck: The pajama-bottom look-a-likes have returned for yet another season. 2024’s classic silk and cotton versions are still in rotation with the addition of new color combos that lend themselves to this year’s renewed focus on individual style. Style them with a ribbed tank and flip-flops for a laid-back approach, or with a blazer and kitten heels for a fresh Happy Hour outfit.

Boxer Shorts
Out From Under
Boxer Shorts

7 colors available

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Cover-Up Boxer Shorts
Aerie
Cover-Up Boxer Shorts

10 colors available

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Boxer Shorts
Anthropologie
Boxer Shorts

16 colors available

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Boxer Shorts
The Great.
Boxer Shorts
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Structured Mini Skirts

Source: @gabrielegz

The words “mini skirt” can conjure up a slew of negative feelings—most notably, flashbacks to the butt-grazing minis many of us wore as early teens. Fear not: Today’s mini skirts and skorts are a lot more polished, making it easier than ever to sport a shorter hemline. Structured, belted options are aplenty this season, and with the right shoes—sneakers or sandals will do the trick—you’ll find that mini skirts work for nearly every occasion. 

Luxe Suiting Mini Skirt
Good American
Luxe Suiting Mini Skirt
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Linen Mini Skirt
Reformation
Linen Mini Skirt

2 colors available

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Mini Skort
Abercrombie & Fitch
Mini Skort

8 colors available

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Wrap-Front Mini Skort
J.Crew
Wrap-Front Mini Skort

3 colors available

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Drawstring Pants

Source: @donni

Finding that elusive combo of coverage and breathability in a pair of summer pant feels exceptionally gratifying. It boils down to the right fit and fabric, usually capitalizing on natural fibers and loose-fit silhouettes. Pull-on pants take the place of jeans or trousers while maintaining the ability to be styled in a similar fashion. Pair them with a boho-style blouse, a barely-there tank, or a classic tee for a laissez-faire summer look.

Linen Drawstring Pants
J.Crew
Linen Drawstring Pants

8 colors available

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Poplin Easy Wide-Leg Pants
Gap
Poplin Easy Wide-Leg Pants

2 colors available

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Linen Easy Pants
Uniqlo
Linen Easy Pants

3 colors available

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Poplin Pull-On Pants
Banana Republic
Poplin Pull-On Pants

3 colors available

Shop now
tinsley crisp
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer

Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.