How to recognise it
A high gathered waist with a ruffle sticking up above it, usually tied with a self-fabric belt. The legs are wide and mid-thigh length.
Where it comes from
The paperbag waist was popular in the 1980s and came back in 2016–2017 on trousers, skirts and shorts.
Who and when it suits
Women's summer shorts that show the waist and skim the tummy. They go with fitted tops, blouses and sandals.
Variations and look-alikes
Paperbag shorts come in linen, cotton or viscose, with or without a belt, with elastic or buttons, plain or printed. They differ from tailored shorts in the gathered waist, and from elastic linen shorts in the ruffle above the waist and the belt.
How to style it
- Tuck in the top or choose a cropped one.
- Tie the belt at the side.
- Heeled sandals lengthen the legs.
- Iron linen while damp.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Who suits paperbag shorts?
Anyone who wants to show the waist; petite people suit shorter ones.
02Why are they called paperbag shorts?
The gathered waist looks like a paper bag scrunched at the top.
03What do you wear with paperbag shorts?
A fitted top, a tucked-in tee or a blouse, with sandals or mules.
04Do paperbag shorts go with a blazer?
Yes, with a long loose blazer they look elegant.