Hold the Linen—6 Summer Denim Trends Designed to Keep You Just as Cool
From Chanel’s flowing maxis to The Row’s white drawstring pants that provide ample airflow.
For decades, summer denim has typically been represented by one silhouette: the classic American style known as Daisy Dukes. Introduced in the late '70s on The Dukes of Hazzard character of the same name, the frayed jean shorts became an off-screen trend and quick fix for wearing the tough fabric during hot, hazy summers. These playful cut-offs are still popular today; just look at Sabrina Carpenter singing "Manchild" in micro jean shorts. However, the summer 2025 denim trends suggest that it's time for other jean styles to get their moment in the sun.
Christian Dior, Kallmeyer, and Maria McManus showcased a range of surprisingly chic jorts that are the complete opposite of the retro super-short shorts. The fashion crowd has been wearing longline styles for weeks, including Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, who pairs Bermuda shorts with button-down shirts as a summer work outfit. It's also clear that designers want to keep you cool with their summer '25 denim; Carolina Herrera and Chanel presented denim maxi skirts that will catch the breeze, while The Row's white drawstring denim will rival your best linen pants in breathability.
They aren't necessarily new, but this summer's denim trends are surprising—and costly, to boot—in that they provide options beyond a simple pair of jean cut-offs. Even a few extra inches on a hem or a mini-length denim dress can make the entire category feel fresh and more open to innovation. Keep scrolling for the specific silhouettes trending this summer and styling tips straight from the Pre-Fall 2025 luxury runways.
Crisp and Cool
White is a staple in summer fashion—so much so that die-hard fashion rule-followers might say it should only be worn before Labor Day. But when this season's best white jeans—like Kallmeyer's straight-leg styles and The Row's baggy denim pull-on pants—are this good, they deserve a spot in your wardrobe now and long after the holiday weekend in September.
Shifts, Slips, and Shirt Dresses
Denim mini dresses brought a flirtatious vibe to the summer runways, but the silhouettes didn't feel overly feminine. Both Brandon Maxwell and Rag Bone showcased casual denim shifts that would pair well with flat strappy leather sandals and straw tote bags for beachy weekends.
Pass the Fingertip Rule
Unequivocally, with Kallmeyer, Maria McManus, Christian Dior, and Sea New York all showcasing some form of Bermuda shorts, this summer belongs to the longline jort. This season, the baggy staple sheds its frumpy, dad-core image and transforms into an unexpectedly sophisticated piece, especially when paired with a cute kitten heel and a simple white tank top.
North of the Navel
The era of low-rise jeans has ended; hello, ultra-high-rise waistlines. Opt for a pair of button-fly ribcage jeans like Etro's, or if you prefer your legs to be free to the open air, choose a high-waist mini skirt or a tailored short like Valentino and Coperni's.
Vintage Flair
From pre-worn washes to sewn-on patches and perfectly frayed edges, vintage-inspired touches were among the most popular summer denim trends. They offer a way to achieve a pre-loved look without digging through thrift store bins. Our top suggestions include a pair of worn-in-looking barrel jeans like those from Nili Lotan or a distressed-hem mini skirt similar to Rag Bone's.
To the Maxi
By no means are summer's denim maxi skirts meant to replace your gauzy linen slips or long cotton poplin styles; they're simply here to fill the gaps in your wardrobe—like on 90-degree days when you want a sturdy bottom but need more ventilation than your favorite jean trousers provide.
