Collection: Woven shorts

With a non-stretch cotton top for a coordinated look: Pair woven non-stretch cotton shorts with one of our non-stretch cotton tops in the same fabric for a relaxed, coordinated resort outfit. The clean drape of both pieces works together naturally — a polished warm-weather look that requires zero effort to put together.

With a beach tunic for extra coverage: Layer one of our above-the-knee beach tunics over woven cotton shorts for a relaxed covered-up beach look. The structured drape of the non-stretch cotton shorts sits cleanly under the tunic for a pulled-together outfit that works from the beach to a casual lunch.

With an island top for a casual resort look: A sleeveless or short sleeve island top worn loose over woven cotton shorts is an effortless warm-weather combination. The clean drape of the non-stretch shorts pairs naturally with the relaxed fit of our island tops. Add a cotton sarong tied at the waist for extra coverage and a woven beach bag to complete the look.

Cruise packing: One or two pairs of woven cotton shorts work hard in a cruise wardrobe. The clean drape makes them versatile enough for casual onboard dining as well as active shore excursion days. Pair with our island tops and beach tunics for multiple outfit combinations that all pack flat alongside our beach dresses and beach pants.

Stretch vs non-stretch — how to choose: If your priority is maximum flexibility and movement on very active days, our stretch cotton shorts are the better choice. If you prefer a cleaner, more structured drape that looks as good at lunch as it does at the beach, these woven non-stretch styles are for you. Both are printed in the same Caribbean-inspired colour families so mixing pieces across both ranges always works.

Why non-stretch cotton for shorts? Non-stretch cotton has a clean, flowing drape that stretch cotton doesn't replicate. It sits away from the body, moves in the breeze, and has a slightly more structured, polished look — making our woven shorts as appropriate for a casual resort lunch as they are for a beach day. For shoppers who prefer a more relaxed, less clingy fit, non-stretch cotton is the natural choice.

Breathability: Non-stretch cotton is 100% natural fibre with no synthetic content — meaning maximum breathability in hot and humid conditions. Cotton allows air to circulate around the body and absorbs moisture away from the skin, keeping you comfortable all day in tropical climates. The same natural cotton runs through our non-stretch cotton tops, cotton sarongs and beach dresses.

Drape and structure: The absence of stretch in the fabric gives our woven shorts a more defined drape — they hold their shape and flow cleanly rather than stretching to the body's contours. This makes them particularly flattering in relaxed above-the-knee cuts where the fabric moves naturally rather than pulling.

What we don't use: No polyester, no synthetic blends. Synthetic shorts trap heat and moisture in humidity — the opposite of what you need in tropical climates. Every West Indies Wear woven short is 100% natural cotton, no exceptions.

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.

What is the difference between woven and stretch cotton shorts?

Our woven non-stretch cotton shorts have a clean, structured drape — the fabric sits away from the body rather than moving with it, giving a slightly more polished, relaxed look. Our stretch cotton shorts have a soft, flexible feel that moves with you — better suited to very active days. Both are equally breathable and designed for warm, humid climates. If you prefer a more fitted, flexible feel go for stretch cotton. If you prefer a clean, flowing drape go for these woven styles.

Do the woven cotton shorts have pockets?

Yes — our woven cotton shorts come with pockets. For more pocket styles across the full range browse our skorts with pockets and selected styles in our beach pants collection.

What length are the woven cotton shorts?

Our woven cotton shorts sit above the knee — a versatile length that works for active beach days and shore excursions without being restrictive. For more coverage our cotton skorts offer a similar length with a skirt overlay, or browse our beach pants for full-length styles in cotton and linen.

Are woven cotton shorts suitable for a cruise?

Yes — non-stretch cotton shorts are a practical and versatile cruise piece. The clean drape works as well for casual onboard dining as it does for active shore excursion days. Pair with one of our island tops or non-stretch cotton tops for a matching fabric combination, or layer a beach tunic over the top for extra coverage on active days.

How do woven shorts differ from skorts?

Our woven non-stretch cotton shorts are straightforward shorts with a clean, structured silhouette. Our skorts have a skirt overlay that gives the appearance of a skirt while built-in shorts underneath provide the same coverage. If you want the look of a skirt with the comfort of shorts, the skorts are the better choice. If you prefer a clean casual shorts silhouette with a relaxed drape, these woven styles are for you.