The Best Denim Shorts April 25, 2018 | Good Morning!! Eeeeek, this is one of those posts that I’m just so excited to finally hit publish on! Today we are talking all about the Best Denim Shorts for Women (duh!) and I’ve compiled a detailed guide of my favorite options, tried them all on for you and am dishing about exactly how they fit and sharing some helpful buying tips! Finding a good pair of denim shorts can be SO hard and I’m hopeful that this post can make it a little easier to find a flattering pair that’s the right fit for you! Every single pair that I’m recommending is under $100 and I would say the majority fall around the $50 price range (happy dance!). I looked for slightly longer inseams since I know that’s important to you and, overall, I wanted to present you with a variety of styles, washes and fits so that hopefully you can find what you’re looking for. p.s. There are TWO chances to win a $100 gift card at the end of this post, just as a THANK YOU for reading! Here are my stats so that you an get a feel for my body type: 5’9 / 140 lbs / Normally a size 4 or 6 (27 in jeans, typically) THE BEST DENIM SHORTS FOR WOMEN ONE | Let’s kick things off with the pair that I’m kicking myself for not buying! I was a little thrown off my the wash, but the more I look at the pics and videos of me wearing them, the more that I like the throwback feel. These shorts had a great mid-rise, a modest inseam and an overall great fit for the price. I sized up to a 28 here and liked the fit…roomy without being unflattering. Inseam: 3” 1.High Waisted Cut Off Shorts TWO | Excuse the terrible photos of these, but if you follow closely you know that I’ve been loving these shorts for months now. They were the first pair of shorts that I bought for the season and I absolutely love them. They’ve now sold out 3X and are finally back in stock, so I made sure to include them here! They are a great, comfy fit and I find them to be flattering and easy to wear. The price cannot be beat! I bought them when they were size S, M, L and am wearing a M here. If I were to buy them today, I’d buy a 28. Inseam: 2.5” 2.High Waisted Frayed Shorts THREE | Ok, I’ve tried these on before and we love them! I included them here in case some of you missed that try on session, because these are a really great option. They have more of a boyfriend fit, the rise is slightly higher and the inseam is modest. The distressing and exposed pockets make them feel laid back and casual and perfect for everyday wear. I kept my regular size 27 in these as I felt that they ran a little big compared to traditional denim shorts. Inseam: 4” 3. Cut Off Boyfriend Shorts FOUR | These Levi’s fit much like our favorite jeans! They have more of a true denim fit (read: less stretch) and hold their shape. They are higher on the waist and have a generous inseam, which makes them modest and great for mommin’. I sized up to a 28 in these and liked the fit. Inseam: 3.5” cuffed / 6” cuffed 4.Cuffed Long Denim Shorts FIVE | Well, these are dang cute! They are a higher waisted fit (but don’t look nearly as dramatic on me as they do on the size 000 model), have a 3” inseam and are a great middle of the road denim wash. Of course, you know that Madewell does no wrong in my book and these are proof of that. Quality and comfort as well a great price! I’m wearing my normal size 27 in these and like the fit. Inseam: 3” 5. High Waisted Button Front Shorts SIX | These high waisted shorts were on the blog last week and I thought that they were definitely worth including here. They are just a clean and polished option, with no frills and a good fit. The wash is a true medium, the waist is high rise and the inseam is very modest. A great fuss free pair for the mama who wants a more classic look. Inseam: 3.5” uncuffed 6. High Waisted Cuffed Shorts SEVEN | This boyfriend pair was also a hit in Instastories a few weeks back. They are relaxed and offer a longer inseam for a casual feel that’s definitely suited for chasing kids around in. I found that keeping my regular size 27 in these was the best fit for me. Inseam: 4” 7. Rolled Long Boyfriend Shorts EIGHT | These shorties have more of a dark wash, are higher on the waist and have a shorter inseam. They don’t work for me for everyday, but I can totally see someone with thinner legs rocking them well. The fit was actually great and the price is impressive. I’m wearing a size 28 here and feel like it’s the right fit. Inseam: 2” 8. High Waisted Frayed Shorties NINE | This is one of LOFT’s “Modern Fit” shorts. Remember, the Modern Fit jeans were one of our favorites in the Denim Review?? I ended up really liking the fit of these and thought that they darker wash and exposed buttons made them feel updated and on trend. Inseam: 3” 9. Button Front Cut Offs TEN | This dark wash cuffed pair is also by one of our favorite denim brands! I loved the wash and the overall shape, but the inseam + cuffs hit me at the wrong length (aka right where my thighs touch LOL). I would say these are better for someone with thinner legs. I’m wearing a 28 here and overall feel like they are the right size. Inseam: 2.5″ 10. Cuffed High Waisted Shorts ELEVEN | These are another pair of Levi’s and I really really loved the fit. Again, more of a true denim (less stretchy) fit, but overall flattering, long enough and comfortable for everyday wear. I sized up to a 28 in these and liked the fit, which is what I would recommend doing. If you like your shorts on the extra roomy side, go up two sizes…where you’ll also gain some inseam. Inseam: 2.5” 11. Frayed Long Denim Shorts TWELVE | These are a more traditional (relaxed) fit from LOFT. They have an optional cuff so that you can adjust the length, too. Overall they are really comfortable and I can see them being perfect for everyday mom life. I kept my normal size 27 here (I normally size down in LOFT, so that made sense) and I thought the fit was great. Inseam: 4” cuffed // 6” uncuffed 12. Deconstructed Long Denim Shorts THIRTEEN | Ok, I decided to step WAY out of my box with these and I’m glad I tried out a new retailer. I was very hesitant to think that American Eagle would even come close to fitting this mama of two, but was pleasantly surprised that a few things worked. When I first walked in I was hit with lots of “denim panty” options, but after some digging I found this Tomgirl Shortie fit. They are still on the short side, but they come up a little higher on the waist, are a really comfortable fit and I love the details…not to mention the price! Inseam: 2.5” 13. Tomgirl Shortie Turn on your JavaScript to view content Thank you so much for reading this post and sharing it with your friends! I truly truly hope that it was helpful and made the dreaded task of finding flattering denim shorts just a little easier. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (mallory@styleyoursenses.com) or comment below! If you’re still in the market for jeans…make sure to check out my Denim Review HERE. As a true THANK YOU for being here today, I’m giving away (2) $100 gift cards to get a head start on finding the best denim shorts for you!!!! I made entering SO easy and I cannot wait to see which two of you win! Option one: PIN THE IMAGE BELOW ONTO ONE OF YOUR STYLE PINTEREST BOARDS Option two: HEAD TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE (CLICK HERE) AND SHARE THIS BEST DENIM SHORTS POST WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Come back and comment below to let me know which option(s) you completed and which pair of shorts is your favorite!!! I’ll pick winners 5/1! GOOD LUCK! (Pin This)
Sara R says April 25, 2018 at 6:49 AM The “pin this” link didn’t work for me, but I pinned an image ????
Christina Sursa says April 25, 2018 at 7:10 AM Thanks for sharing so many great options! I pinned it to my pinterest board 🙂
Megan Zeck says April 25, 2018 at 7:25 AM Pinned on Pinterest and shared on FB! Love the AE Tomgirl shorts! And you have a great page.
Garrah Steinke says April 25, 2018 at 7:43 AM Pinned to Pinterest. Thanks for all of your hard work on this post Mallory! Can’t wait to find some good shorts!
Stacie says April 25, 2018 at 8:09 AM I pinned the post. I think they are all great but I am going with the button up shorts from Loft
Erin Kelly says April 25, 2018 at 8:22 AM I pinned the picture. I love anything from Madewell and these shorts are no exception!
Alex says April 25, 2018 at 8:24 AM I did option 1 and my favorite pair are the high waisted frayed shorts!! So cute but still appropriate for a momma of two!!
Katie says April 25, 2018 at 8:39 AM I pinned your post! My pick is the SP Black shorts – I loved the high wasted jean from the fall so naturally, I love these too!
Amber McKinney says April 25, 2018 at 8:51 AM I shared on Facebook and I LOVE the first option and PS I love following you !
Martha says April 25, 2018 at 8:55 AM Hi Mallory! Thanks for doing this! Great choices. As for your contest, I did option 1. My favorite pair is the Cuffed High Waisted Shorts. They are similar to ones I just got on a great deal from Old Navy last week. Have a great day! Martha
Brigit says April 25, 2018 at 9:28 AM Option 1 done! I love the Levi’s long hem shorts – the lighter wash, button fly, and of course the longer length. But I am nervous to try the nonstretch denim. I’m so used to super stretchy jeans, especially for the thighs. I so appreciate your reviews like this. It really takes an overwhelming thing and narrows down the options! Thanks 🙂
Jennifer Penland says April 25, 2018 at 9:43 AM My favorite shorts are the Loft Frayed Long Denim Shorts. They are the Perfect length for work and Mommin. I pinned this to my clothing Pinterest board. Can’t wait to go try on a pair for myself. It’s So hard to find shorts that fit well, are trendy and don’t show your all your glory. ???????????? Thank you!
Cindy Lipps says April 25, 2018 at 10:08 AM Option 1–My favorite is definitely the cut-off boyfriend short. I love a looser fitting short, and the distressing is great also! Thanks so much for the fit review!! 🙂
Emily says April 25, 2018 at 10:08 AM Pinned!! Loooove the high waisted frayed. Just ordered them yesterday!
Lucy Atkinson says April 25, 2018 at 10:57 AM Just pinned it! I think the Cuffed Long Denim Shorts are my favorite! It’s so hard to choose though! I love posts like this!
Iman Brady says April 25, 2018 at 11:11 AM I did option 1! My favorite are the cuffed longer shorts from Loft, so easy to style and throw on and the length is perfect!
Emily Abernathy says April 25, 2018 at 11:20 AM I pinned on my style board on Pinterest. Love the Loft frayed shorts, may have to pick up a pair!
Erika says April 25, 2018 at 11:28 AM I did option one, and love the shorts with the button fly! Great post!
Heather Demke says April 25, 2018 at 11:29 AM I did option 1 and pinned on Pinterest. Love the look of the Loft frayed shorts….so cute!
Lindsay says April 25, 2018 at 11:31 AM I pinned on Pinterest! I like the long cuffed shorts – I tend to feel more comfortable with a longer inseam length.
Meghan says April 25, 2018 at 11:33 AM I love this post! I pinned it, and love the high waisted frayed shorts!
Rachael Somplasky says April 25, 2018 at 11:35 AM Pinned! Now to win that $100 so I can buy a new dress for my husband promotion ceremony in May! Thanks for sharing and help break down all of these shorts!!!
Amber says April 25, 2018 at 11:36 AM I did option 1, pinned on Pinterest! I love the high waited frayed shorts! They are in my cart right now! Seriously loved this post! I am a bit more modest at 25 and all the shorts I see women my age wear is not exactly what I like. Thank you for posting this ❤️
Lauryn Ward says April 25, 2018 at 11:41 AM Thanks! I chose option 1. Hard to choose, but I think the frayed long denim shorts are my favorite, super cute!
Shaylan says April 25, 2018 at 11:49 AM I pinned and love the Deconstructed Long Denim Shorts from Loft!
Sarah kress says April 25, 2018 at 11:52 AM I shared on my Pinterest board my style!!! Love allll of them but my fave are the barrow cut offs from Nordstrom. I definitely want them!!
Melissa Szymanowski says April 25, 2018 at 11:57 AM Pinned to my style board. These kinds of posts are so helpful. I don’t have time to go try on a million pairs of shorts! I think my favs are the tomgirl short!
Krysten says April 25, 2018 at 12:17 PM I did option 1 & option 2! Spreading the SYS knowledge all over social media 🙂 I am loving the The Barrow High Waist Cutoff – definitely will be checking these ones out!!
Julie Emmons says April 25, 2018 at 12:22 PM I love all of your picks! Now if I could just get your legs to go with my shorts ???? I chose option 1 and my favorites were the 4” loft shorts. I’ll defibiteky be ordering those!!
Julie D says April 25, 2018 at 12:39 PM Pinned it! I think I like the Barrow High Waist (1st pair) the best, but you found lots of cute options! Thank you!
Marcy S says April 25, 2018 at 12:51 PM I love the first pair of shorts! SO cute. I shared this post on my fb page for all my friends ????
Venessa says April 25, 2018 at 12:56 PM I just pinned this post! My favorite pair are the Loft longer shorts!!! So cute!!!! If only Hawaii would get a Loft!!!
Kristen says April 25, 2018 at 1:02 PM Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for doing this post! I KNOW how much work goes into these so I appreciate it! I was waiting for you to go live with this so I would know on a few shorts in my cart and ended up ordering the SP ones after I read this so again, thank you! I also pinned this and shared it on facebook!
Tami McBurney says April 25, 2018 at 1:50 PM I did option 1! I love the high waisted distressed shorts. Cute style, but still provides coverage my mom hips/stretch marks just right!
Robin Parma says April 25, 2018 at 2:01 PM Thanks for doing this! I did option 1 and I think I’d like to try the Tomgirl shortie.
Danielle Martinson says April 25, 2018 at 2:17 PM Best post ever!!! Thank you so much! ♥ I really love the American Eagle shorts. I did option 1.
Stephanie Hampton says April 25, 2018 at 2:18 PM I pinned the image to my Pinterest! Definitely needed this post as none of my shorts fit for summer. I think my favorite are the loft shorts that are optional to cuff. Love that they have just a little distressing and are still modest for this mama!
Megan Burns says April 25, 2018 at 2:23 PM I chose option 1! The Frayed Long Denim Shorts seem like the perfect inseam for me. I like the option to cuff or not, too. Thanks for the review!
Tiffany says April 25, 2018 at 2:28 PM Loved this post! I went with the Pinterest option (perm_eyeroll) and my favorite shorts were definitely the Rolled long Boyfriends. I’m not typically a “shorts girl” but you may have converted me!
Amanda says April 25, 2018 at 2:36 PM Love these types of posts thank you! Very helpful to me. I used Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172192385737574732/) and my fave pair of shorts are the first pair. The Barrow High Waist Cutoff Denim Shorts, I am sucker for cut offs <3
Caroline says April 25, 2018 at 2:39 PM Pinned to my Pinterest board. I love the high waisted cuffed shorts! Seem like the perfect style for a young mo!!
Sara Towne says April 25, 2018 at 2:41 PM I pinned the image! (STowne82) My favorite are the cutoff boyfriend shorts! This mama is in major need of some shorts for this TN summer!
Tania Mills says April 25, 2018 at 3:47 PM Wow! This was a lot of work on your part! It is greatly appreciated!! I LOL’d at American Eagle “denim panty”… so true! I pinned to my “Summer Lovin” board. My fav pair is the high waist cutoffs AND the cuff high waist – GIMME all the HIGH waist!! 🙂
Amanda Northam says April 25, 2018 at 3:51 PM I pinned it!! Love the high waisted cut off shorts! Thanks for sharing!!
Kellyann Rohr says April 25, 2018 at 4:05 PM Option 1 worked for me and I love shorts from Loft – the frayed hem are so cute! xo, Kellyann
Meaghan says April 25, 2018 at 4:56 PM Option 1 and 2 :] Love the Levi High waisted cuff shorts and all by Madewell. Thank you so much for spending your time doing this!!! So helpful!
Tiffany Hopper says April 25, 2018 at 5:07 PM I did both option 1 and 2. My fave is the Levi’s frayed ones. ????
Brandy Kline says April 25, 2018 at 5:17 PM HI Mallory. First, thanks for doing the hard work for us!! 🙂 I pinned the blog to my summer style board. MY FAvorite pair are the AE Tom Girl cutoffs. Like you, I thought AE was in my past, but it looks like I’m going to head there over the weekend!!
Kim Pincombe-Cole says April 25, 2018 at 7:32 PM Thank You for this post!!! I’ve saved it to my bookmarks for quick reference – but I already know that I’m ordering pair #1! Shared this on my Facebook page {Kim Pincombe Cole} AND pinned on my fashion page {pinterest.com/rainesmom}.
Nicole says April 25, 2018 at 8:04 PM I pinned and I really like them all! This was so helpful as I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair!
Sarah Johnson says April 25, 2018 at 8:49 PM I love the SP Black pair. That brand is killing denim lately! (I pinned the image on Pinterest…sarahdawnj07)
Laura A says April 25, 2018 at 9:16 PM I pinned and shared! Option 1 is def my favorite. They look super cute and comfy. I love the rise and the color. Thanks for sharing ???? following you!
Erika Rimmer says April 25, 2018 at 9:21 PM I pinned option two! Thank you for putting so much work into this post. You are my fav!
Alexandra Conwell says April 25, 2018 at 9:28 PM LOVE Number 9!!! I pinned it on Pinterest. You Rock!!!
Taylor Smith says April 25, 2018 at 9:38 PM I pinned the post! ???? option 13 is my favorite! Great length and love the destructed look. Thanks for taking the time to do that!
Kristen says April 25, 2018 at 10:04 PM Pinned on my Pinterest page! @kris10hart The American Eagle #13 pair is my favorite! Anxious to get to my local store to try on a pair!
Laura M says April 25, 2018 at 10:12 PM I did option #1 and love the #5 shorts. You can never go wrong with madewell & high waisted!
AMHC says April 25, 2018 at 10:14 PM Pinned to Pinterest! I love #7, #10, and #13! Have never liked how I look in denim shorts, but willing to give them another try after this post!
Haley S says April 25, 2018 at 10:23 PM Pinned to my Style board! I love, love, love this post as I am on the hunt for some mom jean shorts. Your honesty and tips are so helpful! Thank you!
Amy Riemitis says April 25, 2018 at 10:25 PM I shared the fb post. I had short number 4, the Levi’s in my shopping cart and now I’m going to size up and order them!
Lauren says April 25, 2018 at 11:07 PM I pinned the image 🙂 I think I am going to order #1 and A#2 and see which looks best on me. I am only 5’0” and my legs/thighs are my least favorite feature so I dread wearinf shorts
LizF says April 25, 2018 at 11:17 PM Pinned ya! Great job on this post, who doesn’t LOVE denim cut offs!? Thinking of ordering the Madewell button front shorts but worry the rise might be too high for me.
Jacklyn says April 26, 2018 at 12:14 AM I shared this post on fb. I love #3 – the treasure and bond high waisted shorts. You and your blog are adorable! Thanks so much for these fit reviews! Love them!!
Hannah Lugibihl {Cold Coffee Hot Mess} says April 26, 2018 at 7:05 AM Hey girl! I pinned and shared on FB! 🙂 I am loving option 2, the ones you are always wearing! So cute!
kathy says April 26, 2018 at 7:11 AM I pinned to my fashion/makeup board on Pinterest???? I liked #2. Thank you!
Lauren O says April 26, 2018 at 7:28 AM Shared on Facebook! Love your #1 pick and your loft picks! ????
Danielle says April 26, 2018 at 9:18 AM Love the first pair! Just pinned. Also bought the ones that sold out 3x and love them!
Lauren A Kokotan says April 26, 2018 at 9:29 AM I am in need of some new shorts, so this came at the perfect time. Thank you! I shared the post and pinned the photo. Thanks so much for the giveaway and the great reviews!!
Michelle says April 26, 2018 at 9:37 AM This post was so helpful! I’m looking for a comfortable denim short that isn’t too short, but still youthful:). I pinned this to my Pinterest Board????
Leslie Murphy says April 26, 2018 at 12:41 PM I pinned it! Really enjoyed this post. I your opinion is spot on for what I need. Now to go try shorts on. Starting with the Loft pair.
Molly Farbe says April 26, 2018 at 2:01 PM I pinned to my Spring and Summer Fashion board. I like Pair #1!!!! Don’t have anything like them! So fun!
Tara McGovern says April 26, 2018 at 3:37 PM Loved how in detail you went with everything! Thanks!! I completed both options for the gift card.
elizabeth raska says April 26, 2018 at 3:46 PM pinned to pinterest board. Great post and so much good info on all the details. think I’m loving the SP black shorts the most (option 2)! 🙂
Bianca Roman says April 26, 2018 at 6:27 PM I did both entries! pinterest: supbonka (bianca roman) facebook: bianca roman I absolutely love option 8!!! I’m all about the frayed denim. I need to lose some weight before trying them though HAHAH
Victoria Ganek says April 26, 2018 at 10:01 PM I am on the hunt for some jean shorts! Thanks for this! I pinned image on Pinterest and shared on facebook!
Brittany Womble says April 26, 2018 at 11:57 PM I just ordered #2 AND #8 and I can hardly wait to get them in!! I also shared on Facebook and pinned to my Summer Haze style board!! I absolutely love following you on Instagram!!
Ashleigh says April 27, 2018 at 8:07 AM I pinned the image on Pinterest. I like the Loft shorts that can be cuffed or uncuffed to adjust the inseam. They are all super cute though!
Julie says April 28, 2018 at 9:57 AM I pinned the image to my Style board! I love the Caslon shorts (number 7) but I’m tempted to get a little out of my comfort zone and try the Loft Modern fit ones and maybe even the AE ones! Thanks for doing all the hard work- it really saves me from having a breakdown after trying on 12 pairs and stress eating too many cookies! ????
Kelly says April 29, 2018 at 6:51 PM I’m excited to try out a few of these pairs! I pinned the image to my Pinterest board. Thanks for doing the hard work of finding the best choices!
Jackie says April 29, 2018 at 11:34 PM Pinned to Pinterest!! I love this post and am SO darn glad to finally have some options to choose from! For me, shorts are hard to find so thank you!
Jessica says April 29, 2018 at 11:44 PM Hi! LOVED this review!!! I pinned it to my style bored on Pinterest! I like so many of the shorts you reviewed! 1,3,8 and 13 are my favs! Thanks for this! Very helpful! 🙂
Emily of The Three Bite Rule says May 2, 2018 at 4:19 PM Thanks for posting all these. The differing lengths and styles is so great as I wouldn’t go for a 2″ inseam. I can’t get over how different the shades of denim look from the company websites. It is a great reminder to check ’em out in person. I totally would have passed the Loft ones online but expecting a shade between your photos and the loft website is motivation to see them for myself!