Collection: Pocket shorts

Shop women's cotton shorts with pockets — available in stretch and non-stretch cotton across a mix of lengths, designed for hot, humid weather and active tropical travel. Pockets are one of the most-requested features from our customers and every pair in this collection has them. Breathable, packable and printed in vibrant Caribbean-inspired prints designed to mix and match across the full West Indies Wear range.

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Styling Tips

Pockets for shore excursion days: A pair of cotton shorts with pockets is the most practical shore excursion outfit base you can pack. Carry your phone, sunscreen, and a few essentials in the pockets and leave the bag on the ship. Pair with a long sleeve stretch cotton top for sun protection or a sleeveless island top for maximum airflow — and add a cotton sarong for a lightweight layer when needed.

With a beach tunic for extra coverage: Layer one of our above-the-knee beach tunics over pocket shorts for a relaxed, covered-up beach look with the practicality of pockets underneath. The tunic provides coverage while the shorts give you the pocket access the tunic doesn't have — the best of both pieces in one outfit.

Choosing your length: If coverage is a priority — for active days in strong sun or destinations where modest dress is appreciated — go for our longer 7" inleg pocket shorts. For a shorter, more casual everyday look, our standard above-the-knee pocket shorts are the better choice. Both come in stretch and non-stretch cotton.

Cruise packing with pockets: Pockets earn their weight on a cruise — particularly on shore excursion days where carrying a bag is impractical. Pack one pair of stretch cotton pocket shorts and one pair of woven cotton pocket shorts for a full range of occasions. Pair with our island tops and beach tunics for multiple outfit combinations that all pack flat alongside our beach dresses.

Pockets across the whole wardrobe: If pockets are important to you throughout your tropical travel wardrobe — not just in shorts — browse our skorts with pockets, beach pants with pockets, and use the Pockets filter in our beach dress collection to build a fully pocket-friendly island wardrobe.

Fabric Education

Pockets in natural cotton — the best combination for tropical travel. Synthetic shorts with pockets are common, but synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against the skin in tropical humidity. Our pocket shorts are made from 100% natural cotton — breathable, moisture-absorbing, and comfortable all day in the heat whether you're using those pockets or not.

Stretch cotton with pockets: The most flexible option — stretch cotton moves with you throughout active tropical travel days. Pockets in stretch cotton sit flat and move naturally with the fabric without pulling or bunching. Ideal for active shore excursion days where you need to carry essentials hands-free. See the full range in our stretch cotton shorts collection.

Non-stretch cotton with pockets: A cleaner, more structured look with practical pockets that sit neatly in the woven fabric. Non-stretch cotton pocket shorts work as well for casual resort dining as they do for active beach days — the pockets add practicality without compromising the polished drape of the woven fabric. See the full range in our woven cotton shorts collection.

Care: Machine washable on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry for best results. Our prints are designed to hold colour wash after wash — no special treatment needed.

FAQs

Do all the shorts in this collection have pockets?

Yes — every pair of shorts in this collection includes pockets. This collection is specifically curated for shoppers who want pockets as a non-negotiable. For pockets across the full West Indies Wear range beyond shorts, browse our skorts with pockets and selected styles in our beach pants collection. Many of our beach dresses also include pockets — use the Pockets filter in the Dresses menu to find them.

What fabrics are the pocket shorts made from?

Our pocket shorts come in both stretch and non-stretch cotton. Stretch cotton has a soft, flexible feel that moves with you on active days. Non-stretch cotton has a cleaner, more structured drape with a slightly more polished look. Both are 100% natural cotton, equally breathable and designed for hot, humid climates. Browse by fabric using the By Fabric filter above, or see our dedicated stretch cotton shorts and woven cotton shorts collections for the full range in each fabric.

What lengths are available?

Our pocket shorts collection includes a mix of lengths — standard above-the-knee styles and our longer 7" inleg styles for more upper thigh coverage. The longer inleg is popular for active shore excursion days and destinations where modest dress is appreciated. Browse by length above or see our dedicated 7" inleg shorts collection for the full range of longer styles.

Are shorts with pockets suitable for a cruise?

Yes — pockets are particularly practical on a cruise where you need to carry essentials on shore excursions without a bag. Our cotton pocket shorts work for active port days, casual pool deck time, and relaxed onboard mornings. Pair with one of our island tops or layer a beach tunic over the top for extra coverage. Everything packs flat alongside our beach dresses and beach pants.

Where else can I find pockets across the West Indies Wear range?

Pockets appear across multiple collections beyond shorts. Our skorts collection includes styles with and without pockets — filter by Pockets to find them. Selected styles in our beach pants collection also include pockets, as do many of our beach dresses. Use the Pockets filter throughout the site to find every pocket style in the range.