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It’s only the beginning of spring, but soon it will be summer, 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.
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.
March 14, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
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Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution Denim Shorts
Overall Score
4.3
10
Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution Denim Shorts
4.5
113 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
0
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 Shaping Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
Wit & Wisdom's "Ab-solution" jeans are sought after by women of all shapes and sizes because of their ability to slim, shape, and lift in all the right places, and these denim shorts are no different. Made with a mold-and-hold fit technology, once you slip these on you won't have to worry about them stretching out or sliding down beacuse they mold to your body and create a flattering look from every angle.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
These shorts are high-waisted with a 9" inseam, so rest assured that when you sit down these shorts won't ride up and disapppear on you.
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Made In Usa
Eco Friendly
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Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Cut-Off Jean Shorts
Overall Score
4.45
09
Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Cut-Off Jean Shorts
4.75
4 User Reviews
2.1
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 Affordable Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
If comfort is what you're after in your next pair of denim shorts, Old Navy's Mid-Rise Boyfriend Cut-Off Jean Shorts are your best bet. Made from cotton and spandex, these denim shorts fit loosely through the hip and thigh and have a hint of stretch so you can move freely without feeling the least bit restricted.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Old Navy offers these denim shorts in a wide range of inclusive sizes from 0-30.
Inclusive
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Gap 5" Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
08
Gap 5" Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts
4.5
241 User Reviews
2.7
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 Girlfriend Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
Crafted from a blend of recycled cotton and spandex, these cuffed denim shorts offer effortless style and unrivaled comfort. They have a slimming fit perfect for casual occasions. You can snag this style in four different versions, some of which have distressing or cuffed hems.
STYLE TIP
Pair it with a white button-down for an easygoing summer look.
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Agolde Dee Ultra High Rise Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
07
Agolde Dee Ultra High Rise Shorts
4.19
263 User Reviews
2.7
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 Ultra High-Rise Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
With an ultra-high rise and a 4” inseam, the Dee high-waisted denim shorts were designed to give you a confidence boost. This vintage-inspired style comes in four different versions: light wash, classic wash, black denim, and an indigo-colored cuffed rendition.
MORE TO LOVE
The Dee shorts are not stretchy, which is all the more reason to feel thankful for their raw hem and side slits.
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Madewell The Perfect Vintage Short
Overall Score
4.5
06
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Short
5
3 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
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 Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
Madewell perfectly named these pair of denim shorts. The Perfect Vintage Shorts are made from a structured denim with a hint of stretch that offers a vintage look and feel thanks to details like the super-fitted high waist, authentic fading and frayed hems.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Like many of Madewell's jeans, these denim shorts are designed with the brand's signature Magic Pockets, which gently hold you for a flattering look from every angle.
Inclusive
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Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
Overall Score
4.6
05
Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
4.24
1051 User Reviews
5
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 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 deinim 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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Rolla's Dusters Short
Overall Score
4.75
04
Rolla's Dusters Short
4.82
96 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 Distressed Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
These vintage-inspired denim shorts are distressed to perfection. With frayed hems, pulled threads and strategically placed rips, these shorts are the perfect warm-weather companion for carefree summer days and nights.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
They also come in dark wash version, too.
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Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Cutoff Short
Overall Score
4.85
03
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Cutoff Short
5
7 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
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 90s Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
The Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise 90s Cutoff Shorts feature vintage stretch denim with frayed hems. They're also designed to fit relaxed and looser through the hip and thigh.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
If you're looking for shorts that don't ride up and offer full coverage in the back, your search ends here.
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Levi's 501 Original Shorts
Overall Score
4.9
02
Levi's 501 Original Shorts
4.3
4200 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 Cutoff Denim Shorts
THE DETAILS
Another pair of Levi’s jean shorts has made its way onto our list, and with these, you’ve got options. Whether you prefer a super light fade, a dark wash, or black or white denim, Levi’s 501 shorts have it covered.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
To get the best fit with these jeans shorts, reviewers suggest sizing up: "These are so cute. I’m usually a size 29 in Levi’s pants but I bought a 30 for these and they fit wonderfully and aren’t too short or tight but still fitted at the waist (no love handles, yay!). For reference, I’m about 150 pounds and 5’5 and I bought a size 30. Highly recommend these! Can’t wait to wear them out."
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Agolde Parker Long Vintage Shorts
Overall Score
4.95
01
Agolde Parker Long Vintage Shorts
4.58
371 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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