The weather is warming up, and you know what that means: denim shorts on repeat. But as much as we’re looking forward to making more direct contact with the sun, one thing we’re not as excited about is refreshing our warm-weather wardrobe.
From searching for flattering swimsuits to finding enough sundresses to make it through what feels like endless backyard BBQs and pool parties, shopping can get exhausting quite quickly. And the item we least look forward to searching for? A good pair of denim shorts.
It could just be us, but we’d argue that year after year, finding the perfect pair of denim shorts only becomes trickier. While we’re no longer looking for the booty-bearing styles we wore in our teen years, we still want a length that feels flirty and on-trend. On top of that, there’s also the fact that, like jeans, there are so many different style options to choose from—high-rise, low-rise, distressed, frayed, cutoff, cuffed, boyfriend, etc.—and what works on one person’s body may be a total disaster on another’s. But through all of the denim gloom and doom, there is a glimmer of hope, because we’ve rounded up a list of the Top 10 denim shorts in every category—we’re talking raw hems, rolled hems, and everything in between. Curious to see what we're talking about? Read ahead.
How We Found The Best Jean Shorts
Our process goes a little something like this: We put our data-powered ranking algorithm on the hunt to find the best products in a given category. Then, using information from reviews, best-seller lists, and more, this tool scores those products in order to create a definitive ranking of the top options on the internet. Today, we're talking women's denim shorts, and with options from Agolde to Old Navy, our algorithm discovered the greatest picks for every budget and style.
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Jump To ProductsThe Rankings
Gap 5" Mid Rise Girlfriend Shorts
Overall Score
4.4
10
Gap 5" Mid Rise Girlfriend Shorts
4.5
500 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Girlfriend-Style Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
The Gap's Mid Rise Girlfriend Shorts have a 5" inseam designed for ease and everyday comfort. The classic denim shorts have subtle distressing and a raw, cuffed hem, giving them a laid-back, lived-in feel that’s perfect for summer days.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The mid-rise shorts are designed to sit comfortably at the waist, and with 1% elastane, they offer just a touch of stretch for a comfortable and flattering fit.
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Levi's 80s Mom Shorts
Overall Score
4.4
09
Levi's 80s Mom Shorts
4.25
175 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Denim Shorts for a Mom Fit
THE DETAILS
Levi's 80s Mom Shorts feature a high rise and an A-line leg opening that flatters your figure and elongates your legs. Made from sustainably produced denim in a fresh, updated style, these shorts are a modern version of your parent’s style—only better.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
In addition to the medium wash, you can also snag these vintage-inspired denim shorts in a light wash, black, and a floral printed version, too.
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J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short
Overall Score
4.45
08
J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short
4.9
608 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Denim Shorts for a Classic Fit
THE DETAILS
J.Crew's High-Rise Denim Shorts has a 4" inseam and a comfy high-rise, striking the perfect balance between coverage and everyday ease. With a sleek, flattering fit, they’re a go-to staple for warm-weather days.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Made from a blend of tencell, cotton, and elastane fabrics, these denim shorts have a soft yet structured feel.
KUT From The Kloth Jane High Waist Denim Shorts
Overall Score
4.45
07
KUT From The Kloth Jane High Waist Denim Shorts
4.34
53 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Stretch Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
These denim shorts blend classic style with modern details. The classic high-rise fit and five-pocket styling offers a flattering silhouette, while the deep sanding gives them a soft, lived-in feel.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
These denim shorts fit true to size and come in a wide range of sizes from 00 to 18.
Citizens Of Humanity Marlow Vintage Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
06
Citizens Of Humanity Marlow Vintage Shorts
4.54
25 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Raw Hem Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
No warm-weather wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim cutoffs. These relaxed mid-rise denim shorts give major carefree vibes, thanks to their undone edges, distressing, and raw-edge hem. They also feature contrast stitching and silver-tone logo hardware, adding subtle details to an otherwise laid-back look.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Crafted from rigid, non-stretch denim, they provide a structured fit that takes a little time to break in, but will become more comfortable with each wear. They fit true to size, so stick with ordering your normal size.
Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
05
Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
4.1
2141 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
With a 6" inseam, these denim shorts provide a comfy length that hits at the mid-thigh. They also feature raw hems and light whiskering, which add a vintage touch to the slightly stretchy denim summer shorts.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
According to reviewers, the Levi 501 Mid Thigh Shorts run slightly small and suggest going up a size to ensure a comfortable fit.
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Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Cutoff Short
Overall Score
4.55
04
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Cutoff Short
4.8
6 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best 90s Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
Channeling effortless '90s style, these high-rise denim cutoff shorts have a relaxed, vintage-inspired fit with extra room through the hip and thigh. Whether you snag them in medium, light, or black washes, these shorts bring a laid-back edge to any warm-weather look.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Crafted from stretch denim, these shorts offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility for all-day wear while retaining their shape. The high-rise fit flatters the waist, while the looser leg keeps things cool and comfortable.
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Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Short
Overall Score
4.55
03
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Short
4.2
5 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Vintage-Style Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Shorts have a flattering high waist, a shape-enhancing fit, and subtle whiskering for that lived-in look. They are also designed with Madewell's signature Magic Pockets in the front to gently hold you in for a smooth, sculpted look.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Made with 99% cotton and 1% elastane, they have a structured yet comfortable fit that molds to your shape. If you have an hourglass shape, Madewell has a curvy cut version of these shorts without the waist gap.
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Old Navy High-Waisted OG Button-Fly Jean Shorts
Overall Score
4.55
02
Old Navy High-Waisted OG Button-Fly Jean Shorts
4.5
24 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
The High-Waisted OG Button-Fly Jean Shorts feature a 7-inch inseam that falls mid-thigh. The easy-wearing denim shorts have a semi-fitted silhouette through the hip and thigh, allowing you to sit and move without feeling restricted.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"These are the perfect for shorts for anyone who doesn't want "short shorts" or Bermuda shorts. I'm self conscious of my legs and these hit at just the right length. I'm 5'2 and a size 6."
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Agolde Parker Long Vintage Shorts
Overall Score
4.85
01
Agolde Parker Long Vintage Shorts
4.23
248 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Denim Shorts Overall
THE DETAILS
The Agolde Parker Long Vintage Shorts claimed the #1 spot on this list for a few reasons. Neither too short nor too tight, these 100% cotton-made denim shorts feature a relaxed, laid-back fit that reviewers find flattering, comfortable, and worth every penny.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"These jean shorts are so cute, and the longer length is very flattering. I feel the Skywave rinse might run a tad smaller than the more faded and distressed rinses, but still fits. 100% cotton, so they will likely stretch out a bit. So worth the investment."
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