July 11, 2025, 6:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Madonna and later Britney Spears consistently appeared in their shows wearing skimpy shorts, revolutionizing not only stage outfits but also everyday fashion for women. Thanks to hot pants, we don’t have to sweat in long pants during high temperatures; we can simply show off our legs. Discover the must-have styles for this summer on STYLEBOOK.
They are short and to the point: hot pants—those ultra-short shorts that once caused a stir and now dance effortlessly through festivals, fashion spreads, and Instagram feeds. THEY emerged in the late 1960s and early ’70s, a time when fashion was primarily one thing: rebellious. While the miniskirt was already dividing society, designers like Mary Quant took it a step further and experimented with shorts. Soon, hot pants became a fashion statement for self-determined women.
Overview
Hot and Feminist!
The message: I show skin—not to please, but because I can. Stars like Jane Fonda, Cher, and Farrah Fawcett made the look mainstream. In the 2000s, Britney Spears & Co. revived the concept—this time with more glitter, more hipbones, but the same effect: people noticed. Today, singer Tate McRae loves the look. She wears hot pants at almost every show.
The Classic in Denim
This model is probably the first that comes to mind when you think of hot pants: a short pair of shorts that ends just above the buttocks in light denim. A must-have in every wardrobe for summer, or paired with fine tights for spring or fall.
In Black–Leather or Sporty?
If you want versatile hot pants, you can opt for black. Either choose the sporty version or the faux leather option. The latter is perfect for a club visit, as it quickly elevates any outfit and gives a look of nighttime adventure!
Summer Stripes
Why not choose a striped version instead of hot pants in a neutral tone? They come in various styles in summery ice cream shades. From the classic pink-red contrast to a dream in white-blue, the selection is vast.
Party Hot Pants
If you want to highlight your backside, sequinned shorts are the perfect choice. If glitter is too much for you, there are also cool print versions, such as in the leopard look.
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Not Always Progressive
By the way: Hot pants also briefly made a career in the workplace. In the ’70s, they were actually part of the uniform for some flight attendants. From today’s perspective, it is more problematic than progressive, but it is still a part of their history.
The German original of this article was published in May 2025.