Jorts Have Taken Over

Once you’ve seen a jort, you can’t forget it. It burrows into your brain and most likely your closet. Google trends also can’t unsee it: This summer, there has been a spike in the search term. While walking through Brooklyn recently, I spotted a trio of super stylish young women, one of whom, a student named Reina, was wearing jorts. “I didn’t have any shorts so I cut my jeans because we are living the thrifted lifestyle,” she said, pointing to her friend. “They were her pants and they didn’t fit for years!” Reina’s styling of the jort was intentional. She paired them with kicky red cowboy boots and a classic white tank top. She isn’t the only one drawn to this combo. Nicky, a gallery assistant on the Upper East Side, swears by jorts and cowboy boots. “If you’re willing to sever ties with the beloved light wash Levi’s, you can find some great vintage deals online,” she says, adding that the dark wash pair she wears are vintage Norman Todd.

When I asked the question “who’s wearing jorts” on my Instagram, I received hundreds–yes, hundreds!—of answers from avid jorts wearers like models Paloma Elsesser and Salem Mitchell, stylist Miyako Bellizzi, vintage-enthusiast Clara Perlmutter, designer Favour Mberu, and countless fashion editors. Most wear the style because they’re breathable and comfortable. “I love the bigger baggy fit. They’re roomy and so much more comfy than tight jean shorts,” says Naomi Abrahams, a PhD student. “Also, I really like the tourist dad look, especially with the Tevas.”