How Satin Shorts Became Summer’s Sneakiest Power Piece

They slip seamlessly from desk hours to dusk‑’til‑dawn cocktails.

collage of women wearing satin shorts
(Image credit: Getty Images, Launchmetrics)

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.

Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

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.