BTN News: When we hear the term “jorts,” it might not immediately ring a bell, but our connection to this denim staple runs deeper than we realize. The word “jorts” is a portmanteau of “jean” and “short,” referring to a style of shorts made from denim, often with a generous cut. While the term may seem modern, the concept of jorts is nearly as old as the creation of denim jeans themselves. The story of jorts traces back to the late 19th century when the need for practical, cooler workwear in the summer led to the birth of this versatile piece of clothing.
Legend has it that the first person to create jorts was Bartholomew Bubbins, a close friend of Levi Strauss, the man credited with inventing denim jeans in 1873. Bubbins supposedly took a pair of Levi’s and cut off the legs to cope with the sweltering heat, creating the first-ever jorts. Though the exact reason behind this action remains unclear, theories range from a simple desire to beat the heat to more colorful stories involving bets or the defense of a woman’s honor. Regardless of the reason, Bubbins’ innovation laid the foundation for what would become a fashion staple for decades to come.
Throughout the 20th century, jorts evolved from practical workwear to a fashion icon. They went by various names depending on the context—cropped dungarees among field workers, half trousers in the mining industry, and blue babies, a term supposedly coined affectionately by Bubbins himself. It wasn’t until the 1950s, however, that jorts made their transition from functional attire to a fashion statement. This was almost a decade before the miniskirt revolutionized women’s fashion, making jorts one of the first garments to challenge traditional notions of modesty and style.
The late 1960s saw the rise of jorts as a symbol of freedom and rebellion, influenced by the countercultural movements of the time. Woodstock, the Summer of Love, and the psychedelic era infused jorts with a carefree, bohemian vibe. They became increasingly shorter, with frayed hems and distressed details, embodying the spirit of the times. Celebrities like Jane Birkin further popularized the look, making jorts a go-to summer outfit. Her iconic combination of denim shorts with a simple white tank top during a vacation in Saint Tropez with Serge Gainsbourg remains a timeless fashion reference.
As the 1970s rolled on, bell-bottoms and flared jeans took center stage, but jorts maintained their presence, particularly within the burgeoning punk and glam rock scenes. Bands like The Runaways and Heart adopted jorts as part of their rebellious image, while Debbie Harry of Blondie fame took the trend to its extreme, pairing them with the tight skinny jeans that would dominate the punk aesthetic.
The 1990s saw a resurgence of jorts, this time through the lens of hip-hop culture. The era’s baggy, low-rise denim styles found new life in jorts, with icons like Salt-N-Pepa and Missy Elliott popularizing versions that sat just above the knee. These oversized, relaxed-fit shorts often showcased a hint of underwear, as seen on Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes of TLC, blending comfort with urban style. This decade’s take on jorts was heavily influenced by the superfluous use of denim in fashion, a trend that is once again making waves in the summer of 2024.
Fast forward to the 2000s, and jorts became a staple in skate culture, characterized by their frayed edges and lived-in look. Today, they’ve been updated for a new generation, with celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber bringing their unique spins to the classic piece. Ratajkowski and Hadid have been spotted in jorts with oversized legs and distressed detailing, while Bieber exemplifies the ‘boyfriend’ style with shorts that look borrowed from the grunge era her husband, Justin Bieber, channeled in 2016.
On the runway, designers have embraced the versatility of jorts, offering a range of innovative takes on this timeless garment. Daniel W. Fletcher and PLN have introduced cargo pocket styles, Vaquera has gone for oversized leg silhouettes, and Baum und Pferdgarten has added a coquette touch with side bows. Paula Cánovas del Vas has received applause for her knee-length jorts featuring denim fabric turned inside out on pockets and sides. Meanwhile, Valentino, Maitrepierre, and Dries Van Noten have opted for a more refined, cyclist-inspired fit with a soft wash, making these jorts a chic option for office wear.
For those wondering how to style jorts with confidence, street style offers a wealth of inspiration. Pairing them with masculine shirts or a tank top and kitten heels makes for a chic, day-to-night look. Add loafers and socks for a trendy masculine twist, or go bold with a leather jacket and biker boots for a more daring ensemble. The key is to adapt your jorts to the occasion, letting them reflect your personal style.
In 2024, jorts are back in full force, with various styles catering to every fashion taste. From Massimo Dutti’s straight-cut, masculine designs to Loewe’s logo-emblazoned versions and Pull&Bear’s animal print options, there’s a pair of jorts for everyone. Other notable mentions include Bimba Y Lola’s pleated designs, Arket’s skate-fit shorts, Mango’s pinstripe patterns, Levi’s boyfriend styles, COS’s below-the-knee lengths, Lefties’ baggy silhouettes, Sandro’s double-waistband designs, and Camper’s faded effects. This summer, jorts are set to be a key player in both high fashion and everyday wardrobes, proving that this humble piece of clothing has indeed stood the test of time.
