Relief all round as Bad Bunny brings back regular length shorts

Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny has released a new collection for Zara that prominently features men’s shorts of a traditional, mid-thigh length, ending a period where ultra-short shorts dominated men’s fashion trends.

The collection, unveiled this week, includes shorts that come comfortably to within a few inches of the knee, a departure from the tiny, skin-baring styles that have been prevalent for several years. The move has been widely welcomed by fans and fashion observers, who see it as a sign of a broader shift toward more relaxed, comfortable menswear.

Fashion industry experts, including Vogue Business’s Hikmat Mohammed, have observed that longer shorts are gaining popularity among athletes and celebrities. Mohammed noted that tennis players like Grigor Dimitrov have recently been seen wearing longer shorts, and he attributes this trend to a natural move toward comfort and body positivity. Notably, public figures such as Andy Burnham in short shorts have also contributed to the trend’s visibility, although opinions on this vary.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it signals a potential change in men’s fashion norms, moving away from hyper-short styles to more practical and comfortable options. It reflects broader cultural shifts toward body positivity, relaxation, and casual dressing, and could influence mainstream menswear trends in the coming months.

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Background

The trend toward shorter shorts began around 2020, with figures like Paul Mescal and Milo Ventimiglia sporting very brief styles. In 2025, actor Alexander Skarsgård appeared in short-shorts on British TV, and brands like Marks & Spencer introduced thigh-skimming options to the market. The recent appearance of longer shorts by Bad Bunny and others suggests a possible counter-movement or a new balance between extremes.

“All the tennis players have been wearing longer shorts recently.”

— Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue Business

“I don’t really think anybody should be wearing long shorts. However, there does seem to be a natural move for men.”

— Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue Business

What Remains Unclear

It is still unclear whether the trend toward longer shorts will become dominant or remain a niche movement, as discussed in this related article. The influence of Bad Bunny’s collection and celebrity endorsements may be temporary or indicative of a longer-term shift.

What’s Next

Fashion brands and designers are likely to respond with more collections featuring longer, more comfortable shorts. Monitoring consumer reactions and celebrity endorsements over the coming months will clarify if this trend gains lasting momentum, similar to the insights shared in this story about celebrity influence.

Key Questions

Will longer shorts become the new standard for men’s fashion?

It is uncertain. While some experts see this as a broader trend, fashion remains cyclical, and preferences may shift again.

Why did Bad Bunny choose to feature regular-length shorts in his collection?

While not officially stated, it appears to be a deliberate move to promote comfort and challenge the ultra-short trend that has dominated recent years.

Are longer shorts more practical for everyday wear?

Many fashion observers believe they are, offering greater comfort and versatility, which may contribute to their growing popularity.

Could this trend influence men’s fashion beyond shorts?

Potentially. As comfort and casual styles gain prominence, other menswear items may also shift toward more relaxed fits.

Source: Guardian Life