The Rise of the Short Short: A New Silhouette for Spring 2026

Runways in Paris were awash with shorts, signaling a major shift in men’s fashion. From micro-shorts to longer, relaxed styles, the hemlines are drastically changing.

A Tale of Two Hemlines

The shorts discourse has evolved. At the men’s shows in Paris, the options were stark: either very short or quite long. These silhouettes are a departure from the traditional, tapered chino shorts.

“It’s the new miniskirt,” said Alex Badia, the style director of Women’s Wear Daily.

Short Shorts Take Center Stage

• Saint Laurent: Opened with tailored, cuffed shorts paired with shirts and ties, creating a sophisticated look.
• Prada: Showcased bunchy, blousy bloomers, pushing the boundaries of the trend.
• ERL: Presented a contrast with both short (four inches above the knee) and long (three inches below the knee) shorts, embodying a beachy Venice Beach aesthetic.
• Ami, Kenzo, Wales Bonner, LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi: Also featured boxy, short shorts.

The Long Shorts Counterpoint

Designers like Vronique Nichanian at Hermès opted out of shorts altogether, preferring white pants. “Too many last time,” she explained, suggesting a deliberate rejection of the prevailing trend.

Key Takeaways

• Short shorts are a major trend for spring 2026, becoming increasingly popular on the runways.
• The silhouette ranges from micro-shorts to slightly longer, relaxed styles.
• Designers are experimenting with hemlines and challenging traditional menswear norms.
• The trend is a bold departure from the classic, tapered shorts of the past.
• Some designers are opting out of the trend altogether, showcasing alternative styles like white pants.