Denim Shorts Review & Comparison
I get a lot of requests for shorts recommendations, so I decided to try on a bunch and do a review and comparison post a la my popular white jeans review post.
Shorts are tricky once you’re past a certain age, but in some regions of the country they’re pretty much a necessity. Even though I love to wear jeans all year round, there are plenty of times during the summer when it’s just too hot, plus I’m not a huge fan of dresses, so shorts are a must for me.
I pretty much live in denim shorts in the summer — I’m sure you’re shocked (#sarcasm) — so I’m focusing on denim styles for this post. I hope to do a follow-up post on other styles of shorts, or I’ll at least include some in my regular Try-On posts.
First, let’s discuss what to look for in a pair of denim shorts.
Shorts can go really wrong when they don’t fit well, so you may want to start by reading my Fight the Frump: Shorts Edition.
Everyone is built differently so what works for me may not necessarily work for you, but I feel best in shorts with a 3 – 4″ inseam. That said, I tried all different lengths so you can compare.
The hardest thing for me is finding shorts that aren’t too wide in the leg opening. I have wide hips compared to my thin limbs, so often shorts are too wide in the leg, which is a huge frump-alert.
Another thing to consider is the cuff. Some women don’t like cuffed denim shorts because it draws attention to the area of the leg where the cuff sits. I don’t mind this because that’s generally a thinner part of my body, but it’s something to keep in mind.
As with jeans, you definitely want to pay attention to the rear pockets. Pocket placement can make or break a pair of denim shorts just as they can with a pair of jeans — perhaps even more so! I prefer pockets that aren’t too large, and I don’t want them placed too high or too far apart. I’ve only learned this by trying a bunch, taking pictures, and comparing. Again, everyone is different, but this is what works for me.
Finally, distressing. I know, I know. Someone will tell me that anyone who pays money for a pair of shorts or jeans with rips and tears is a slave to fashion. Whatever. I like them. If you don’t like them, don’t wear them. Never fear, I will show a variety of options!
For reference, every pair of shorts I’m wearing in this post is a 29 or size 8 unless otherwise noted.
Denim Shorts Under $100
BlankNYC does a good job with jeans under $100 so I thought I’d try their shorts. Sorry, but those rear shots are always blurry. It’s probably a blessing in disguise — I realize no one really wants to see a head-on shot of my rear view, but it’s necessary when comparing shorts.
These are actually pretty good. I like the fit, and while the leg opening is a little wider than I prefer, I don’t think it looks dreadful. I just can’t say how they’d fit after wearing them for a few hours – if they stretch out, all bets are off.
BlankNYC Boyfriend Denim Shorts // 3″ inseam // $68
also wearing: grey tee // nude sandals
The one thing I don’t like is how those distressed patches are actually woven rather than just threads. I realize that provides some more coverage and prevents them from becoming gaping holes, but I feel like it cheapens the look of the denim, which is otherwise really good for the price point.
High rise shorts are trending so I felt obligated to try some, but I can’t say I’m a fan. Maybe it’s the front-tucked shirt; I would probably like it better out.
Also, I’m not a fan of the rear pocket placement — it’s rather high. That said, I don’t hate these; at least the leg opening isn’t too wide, but I think I can do better.
J.Crew High Rise Denim Short in Brixton Wash // 3 1/2″ uncuffed inseam // $79.50
also wearing: white tee // sneakers
Another high rise pair by J.Crew’s sister brand Madewell yielded similar results, but I like the rear pocket placement better on this Madewell pair, and the extra half inch in the inseam helps too… I guess. I dunno, maybe I can’t see much difference.
At any rate, I decided to keep these. I don’t really need them (see the AG Hailey below) but I wear jean shorts so much that I figured I can use an extra pair, and I like the higher rise sometimes.
Madewell High Rise Cuffed Denim Shorts // 4″ uncuffed inseam // $69.50
also wearing: grey tee // sneakers
These are the Caslon rolled shorts that I see recommended by other fashion bloggers. I can’t say I’m a fan, but I still haven’t gotten the sizing right. These run HUGE. I’m wearing a size 29 in every pair of shorts in this post except this one. These are a 28, and I definitely need a 27.
The rolled hems are kind of thick, but that’s not a deal breaker for me. The length is nice for those who prefer a longer inseam but don’t want Bermuda shorts.
Caslon Rolled Denim Boyfriend Shorts // 4″ inseam // $58
also wearing: grey tee // nude sandals
These Wit & Wisdom shorts are a bit longer than the rest, and they fit the closest to the thigh. That said, there’s still something about them that I don’t really care for. I think it’s the rear pockets – they’re rather large and spaced too far apart, which has a way of making my rear view look even wider than it already is.
Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution Cuffed Denim Shorts // 6″ inseam // $58
also wearing: grey tee // nude sandals
This pair of Gap 5″ shorts yields similar results. I like them okay from the front, but the rear pockets are huge and don’t do much for me.
Gap Washwell Mid Rise 5″ Denim Shorts // 5″ inseam // $49
also wearing: stripe tee // nude sandals
These are the Kut from the Kloth Gidget shorts. I had these in white last summer, and I really like this denim wash, plus the size and placement of the rear pockets is really good.
These are a size 28, as opposed to the 29 I’m wearing in most of the other shorts in this post. Sizing down definitely helps with the leg opening issue, but they do seem to be snug through the rear. This brand notoriously stretches out with wear, so I’m hesitant to send them back for the larger size. I think they will fit fine after I break them in a bit.
These are definitely my favorites from the under $100 shorts I tried.
Kut from the Kloth Gidget Shorts // 4″ regular inseam // $69
also wearing: white tee // nude sandals
Denim Shorts Over $100
I realize most people don’t spend 3 digits for shorts, but I do love my premium denim, and I justify the price tag because I pretty much wear the same two pairs of denim shorts over and over all summer long. Also, I only buy them on sale. I always look for last year’s styles on Amazon or Nordstrom Rack, so I usually get them for under $100.
Case in point, I purchased this pair of AG ‘The Hailey’ denim shorts at Amazon for $99.
These were my go-to denim shorts all last summer. This exact wash is discontinued, but you can see all the current Hailey styles at AGJeans.com — conveniently, they’re having a 25% off Friends & Family Sale right now. You can also find the Hailey in several different washes on Amazon.com, where prices vary by size.
I like the size and placement of the rear pockets, and I feel like the leg opening looks good from all angles. These are so comfortable too — there’s nothing quite like AG denim for softness and comfort.
AG The Hailey in 10 Years Days Off // 3″ inseam // $99 on sale
also wearing: grey tee // sneakers
SALE ALERT >> Take 25% off your entire order at AGJeans.com with code FF25!
I ordered this next pair during Bloomingdale’s Denim Days sale event last month, so I didn’t pay full price, but they were still pretty spendy for shorts that look like they’ve been through a war zone, ha! I just knew the second I saw them that I would love them.
Yes, they’re very distressed, but I like that. I also really like the fit, so they went in my closet, and you can expect to see them every week of my summer What I Wore posts. #fairwarning
I bought them at Bloomingdale’s, but I’m linking them at agjeans.com since they’re 25% off right now.
AG Bryn Denim Shorts // 2.5″ inseam // $168 *cough cough*
also wearing: white tee // sneakers
This next pair is also pricey, but I bought mine at the end of season last summer when they were marked down. I actually had this style of shorts in a smaller size when I was, well… smaller. I kept trying to fit into them last season and I wore them some, but I was uncomfortable so I bought the next size up when they went on sale.
I really like the fit of these, but they are super low-rise. I’m showing you how they look with the front tuck and also with the shirt left out. I think I like it best left out with these. These are slightly shorter than the Kut from the Kloth Gidget pair above, and I like both equally. If you’re looking for the cut-off style, I’d recommend the Gidget simply because the price is so much better.
Citizens Ava Frayed Denim Shorts (also in white) // 3″ inseam // $168
also wearing: white tee // sneakers
These next shorts came in my last Trunk Club, so I tried them on for you. Paige is one of my favorite brands for jeans, but these shorts are a relaxed boyfriend style and I’m not loving them. They’re pretty wide through the thigh, but again, this is me. If you have bigger thighs, you may like these.
I really detest these rear view shots, I’ve gotta tell ya. Here’s some perspective, though. I usually stand with my legs straight so you can really see how they look, but they are so much more flattering with just a little bend in the leg. I guess it’s a good thing most of us don’t stand around with both legs straight and parallel.
And yes, that’s a big distress mark on the back butt cheek — it’s not a tag or anything. So yeah, not a big fan of these.
Paige Parker Denim Boyfriend Shorts // 4 1/2″ inseam // $169
also wearing: white tee // sneakers
Finally, a longer pair of AG. I apologize that I don’t have any Bermuda length shorts in the under $100 range to show you. I feel like denim Bermudas are less aging than Bermudas in a chino material, and they seem to be trending lately, so it’s something to consider if you’re not a fan of showing your thighs.
These are a size 28, which is what I normally wear in AG jeans, although I sized up to a 29 in the Bryn shorts, since I generally size up in shorts — especially the shorter ones. Conversely, longer shorts really look bad if they’re too big in the thigh area, so I took a chance with the smaller size, and I like how these fit.
Like the Kut from the Kloth pair, they look snug now, but after an hour of wear they will settle in and look more relaxed. AG jeans don’t bag out, but they do loosen up and mold to your body in a flattering way, and I expect these shorts to do the same.
I’m tempted to keep these since I don’t have any longer shorts right now. Maybe I should return the Bryn and keep these…
AG Nikki Cutoff Denim Shorts // 9″ inseam // $168
also wearing: tie front top // nude sandals
White Shorts
I tried a couple pairs of white shorts, so I thought I’d tack them on here at the end. These are J.Crew but a different style than the blue ones above. They look pretty good to me except that they kind of wrinkle through the rear end. Not sure what’s up with that.
J.Crew Denim Short in White // 4″ inseam // $69.50
also wearing: stripe tee // sneakers
I find this side by side (or top by bottom) comparison interesting. Two pairs of cuffed white denim shorts with approximately the same inseam length, and the ones below are far more flattering, in my opinion.
The ones above are fine, but when you see them next to (or above) the AG pair, there’s no question which pair I’m keeping and which pair is going back. It’s really all about the pockets and that leg opening!
AG Hailey in White Restored // 3″ inseam // $79.97 on sale
also wearing: stripe tee // sneakers
I hope this was helpful. I wanted to include some from Loft and White House Black Market, but I haven’t had a chance to try them. I tried to find them in store, and they weren’t carrying them yet. Talbots is also worth checking; I know some of you like shopping there. This pair looks fairly youthful, if you’re looking for a suggestion.
Do you have a favorite pair of denim shorts? Share them in the comments!
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Well, I only wear shorts at home but still enjoyed post. I wish my granddaughter would wear longer ones. 🙁 it’s mucky weather in Savannah too. Humid.
YUCK! Stay inside in the A/C.
Thank you for the review — I know these posts must be a lot of work for you but they really are helpful! Yikes – I am definitely not on the premium denim short wagon… so many options for more reasonable prices!
Great post-I live in denim shorts in the summer. Will have to try the Kut Shorts you preview. I also like denim shorts from Loft. Where did your white sleeveless tee and the coral v-neck with tie front come from? Both really cute tops!!
Oh, yes, I meant to add links for the other things I was wearing.
This is the sleeveless tee. I LOVE IT. I’m actually getting ready to order a few more colors. I know I don’t usually like to buy duplicates, but it’s too good at too good a price to have just one. https://rstyle.me/n/c4m5nwgthw
And this is the tie front tee – size up in this. Actually, size up in both. I have both in Medium. https://rstyle.me/n/c3mqqvgthw
Also… where did you get the first gray t-shirt? Great post!
It’s this one: https://rstyle.me/n/c3etubgthw
Thanks for doing this post! Denim shorts are one of the hardest things for me to find, but they are a must living in Texas. I have the opposite struggle as you though (mine are often too tight in the thighs). The white J Crew pair you showed is my absolute favorite and the best fitting shorts I own. This comparison will be so helpful for any shorts you feature now…if they are too wide for you, they’ll probably work for me, lol.
Haha! Well, there ya go! 🙂
Informative post! I never would have thought to put much thought into pockets! Now I’ll prob obsess! Lol
I have made a couple runs to Nordstrom rack for some denim shorts. My “live ins” are Hudson, Joe’s, blankNyc, and Rebekah Minkoff
All great brands!
Jo-Lynne,
Thanks for doing all this research. I struggle with shorts— my husband says I look fine in them but I just have not gotten comfortable with running around in them even though I have finally reached my goal for weight? Guess it’s all in my head. HA. I too had no idea pocket placement made such a difference! I am seeing some cargo type shorts around. They are not too bulky. Thoughts on those?
Again, I think it depends on how they are cut, and then also on your body type. I find cargo styles tend to be more baggy, which isn’t a good look on me personally, but I like the idea of them. Where have you seen them? I should try a few pairs.
Great post! My newest fave this spring has been a pair of distressed denim shorts (5” inseam — I’m 5’9” and and 42 years old so prefer a smidge more coverage when I can find it!) I scored at the Polo Ralph Lauren outlet. Wore them over spring break & loved them so much I went back and bought a second pair! I think regular price might have been around $65-70 but that store always has 30% off coupons that pop up in my email.
They sound like a great find! And yeah, I’m 5’5″ so I can imagine you’d want a little longer inseam. 🙂
I didn’t care for the fit of the Caslon boyfriend shorts either, even after trying multiple sizes. So glad to hear that I’m not the only one- seems like every other blogger was raving about how amazing they are so I thought I must have been losing my mind!
I do love the Kut Gidget shorts though!!
Yeah, they work better for some than others! I think the Gidget style is a little more form-fitting, which I like. Also, the cuff on the Caslon style can be tricky.
It’s always great to get perspective. Cheap denim may be easier on the budget but not necessarily as flattering on the body. And comfort is essential when you have to wear something all day, which is always the case with premium denim…..just a couple things I learned from this totally amazing fashion blogger I follow 😉
Sometimes you can get lucky with cheaper styles, but more often than not, you get what you pay for. It just depends on how much you’ll wear them and if it’s worth it to you to spend more. I know some people only wear shorts around the house, and for that, I’d definitely stick with more budget-friendly styles.
I really like the 9” AG shorts on you!
Thank you! I think they’re keepers.
I agree with Melissa. Those look really really good!
I do need to find a pair of denim shorts. I am one of those that feels better with my thighs covered for several reasons. I have long legs which allows me to wear longer shorts and not look frumpy. Hiwever, I might be better off buying a denim skirt. Something to think about since I need to keep my spending at a minimum.
It’s muggy here too! We’ve had 3 3/4” of rain thus far, with five more rainy days to go. We do need the rain though, and we’ve been blessed to not have any storms. Have a fabulous Friday Eve, despite the weather.
A denim skirt is a great option to have. You seem to get the same weather I do – just a little ahead of me – I hope that doesn’t mean I have 6 or 7 days or rain left. UGH!!! The only good part about it is, I don’t have to water my flowers. Haha!
I personally love the Calson – have two pairs because I wear them so much! I love it when I can size down in shorts…I usually size up in shorts so they fit looser than my jeans as I don’t share your thin leg problem (I wish I did!) I am going to try the AG Haileys and the white Hailey’s on sale! Thanks for the post lets hope the weather warms up enough to wear them!
So glad the Caslon worked for you. It really is such an individual thing.
LMK how you like the Haileys!
Hi.
I love your posts and look forward to them every day! You do a great job!
I am a petite gal with heavier thighs☹️ What do you think best lengths of shorts would be. I am 60 years old too and only 5’1 —- should I still wear shorts.?
If you’re comfortable in them, you totally should. I would recommend trying a few different lengths to compare, but I’m assuming a mid-thigh length on you might be a 4″ inseam?
Certainly, you can Nancy. Try Chico’s or Talbots. They have a great selection of shorts for older, and modest women.
I’d also add White House Black Market to that list. If you prefer a longer style, these come in petite: http://shopstyle.it/l/JU52
You can see me wearing them here: https://jolynneshane.com/how-to-wear-denim-bermuda-shorts.html
Wow what a great job you did on this post. I am truly greatful because I thought it was just me, struggling with finding the right jean shorts. They are a must in the Texas summer but boy has it been a challenge to find the right fit. First, I have to say that being in my mid fifties I prefer them to be a little longer. With that said; I liked the AG Nikki demin shorts the best on you. They actually hide the fact that your thighs are a little thinner and look very flattering. Plus the distressing gives them a younger look, but I don’t like the price tag. So my search led me to buy some Calvin Klein jean shorts that I found them for a good price at TJ Maxx. They were regularly $58 and the fit is good for a petite person. Not too long or too short. But I am still searching for 2nd pair so thank you for helping as I now know which ones won’t work me.
Nice find at TJ Maxx. I also like the Nikki shorts – I’m wearing them now to see how they break in. They’re kind of tight in the waist in the size 28 so I may order the 29 while they’re on sale this week.
The denim shorts that I love and wear the most are from Old Navy. I get the slim fit midi with a rolled cuff. I’ve found they don’t stretch out as much as their jeans and they fit pretty close to the leg. I bought a pair of Madewell high rise cuffed but I returned them because I didn’t like them $50 more than my Old Navy ones!
Good to know! I haven’t tried theirs this year.
I have those too.
Thanks for the summary and offering us so many options. I prefer Bermuda length shorts personally. I just feel too self conscious in shorter shorts with my lumps and bumps 😜
Thanks for sharing the Bermuda Jean shorts! Have a great weekend!!
There’s nothing wrong with that! I also remembered these that I wore a couple years ago – they brought them back this year. Worth a try if you like Bermudas. http://shopstyle.it/l/JU52
Thanks for doing all this work. 🙂 this is helpful! My favorite on you are the 9″ denim Bermuda shorts. Have a great day.
Super helpful post! I have disproportionately thin legs, so finding shorts that aren’t too wide can be a challenge. Thanks for “narrowing” down the field for me!!
This is very helpful, but soooooo much to think about! I’m having a terrible time with shorts this year. I really need about a 6 or 7 inch inseam to cover veins, But that length is really hard to find in a trendy style. Most shorts that length make me look like a frumpasaurus!
Wow! What a post! I’m wearing my denim shorts from Talbots today and love them. The biggest issue with denim shorts for me is the way they tend to stretch with wear. You can end up feeling like you’re wearing a saggy diaper! Ha! But these haven’t done that so far. Also, I do find that I generally need to size down in denim shorts from what I wear in regular/dress shorts, similar to the way I do with jeans.
I got my denim shorts at Loft last year when Cyndi styled them. They aren’t short or bermuda….Inbetween but I believe they had them labeled bermuda. I believe they have them out again this year. As an update the Sam Edelman Carter Nude Linen Patent sandal I ordered from someone’s recommendation yesterday on your blog, arrived today from zappos. I wasn’t impressed with the pair that arrived. The strap that goes between your toes was different on one shoe than the other with the patent not all the way on the strap. I have a high arch, so when I slipped my foot into the sandal, the top bunched with my foot, not going in all the way. I could pull it on, but when walking my foot felt like it wanted to slip out. I didn’t think they were very comfortable either. My foot isn’t wide and I always order medium width, but I felt like my foot on the widest part of my foot was hanging over the side of the sandal a little. Maybe a wide width would work better for that and slipping on over my high arch. Anyway, for the price, I am sending them back as I think I can find better quality. The Patent ones say all manmade, so they probably wouldn’t be very comfortable for any length of time. Wishing they worked, as they are cute. Jo-Lynne, you wanted an update, so that is why I added it today. 🙂 Great shorts post. I think shorts are so hard to find the older I get. That is why I’m really looking hard for cute, casual, summer dresses. Would you be able to post some? I did however find some white shorts at Banana Republic and some beige at Loft this year. I had to size down quite a bit though. I couldn’t believe how large they are running. Especially the Banana Republic ones.
I just ordered a couple of casual dresses! I hope some work out.
All of the AG shorts look really good on you — you definitely found your brand. I really liked how you showed the white shorts — not a huge difference but the AGs really are more flattering. It really pays to try them all on and not to settle.