Denim shorts used to be the bane of my existence. I was in middle school when Tumblr was at its peak so extra-short, ripped denim shorts were all the rage, even though it was a truly awful experience when said denim shorts got all bunched up around your thighs (and then permanently stayed that way). There simply are better options out there—namely, these six pairs of denim shorts that have risen to the top of my personal summer fashion ranking.
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to find denim shorts—affectionately known as jorts—that won’t cut off circulation in your thighs or generally be supremely uncomfortable. The street style set have been bopping around in longer, baggier styles recently as well as looser, high-waisted fits and white denim. And because this is arguably one of the hardest fashion categories to shop for (along with jeans, bras, and bathing suits), I rounded up six of my favorite pairs with in-depth reviews of each one for your shopping pleasure.
Best overall denim shorts
These are the greatest shorts I have ever put on my body in all of my 25 years of life. I cannot overstate how obsessed I am with these. The 5.5 inch inseam is my Goldilocks length—slightly longer than a pair of cutoffs you’d wear to Coachella but still short and breezy. They’re slightly stretchy and comfy enough for sitting at a baseball game for three hours, and best of all, they don’t get all bunchy at the thighs. Plus, the range of colors they come in? It was love at first try-on for me.
Size range: 23-33 Inseam: 5.5″ Colors: Seven options
Best long denim shorts
My first impression? These Bermuda shorts are actually…soft? And comfy? The best way to describe them is like your softest pair of baggy vintage jeans that have been washed to perfection but in a more summer-appropriate short form. These would be killer styled with a wife-pleaser tank and some knee-high stomping boots, a look that I fully plan on wearing in the next week or two.
Size range: 23-33 Inseam: 9.25″ Colors: Four options
Best white denim shorts
I love white denim—if white denim has zero fans, consider me dead. I found these Levi’s to be the perfect off-white shade for your Nantucket summer, your Fourth of July cookout, your trip to the ice cream shop after a day at the beach, etc. You can throw them on over a one-piece or even wear them as part of a casual office outfit with a belt and a button-up shirt. These have the perfect waist-to-leg-width ratio (aka no back gap)—and anecdotally, I found that these made me look very tan, which is a plus in my book.
Size range: 23-34 Inseam: 6.5″ Colors: Eight options
Best black denim shorts
GAP denim truly never disappoints. Over the years, I’ve found that they consistently offer great quality for the price, and these shorts are no exception. They are not too heavy and have a great slouch to them, and I cuffed them once to achieve the same right-above-the-knee fit that was shown on the model but they’re also tall girl friendly!
Heads-up: These ran a little big, so if you’re between sizes, definitely size down.
Size range: 24-30 with petite and tall options Inseam: 11″ Colors: Three options
Best baggy denim shorts
My love affair with Everlane continues. I was in the dressing room at their SoHo location when a girl stepped out behind one of the curtains and asked for my opinion on these shorts. I told her they looked amazing on her (they did) and then proceeded to add them to my own wishlist. These are the perfect Cool Girl baggy shorts that actually fit around the waist, and the denim feels thick and quality without being restrictive. Plus, there’s lots of breathing room around the thighs (important during the summer months).
Size range: 24-33 Inseam: 8″ Colors: Five options
Best low-waisted denim shorts
When I think of denim shorts that aren’t high-waisted, I think of uncomfortable micro-shorts and ’00s whale tails. So I can’t believe I’m saying this, but these girlfriend shorts are seriously comfy. I was truly shocked that I liked this inseam length and instantly imagined them with a little ribbed tank and some indie sleaze sunnies. They had a decent amount of stretch, too!
Heads-up: These ran a little big, so if you’re between sizes, definitely size down.
Size range: 00-32 Inseam: 3.5″ Colors: Indigo575
