Best Denim Shorts for Summer

Denim shorts are a summer staple. They are one of the most versatile summer basics that everyone needs in their wardrobe and have endless styling potential. They can give your outfit a more casual vibe. Denim shorts are a good option when the summer heat hits and you’ll still look stylish and put together. They come in all types of styles, lengths and washes so it can be a bit overwhelming to find the perfect pair of denim shorts. In today’s post I am sharing my reviews on a huge amount of denim shorts so you can find your favorite pair.

Best Denim Shorts for Summer

I did a lot of research to find the best denim shorts. And I shared on my instagram stories a couple weeks ago that I had ordered a ton of different options! I tried on over 20 different pairs to find the ones below. I searched for different brands, cuts, prices etc. My search is for a classic pair that can be worn all Summer long. I know everyone has slightly different needs and fits so I have included as many as I could find.

Zara Straight Cut Shorts

These Zara shorts have a classic high waist and button fly. The denim fabric is rigid and has no stretch. The leg is fairly fitted as well with an unfinished hem. The lack of stretch actually holds you in a bit and is smoothing. Which creates a flattering fit. This pair of jean shorts fit true to size but if you want a bit of room I would advise sizing up.

Zara High Rise Denim Short

The Zara High Rise denim shorts have a really high rise. I have a short torso so they were too high for me but for anyone with a normal or long torso these would hit at a great spot. The denim is stiff but has a little bit of a stretch. The leg of this pair of denim shorts has a more relaxed fit. If you don’t like the leg as fitted or have thicker thighs, these are a great pair of denim shorts for you. They run true to size. The darker wash can also be styled dressier so there are lots of options to wear these with.

Agolde Dee Short

Agolde has high quality denim. The Dee short is a high rise denim short without any stretch. The leg is just slightly relaxed giving it a bit more room. The medium wash has a lot of distressing and an unfinished hem. It fits true to size. This pair lends itself to being a more casual pair of denim shorts.

Agolde Parker Vintage Loose Fit Cut Off Short

These are probably my favorite pair of denim shorts that I have ever tried on. The Agolde Parker Vintage Loose Cut Offs somehow can be pretty distressed but still look great styled dressier. The vintage inspired Parker denim shorts have a high rise and no stretch. They fit true to size. The leg is slightly relaxed so there is a little more room thru the thigh. The hem is cut off and has just a bit of distressing.

Good American Good ’90s Short

These Good American shorts also have just a little bit of stretch. The high rise waist has just enough stretch to hold you in a bit. They legs are a little roomier at the ends for a more comfortable fit. While this pair of denim shorts definitely fits true to size, sizing up would give you a more relaxed fit. The light blue wash also lends itself to a 90’s vibe.

Abercrombie Mid Rise Mom Short

The Abercrombie Mid-Rise Mom short have a more relaxed fit overall while still being flattering. The denim has stretch which makes them curve hugging without being tight. The mom short has a high rise. The distressing on this pair is mainly on the unfinished hem and at the bottom of the pair. They also have a 4″ inseam version.

Abercrombie 90’s High Rise Cutoff Shorts

This 90’s pair of Abercrombie denim shorts really hits some of the 90’s trends that are so popular right now. This pair has a roomier fit that is more relaxed thru the hip and thigh. The denim is soft with lots of stretch and a high waist. The leg is also a little bit longer than most of the shorts I tried on. I love this pair for a more relaxed look or if you want something more casual and comfy. They fit true to size because they are meant to be roomier.

Madewell Relaxed Denim Short

The Madewell Relaxed Denim Short fits exactly like its name, relaxed. It hits a little lower on the hips so its a mid rise. The leg has a relaxed fit as well. Although this denim short has minimal stretch the relaxed fit all over means you could possibly size down depending on how you would want it to fit. Overall it is a much more relaxed pair of denim shorts. They are comfy and are styled best with casual outfits.

Madewell The Perfect Jean Short

Madewell’s The Perfect Jean Short have a bit of a 90’s vibe. They have a super high fitted waist that is particularly great for someone that is curvy and has a bigger difference in their waist and hips. The structure of the high waist also holds you in while accentuating any curves. These denim shorts have a relaxed let and they have just enough stretch. They are the epitome of the classic pair of denim shorts. A classic pair goes really with anything: tank top, swimsuit, button down etc.

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This post is originally from June of 2022 but has been updated.