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 (or recently revived) alternatives like linen shorts, capris, 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 summer 2026’s fashion trends like tuned-up basics and sporty-inspired silhouettes, this season’s denim short alternatives are equal parts effortless and elevated. If your style is more refined and classic, try a trouser short or poplin midi skirt. If you like to experiment with your style, opt for a fun-colored boxer short or track short. Of course, denim shorts could never be written off completely (longer hemlines and relaxed shapes continue to dominate). However, extending your arsenal of bottoms can help breathe new life into your typical warm-weather uniform.
Whether you’re on the hunt for summer shorts and bottoms for working from home or bopping around town, these are the six denim short alternatives to lean on in 2026.
Track Shorts
Track shorts are the ultimate cool-girl bottoms to reach for this summer. One of my favorite things about them is how unexpectedly versatile they are. Pair them with a button-up and ballet flats for a polished look, or lean into their sporty nature with colorful sneakers and a graphic tee. If you’re feeling more on the minimal side, pair them with your favorite white tee and flip-flops.
Long Poplin 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 candy pink can help to make a statement when paired with summer tanks and tees. Personally, I’m eyeing a perfectly-versatile cotton poplin option ahead of my summer travel plans.
Trouser Shorts
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. Don’t be afraid to play with proportions by trying your hand at pairing them with more form-fitting tanks and tops, or with oversized button-ups and blouses.
Boxer Shorts
If you took a chance on the boxer-short trend over the last few summers, you’re in luck: The pajama-bottom look-a-likes have returned for yet another season. Classic silk and cotton versions are still in rotation, along with fun-colored stripes and gingham. 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.
Easy Mini Skirts
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. Simple options with built-in shorts 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.
Drawstring Pants
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.
Tinsley Crisp, Former Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp was the Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specialized 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.
Andrea is a writer and editor with 10+ years of experience in women’s lifestyle and commerce content. She is based in Los Angeles, California, and her work appears in Vogue, Glamour, The Zoe Report, and many more.
