15 Pairs of Denim Shorts to Wear All Summer
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We are in the midst of what feels like a never-ending heat wave in New York City. It’s too hot to move and too hot to even think about wearing jeans. The alternative? Jorts, denim shorts, cutoffs, short shorts — whatever you call them, they’re your best bet for battling the extreme temperatures without drastically changing your wardrobe.
Jorts are divisive; people hate them or people love them. But consider this, they look good. Whether you’re wearing sandals, sneakers, or even boots, the right pair of shorts is the defining piece of a good outfit. As a regular wearer of jorts, and maker of the occasional DIY pair, I’m picky about what I wear. The criteria? Are they breezy enough to withstand the heat? Do they ride up when you walk? Keeping that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best denim shorts to shop for summer, so you can put down the scissors and save your jeans for fall.
Read on to shop our picks.
SO, YOU WANT A PAIR OF JORTS?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
Our top picks
If You Want Cutoff Shorts
Denim Forum The ’90s Baggy Cut-Off Denim Short
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 23–32 | Materials: Cotton
My No. 1 criteria for a good pair of everyday shorts is that they keep things mostly covered. This baggy pair from Aritzia is casual, comfortable, and didn’t show any cheeks when I tried them on.
If You Want Long Shorts
Rolla’s Mirage Long Shorts
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 24–34 | Materials: Organic cotton, lyocell
I’m not always a fan of the raw hem, which is why added these long shorts from Rolla’s to my closet. They’re slightly wider in the leg and sit comfortably at the waist without riding up. I recommend sizing up for a looser fit.
The Editor Favorites
DL1961 Lucila Jean Short Ultra High Rise 15”
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 24–34 | Materials: Cotton, lycra
After seeing more than a few of her fashion friends wearing these, senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves was influenced to get a pair herself. With a wide leg and a cool green wash, there are plenty of styling opportunities for these.
If You Want Something Affordable
Universal Thread Women’s Mid-Rise ’90s Baggy Jean Shorts
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 00–30 | Materials: Cotton
Target is good for your beauty essentials, swimwear, and even denim. As fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware explains, “I have these in the jeans version, and I’m obsessed with the relaxed, oversize style that fits my curves perfectly without losing my shape. I got every color of the shorts for summer, and they fit just like the jeans just in a shorts version.”
If You Want a Perfect Fit
Good American Good ’90s Bermuda Shorts
Colors: 5 | Sizes: 00–32 | Materials: Cotton, lyocell
“On superhot days when I want to wear shorts and short shorts aren’t appropriate, I love pairing Bermudas with a button-down — chic and easy for summer,” Ware says. “These Bermudas are comfortable and perfect for a small waist and wider hips.”
More tried-and-true options
If You Want Really Short Shorts
Retrofete Brianna Shorts
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 24–33 | Materials: Cotton
Free People is constantly pushing the limits of denim, for example, these viral shorts it carries from Retrofete. If you’re willing to go short, why not go really short?
If You Want Something Short
H&M Regular Denim Shorts
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 0–20 | Materials: Cotton, spandex
Just as described, these are regular shorts. With a loose fit, they sit lower on the waist but not too low. The raw hem on the waist is an interesting detail that keep keeps these from looking too regular.
If You Love Levi’s
Levi’s 501 Original Cutoff Denim Shorts - Oxnard Athens
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 23–34 | Materials: Cotton
If you’d rather skip the DIY project and run the risk of ruining your beloved 501s, luckily for you they’re also available in cutoffs. With a similar fit, these come pre-distressed so you can skip the extra work.
If You Want a Loose Fit
Frame Le Brigette Short
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 23–34 | Materials: Cotton, elastane
I have and regularly wear the longer version of these shorts, which are a perfect fit. They don’t sit too high on the waist and have a good amount of space on the thigh.
If You Want a High-Waisted Pair
Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts in Beech Wash
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 23–34 | Materials: Cotton, polyester, elastane
Madewell’s denim is good, from the vintage styles to the curvy fit. So no surprise the shorts are good too. Reviewers love the fit, and the high-rise style is perfect for pairing with tank tops, tees, or bikini tops, because what else are you wearing this summer?
If You Want Something Oversize
BDG Missouri Jort
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 24–34 | Materials: Cotton
The bigger, the better. This pair from Urban’s in-house line is super baggy and comfortable. Size up for an even looser fit, maybe also buy a belt.
If You Want Some Shape
Citizens of Humanity Gaucho Shorts
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 23–34 | Materials: Cotton
Some people may not look back fondly on the era of gauchos, but I do. If you’re also into the wide-leg look, consider these shorts from Citizens of Humanity. With a sharp edge and wide leg, these mid-rise shorts are definitely not like any other pair you own already.
If You Want Bermuda Shorts
Eloquii Denim Bermuda Short
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 14–32 | Materials: Cotton
If you’re not a fan of super-distressed shorts, these are good option to shop. Even with the raw hem, the dark wash of these shorts makes them look a little dressier.
If You Love Barrel Jeans
We The Free Extreme Measures Barrel Shorts
Colors: 3 | Sizes: 24–32 | Materials: Cotton, lyocell
These barrel shorts are just as good, maybe even better. With the same loose, wide fit you know and love, these baggy, mid-rise shorts are the perfect swap-out for your jeans in the summer.
If You Can’t Decide
Cos Knee-Length Shorts
Colors: 1 | Sizes: 23–32 | Materials: Cotton
Any longer and these would just be pants or capris, which are also trending right now. But if you don’t want short shorts or just shorts, these knee-length shorts from Cos are a good option that will at the very least keep your calves cool.
Our experts