Fashion people (and Adam Sandler) are obsessed with cargo shorts

Summer brings to mind the jogger trend and the return of Bermuda shorts, but at this point it’s no surprise to hear that another “tacky” short style is now back in fashion. Pioneered by nostalgia for the ’90s and 2000s that has dominated the fashion scene for the past few seasons, the cargo shorts trend is the latest nostalgia item taking the fashion world by storm this season.

Reminiscent of the cargo pants trend that continues to be popular this year (albeit with an ultra-elegant vibe), a new summer trend is shorter-cut cargo pants. While there may have been some initial trepidation (thinking it might be a ’90s trend gone too far), cargo shorts have already proven to be incredibly versatile. We’ve seen the trend styled with Carrie Bradshaw-esque pointed-toe closed heels and fitted tank tops. But of course cargo shorts also lend themselves to off-duty ensembles, pairing them with boxy tees and loose knits for relaxed summer days.

Practical and comfortable, the cargo short trend is catching on not just on social media but also on Google Search. This week alone, searches for cargo shorts have increased by 300%, so there seems to be real-world demand for them—though that traffic may just be direct from Adam Sandler, who always wears cargo shorts when he’s not wearing basketball shorts.

Sure, cargo shorts may be a traditionally “dad” trend, but that’s part of their charm. Luckily, there are plenty of fashionable brands putting out chic versions of these shorts. I’m currently obsessed with these black cotton shorts from H&M (I’ve also seen them in cream and beige) and these bold mini shorts from R13.