Bermuda: the Caribbean formal dress-code

Overwhelmed by the heat, they asked permission to cut the uniform trousers

Bermuda shorts are short pants, with knee length.

Traditionally worn on the Caribbean island of Bermuda, where the heat requires cool clothing. In this paradise of colors: bright blue sea, pink beaches and pastel-colored landscapes, it is often the case that you meet members of the British parliament or influential managers who, casually, wear Bermuda shorts; not only as a casual garment, but also combined with a jacket, so much so that the island's formal dress code includes a blazer, tie, shorts and socks.

Its origin dates back to the end of the 19th century, when British military officers stationed on the island, oppressed by the fall, asked for permission to cut the traditional long trousers of uniforms at the knee; from that precise moment Bermuda was born. They are still used by the Royal Army and the prestigious Royal Navy in white as a uniform.

Taking note of this particular cut trousers, the tailors of the island began to prepare military and civilian supplies. In 1920 the trend had taken off, thus giving way to the famous British colonial style. In line with the British tailoring tradition, Bermuda shorts also have strict rules. The main one is its length, it must never exceed 6 inches (15 cm) above the knee and no more than 5 cm below, the second rule dictates that Bermuda shorts must be worn with long socks.

By now the Bermuda has spread; in the 40s it was used as a sports suit by tennis players and always in those years it was used as a uniform in some schools always associated with long socks.

Even movie stars begin to wear Bermuda shorts in their films, definitively consecrating Bermuda shorts as a must-have garment.

Over the years the Bermuda shorts were revised especially in the 70s, they were cut and frayed, then in the 80s the new wave and punk currents wore them ripped and patched, perhaps precursors of today's modern fashion that requires ripped jeans to the knee.

Then came the grunge fashion: the bermuda shorts were worn by Pearl Jam with enlarged cuts and a low waist. Then, the whole hip hop scene: extra large, low waist and covered knee models.

Today, Bermuda shorts are presented on the fashion catwalks, with cargo models for an urban style, striped or lightly printed for easy chic clothing. Having become part of the clothing, despite commonly considered informal garments, I suggest you dare to wear them even on more formal occasions with a blazer and a nice pair of moccasins!

Sergio Cairati

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