The stripe is one of fashion's oldest visual languages — this is the fluent version.

The piece

These black-and-white striped high-waist shorts from Awama carry the clean confidence that a well-executed stripe always delivers. The pattern is bold without being chaotic — equal-width bands of black and white running vertically to elongate the silhouette and create the kind of graphic impact that reads clearly from across a room. The high-waist construction anchors the stripe pattern at the narrowest point of the body, which amplifies the visual effect and creates a defined, flattering line from waist to hem. This is a piece where the design is the point — it doesn't need embellishment, added hardware, or a complex cut to make its case. The stripe and the silhouette do exactly the work required.

Who it's for

For women who like their wardrobe to have a point of view. The stripe is a committed choice — it's graphic, it's visible, it lands with intention. If you already lean toward bold prints, clean geometric patterns, or monochrome dressing, these shorts speak your language immediately. They also work brilliantly as an entry point into pattern for women who typically default to solids — the black-and-white palette keeps the stripe anchored in neutral territory even as the pattern itself is visually active. You can build almost any colour combination around a black-and-white stripe without risk of clashing.

Closer look

• Bold black-and-white vertical stripe — graphic, clean, and instantly striking
• High-waist construction that defines and elongates the silhouette
• Above-the-knee length — assertive and proportioned for a wide range of heights
• Clean waistband finish — structured, sits flat and smoothly
• Comfortable fabric with enough stretch to allow free movement
• Versatile colour base — pairs with both neutrals and bold accent colours
• Consistent stripe registration — pattern aligns cleanly at seams

Fabric & feel

The fabric weight is considered for this silhouette — enough structure to hold the vertical line of the stripe clean and flat, light enough to move comfortably above the knee without restricting. The stretch component ensures the high waistband doesn't dig in or create discomfort across extended wear. The black-and-white pattern is woven or printed to maintain its sharpness wash after wash — the contrast between the two colours stays crisp rather than blurring or graying over time. Against the skin, the inner surface feels smooth rather than rough, which means no irritation even when worn without tights during warmer months.

Fit & silhouette

The high waist sits at or above the natural waist, which immediately creates a longer, leaner visual line from waist to leg. Combined with the vertical stripe orientation, this creates a particularly effective elongating effect — the eye follows the stripe upward and downward simultaneously, which reads as height even on shorter frames. The above-the-knee hem length continues this logic, leaving enough leg visible to extend the proportions further. The fit across the hip and thigh is close enough to show the stripe pattern cleanly without being tight enough to restrict. Size true to your waist measurement for the most defined high-waist effect; size up if you prefer to wear the waistband lower or want more ease through the seat.

Styling

The editorial pairing shown — simple white T-shirt tucked loosely into the high waist — is the most direct and effective approach. A clean white top against a black-and-white stripe keeps the pattern as the hero without adding competing visual information. Finish with white leather trainers or simple white canvas shoes for a graphic, cohesive look.

For a bolder approach, try a red, cobalt, or emerald fitted top against the stripe. Saturated solid colours against black-and-white patterns create immediate impact — the pattern provides the graphic foundation, the colour provides the emotional register. Add a simple pointed-toe flat or low heel to complete.

For an evening interpretation, tuck a black satin or silk-effect cami into the high waist and add strappy heeled sandals. The stripe reads as sophisticated rather than casual at this styling register, particularly with minimal jewellery and a structured bag.

Occasions

These shorts move well across casual and smart-casual settings. In warm weather they cover daytime city visits, café mornings, weekend market trips, outdoor dining, and casual social events. Styled upward with the right top and footwear, they translate to summer evening events, rooftop gatherings, and smart-casual dining without the awkwardness of a daytime-only piece trying to overreach. The graphic pattern gives the outfit inherent energy regardless of setting, which means you don't need to do much styling work to make the look land — the shorts carry most of the weight.

Care

Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle or delicate cycle. Turn inside out before washing to preserve the brightness of the black-and-white pattern and minimise friction between the stripe surface and other garments. Use a mild detergent without bleach — bleach can cause the black bands to grey unevenly over time. Tumble dry on low or air dry flat or hanging. Iron at medium heat from the reverse side if needed. The stripe pattern holds its registration and sharpness better when washed at lower temperatures and dried away from direct sunlight.

Wow detail

The high waist combined with a vertical stripe is a deliberate visual intelligence. Either feature alone is effective — together, they create a compounding elongating effect that flatters across a genuinely wide range of body types. The stripe draws the eye along the vertical axis while the high waist anchors the silhouette at exactly the right point. This is the kind of combination that fashion designers return to repeatedly across decades precisely because the geometry is sound — it works not by accident or trend, but by the reliable logic of how the eye processes pattern, proportion, and line simultaneously.

Conscious fashion

5% of every WowStore order funds a cause you choose — clean water, education, or healthcare.

Promise

Shop at WowStore with the confidence of free EU delivery on orders over €69 and a 30-day returns policy that means trying your order in your own home is completely risk-free. If the fit isn't right or the stripe doesn't work in context, getting a resolution is simple and handled without fuss.