This is a story about how I discovered Boden probably makes the best shorts in the world.
The discovery came courtesy of my best friend, who works for a world-famous bank. We're talking about a woman rarely seen in anything other than Ralph Lauren, Dolce Gabbana or Tom Ford. While packing for holiday, I asked where she bought her shorts, fully expecting the answer to be Ralph Lauren.
Instead, she said Boden.
Boden? Of course, I know Boden does shorts, but hadn't considered them category leaders in them. Until now.
Belgravia Linen Shorts Promenade Green
My friend told me their cotton Chino Shorts, Belgravia Linen Shorts and longer-length Kensington Linen Shorts are the best Boden styles "because they're tailored, well made, stylish and above all, slimming."
This got my full attention.
As someone obsessed with interrogating every purchase I make, I don't often buy three versions of a similar thing. Yet after hearing her case, I ordered a pair of each and packed them for my holiday.
She was right. The reason these shorts work is surprisingly simple. Each pair is a cut-down version of a bestselling Boden trouser. So it follows that if they work as a trouser, they'll work as a short. Think of it as cutting down your favourite jeans into shorts, only smarter.
It also explains why they're so well tailored. The fit is excellent, the proportions are considered and even the internal seams are piped, making the inside of the shorts almost as pretty as the outside.
The Belgravia Shorts
The navy linen Belgravia shorts were perhaps the biggest surprise. They don't look like much, but as soon as I put them on, I looked one dress size smaller, and felt stylish and chic, despite the heat.
Like the Chino shorts, below, they come in a four inch and a six inch length - I chose the six inch. Their cut and fit is so excellent, they made everything I wore with them look smarter.
Even my many years-old black vest top from Colorful Standard. Win!
The Chino Shorts
The Chino Shorts, the most affordable of the three pairs at £55, are worth every penny. They are casual yet chic and as easy to pull on after a swim as they are to pair with a shirt and head out to town, or to the beach.
These, like the Belgravia, above, come in a four and six inch length - again I chose the six inch. They currently come in five colours in sizes 6 to 22, when I bought this lilac pair, the navy pair I wanted were out of stock, but today - good news! - they are fully available in every size.
My advice on these? Size down. I'm usually a size 10 but bought an eight, as they come up generously and loosen slightly with wear.
The Kensington Linen Shorts
The Kensington pair with their chic foliage print are fun, elegant and immediately made me feel dressed up and happy; my favourite way to dress is "happy chic". I threw on my favourite pair of crossover sandals and handy packable Accessorize summer hat and felt 100% my holiday best.
Boden really have fun with these shorts - they come in eight different fabrics including a polka dot - with a matching waistcoat which makes a great going out look - gingham and palm tree print as well as in plain colours like soft green and chambray blue. The green version also has a matching tailored jacket, meaning you can give them a spin for the office, too.
Kensington Linen Shorts Ivory, Painted Dot
Kensington Linen Shorts Ivory, Painted Dot
What all three shorts have in common is that they make summer dressing easy.
They'll work with swimwear, linen shirts, simple vests, silk camisole tops, and all sandals. Most importantly, because they are made with natural fibers, they keep you cool.
If you're looking for a pair of summer shorts you'll wear this year and for many summers to come, Boden's really are it, tried and tested.
And yes, they are better than Ralph Lauren, at half the price.
