Bermuda shorts, denim shorts, sweat shorts, oh my! The supply and demand for shorter hemlines in the summer is to be expected—they’re the perfect excuse to show off sun-kissed legs or a new pair of summer sandals. But this summer of 2022, the hemlines are only getting shorter and quite literally cheekier—it’s the era of teeny-tiny mini shorts and hot pants. Just this past spring, and on the Oscars red carpet no less, Kristen Stewart wore a pair of satin Chanel mini shorts that stood alone next to a sea of gowns and evening dresses. Making the case for short-shorts everywhere, this take proved that the mini hem can be just as dressed up as dressed down.
When the summer heat is particularly unbearable, women’s mini shorts are a fun and flirty foundation for any summer outfit: Play with proportions, and pair with an oversized, menswear-style button-up, or go with a classic wardrobe staple like a white T-shirt, and when you want to show some serious skin either at the beach or even in the city on a summer weekend, a matching swimsuit top should definitely do. Textured pairs in crochet, knit, and terrycloth feel especially seasonal, while a pair of denim mini shorts feel more evergreen. For any upcoming maritime moments you have in mind, striped hot pants from The Frankie Shop and Etro give off a nautical flair. And per Stewart’s influence, consider a dressier hot pant or mini short like these from Paco Rabanne and Altuzarra for your next summer cocktail party—they’re a guaranteed conversation starter.
Below, a cheeky edit of the summer’s 30 best women’s mini shorts and hot pants, to forget about your mom shorts for good (or at least until next summer).
