Collection: Shorts

Choose your fabric for the day ahead: Heading out on an active shore excursion? Reach for our stretch cotton shorts — the flexible fabric moves with you all day. Planning a relaxed beach day followed by a casual lunch? Our woven non-stretch cotton shorts have a cleaner drape that works across both occasions. Both pair naturally with the same island tops and sarongs.

With a beach tunic for extra coverage: Layer one of our above-the-knee beach tunics over any style of cotton shorts for a relaxed, covered-up beach look. The tunic length sits perfectly over the shorts for a pulled-together outfit that works from the beach to a casual lunch without a full outfit change.

With an island top for a resort look: A sleeveless or short sleeve island top worn loose over cotton shorts is the most effortless warm-weather combination in the range. Add a cotton sarong tied at the waist for extra coverage and a woven beach bag to carry everything you need.

Cruise packing with shorts: Two pairs of shorts — one stretch, one woven — covers almost every casual cruise occasion. Stretch for active shore excursion days, woven for relaxed onboard mornings and casual dining. Pair with three or four island tops for a full week of outfit combinations that all pack flat alongside your beach dresses.

Mix and match across the range: Our cotton shorts are printed in the same Caribbean-inspired colour families as our island tops, sarongs and beach dresses — so mixing prints always works. Keep the colours in the same warm or cool family and the combination looks intentional. Browse our new arrivals for the latest additions to the shorts range.

Two cotton options, one standard. All West Indies Wear shorts are made from 100% natural cotton — no polyester, no synthetic blends. The difference between our two styles is in the fabric construction rather than the quality.

Stretch cotton: A soft, flexible cotton with a little give — ideal for active movement, shore excursions, and days where you need maximum freedom. The stretch fibre content doesn't compromise breathability, meaning you get the best of both: natural airflow and flexible movement. Browse our full stretch cotton shorts collection.

Non-stretch woven cotton: A clean, structured drape with a slightly more polished look. Non-stretch cotton sits away from the body rather than moving with it — more relaxed and flowing than stretch cotton. Ideal for slower-paced resort days and casual dining occasions as well as active beach days. Browse our full woven cotton shorts collection.

Why natural cotton matters in the tropics: Synthetic shorts fabrics trap heat and moisture against the skin in humidity — exactly what you don't want on a tropical travel day. Natural cotton breathes, absorbs moisture, and dries quickly. The same commitment to natural fibres runs through every piece in the West Indies Wear range from beach dresses to accessories.

Care: Machine washable on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry for best results. Our prints are designed to hold colour wash after wash.

What styles of cotton shorts do you offer?

We offer two styles of cotton shorts — stretch cotton and non-stretch woven cotton. Our stretch cotton shorts have a soft, flexible feel that moves with you on active days. Our woven non-stretch cotton shorts have a cleaner, more structured drape that works as well for casual dining as it does for the beach. Both sit above the knee, both have pockets, and both are made from 100% natural cotton.

Which cotton shorts are better for active tropical travel?

For very active days — long shore excursions, market walks, water activities — our stretch cotton shorts are the better choice. The flexible fabric moves freely without pulling or restricting. For slower-paced resort days, casual dining, and beach days where you want a more polished look, our woven non-stretch cotton shorts are ideal. Both are equally breathable in hot, humid conditions.

Do your cotton shorts have pockets?

Yes — both our stretch and non-stretch cotton shorts come with pockets. Pockets are one of the most-requested features from our customers and we've made sure they're included across the shorts range. For more pocket styles across the full range browse our skorts with pockets and selected styles in our beach pants collection.

Are cotton shorts suitable for a cruise?

Yes — cotton shorts are one of the most versatile pieces you can pack for a cruise. Wear them for casual pool deck days, active shore excursions, and relaxed onboard mornings. Pair with one of our island tops or layer a beach tunic over the top for extra coverage. Both stretch and non-stretch styles pack flat and take up minimal luggage space alongside our beach dresses and beach pants.

What is the difference between shorts and skorts?

Our cotton shorts are straightforward shorts — practical, casual and clean. Our skorts have a skirt overlay that gives the appearance of a skirt while built-in shorts underneath provide the same coverage and practicality. If you want the look of a skirt with the comfort of shorts, the skorts are the better choice. If you prefer a clean shorts silhouette, browse both styles above.