News + Trends

Capri trousers are perfect for anyone who likes to do things by halves

29.5.2026

Translation: machine translated

Neither fish nor meat. Neither shorts nor trousers. If you don't want to commit yourself, you can make a trendy compromise this summer.

I was 15 or 16 when I secretly rummaged through my (cool) older sister's wardrobe for her grey capri trousers. It was illegal to try them on before investing your own hard-earned pocket money. As far as I know, I wasn't caught. Nevertheless, there was not enough enthusiasm on my part to buy my own pair.

I still feel very similar today. Although I'm constantly coming across the below-the-knee trousers in various online shops, social media and street style images, I don't really know what to think about recycling this already recycled trend. The non-shorts-not-trousers textile didn't have its first big heyday in my teenage years, but back in the 1950s and 1960s.

The short history of shorts

Sonja de Lennart, who was born in Poland, was behind the design of the halfway house that was made out of fabric and didn't care that women's legs didn't have to be tucked into trousers. In 1945, she opened her first boutique in Munich, with a collection named after her favourite holiday destination: Capri. It wasn't long before her slim, calf-length trousers were hyped, copied by all designers and worn by pre-social media influencers such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe.

Often and gladly in Capri trousers: Audrey Hepburn.
Source: Bild: Instagram @rareaudreyhepburn

Film star Marilyn Monroe also wore trousers once. Capri pants. — Often and gladly in Capri trousers: Audrey Hepburn.
Source: Bild: Instagram @rareaudreyhepburn

Now the seemingly timeless piece is back, playing an important role in the collections of fashion houses such as Jacquemus and Versace and is considered the it-piece of the summer by it-girls such as Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. New twist: in 2026, capri trousers are the favourite sporty combination. In other words, with tank tops, short windbreakers, checked shirts and flip-flops or kitten heels.

Casual with a checked shirt and a large shop.
Source: Instagram @annelauremais

A pair of ballerinas and an oversized shirt, and the look is complete.
Source: Instagram @lucianes

Styling tip: As the trousers end at mid-calf, they can make your legs look shorter. If you want to counteract this effect, it's best to wear open shoes or shoes with a «low-cut neckline» that reveal a lot of the foot and thus visually add length. Heels also visually elongate the leg.