How Satin Shorts Became Summer’s Sneakiest Power Piece
They slip seamlessly from desk hours to dusk‑’til‑dawn cocktails.


I first saw the satin shorts trend on Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2025 runway. Bright cherry red, the brand’s luxurious shorts were paired with a bow-adorned top, a woven leather handbag, and a pair of mesh kitten heels. That same fashion week, other designers like Balmain, Sergio Hudson, and Dries Van Noten also embraced the silky style—styling their versions with button-down shirts, corset tops, and blazers.
Fast-forward to summer 2025, and these stylish cutoffs remain a popular trend for warm weather. I’ve seen some fashionable street style icons adopting a relaxed look, pairing their satin shorts with bohemian-inspired tops and motorcycle boots. Meanwhile, other fashionable women are going for a more refined vibe, choosing to match lace-trimmed satin shorts with blouses and loafers.
It’s clear why ultra-cropped satin pants have become such a popular staple this summer. Besides offering a polished look, they’re also practical. On hot, sweat-inducing days when temperatures hit above 90 degrees, breezy silky bottoms provide a lightweight alternative to Daisy Dukes and knee-length Bermudas.
So, if you’re aiming to balance fashion and function, keep reading. Ahead, find a curated selection of satin shorts that will help you do just that. Plus, you can wear them through Labor Day—just layer your look with a knit cardigan or a linen blazer for extra warmth.
If you want to try out the satin shorts trend without spending a lot, check out Zara's budget-friendly option. Priced at $40, you won’t have to spend a fortune.
Upgrade your summer capsule wardrobe with a versatile pair of black bottoms that match almost any top.
Trimmed in lace, Reformation’s Fern shorts showcase a charming vibe. I can easily imagine myself wearing these delicate shorts with a simple tank top and leather sandals.
Fashion’s girlhood aesthetic remains popular, and Aritzia’s satin shorts embody the youthful trend with charming floral prints.
For those who prefer longer inseams, try this extended version from J.Crew. The hemline hits right around the mid-thigh.
According to designers like Chloé, Isabel Marant, and Zimmermann, boho is making a comeback. Embrace the free-spirited style with these frilly shorts and pair the look with a ruffled blouse and mahogany wedges.
It’s time for butter yellow to step back—chocolate brown has become the must-have color in every It girl’s wardrobe. Now, it’s your turn to try out the trend.
Technically, Abercrombie & Fitch's loose-fitting hot pants are pajama shorts, but hear me out! Pair them with a buttoned blouse and strappy sandals, and you've got a chic warm-weather look.
For a sporty-chic vibe, pull on these satin shorts from Lioness. They’ll become a top pick in your collection of casual outfits.
Elevate your coastal wardrobe with Enza Costa’s slip shorts. They’re perfect for walks along the shore and casual poolside lunches.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.