What Are Walking Shorts? | Knee-Length Casual Style, Defined

If you have shopped for summer shorts and landed on a pair that stops right at the knee, you were probably looking at walking shorts. The term gets used loosely online — sometimes as a synonym for Bermuda shorts, sometimes as a catch-all for any longer shorts — but it describes a specific style with a clear purpose: bridge the gap between board shorts and chinos. This article breaks down what walking shorts actually are, how they differ from other short styles, and whether they fit your wardrobe.

What Exactly Are Walking Shorts?

Walking shorts are longer than standard shorts but shorter than capris. The hem typically falls one inch (about 2.5 cm) above the knee, at the knee, or just below it — sources vary, so treat the range as the rule. The fit is relaxed rather than slim, often with cuffed hems, and the construction is woven (cotton, linen, polyester blends, or quick-dry nylon) rather than knit or stretchy.

Key features include front and back pockets, belt loops or waist loops, and occasionally an elastic waistband or drawstring on more casual versions. Unlike athletic shorts or swim trunks, walking shorts are cut for streetwear — walking, shopping, light hiking, golf, or social occasions where denim feels too heavy and gym shorts feel too casual.

Walking Shorts vs. Bermuda Shorts: What Is the Difference?

In everyday US usage, the two terms are interchangeable — most style guides treat Bermuda shorts and walking shorts as the same garment. But some fashion commentary draws a finer line: Bermuda shorts are the more tailored subset, typically just above the knee, often cuffed, and traditionally part of a specific semi-formal outfit in Bermuda itself. Walking shorts is the broader category — it includes the tailored Bermudas plus roomier, more casual versions suitable for hiking or gardening.

The table below summarizes the main distinctions between short styles commonly confused with walking shorts.

Where Did Walking Shorts Come From?

The style trace back to two main threads. During World War II, New Zealand soldiers in the Middle East wore baggy khaki drill shorts that influenced post-war civilian fashion. By the 1960s and 1970s, walking shorts were standard summer office wear for white-collar workers in New Zealand — worn with long socks, button-down shirts, and ties. The style is now part of Kiwiana, New Zealand’s pop culture identity, though actual everyday use has declined there.

In the United States, Bermuda shorts followed a separate but overlapping path. They became popular in resort wear during the mid-20th century, and by the 1980s some offices in warm climates adopted them for business casual. Today, walking shorts in the US are an unisex wardrobe staple — sold for both men and women — and the name “Bermuda shorts” is often used interchangeably in product listings.

When Are Walking Shorts the Right Choice?

Walking shorts work best when you want a covered, put-together look without wearing full-length pants. They suit casual social events, daytime outings, warm-weather travel, and active hobbies like golf or birding. For women, the longer cut can also be a comfortable alternative to shorter shorts, and for men, walking shorts are often more acceptable in dress-code-gray settings like casual Fridays or summer barbecues.

Our roundup of the best women’s walking shorts covers specific models for different body shapes and activities. The caveat: fit and inseam vary dramatically by brand, so walking shorts is a style category, not a standardized spec — always check the garment’s stated inseam length.

There are also limits. Walking shorts are rarely suitable for formal occasions, and on some jobs, even knee-length shorts violate dress codes. In Bermuda itself, the traditional outfit pairs tailored walking shorts with a blazer, knee socks, and dress shoes — a look that reads as business attire only on that island.

The short itself is not universally fashionable. Some style commentary notes that the term and the garment have older connotations, and younger shoppers may not be searching for “walking shorts” specifically — but the cut remains widely available under different labels.