Welcome to the 2021 edition of my denim short try on!
I get it, denim shorts can be scary.
If they don’t fit they can squeeze our thighs, roll up between our legs, dig into our belly button or make us overall a sweaty, hot mess. Listen, it doesn’t have to be that way!
I tried on over 20 pairs of denim shorts and narrowed down the pile to the best 6.
I’ve made sure to cover a ton of retailers, price points and styles so consider the hunt over, friends!
I’ll break down each pair to include the size, inseam, wash, material and fit notes so shopping is easy. I do have a favorite pair but remember, my goal is to show you a ton of options so that you can spot the pair that will work best for you.
For reference, my typical size in denim is a 30/10/L.
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I opted for the Curvy cut of these shorts and am so glad that I did. I love a wide leg short/hate the feeling of my shorts rolling up in-between my thighs as I walk.
As a heads up, in the curvy, I could have sized down one I think. I went with my usual size and the waist has some room. I am happy with that as I’m sure I’ll wash and dry them recklessly.
Anyway, I think this pair of shorts truly nails all of my requirements. A great rinse, distressed, loose legs, a comfy waist and a mid rise. This is the perfect pair to throw on with a tee or over a swim suit. The raw hem does roll up a bit during wear, but with a quick steam, they’ll be right back to a straight leg.
Inseam: 3 1/2″
Wearing Size: 30
Shown In: Homecrest Wash, ripped edition
Price Point: $$$
High Waist Cut Off Denim Short
This pair of denim may be the happy medium between not too high waisted, not too destroyed and the best mid tone wash.
I love the fit (and they do come in curvy as well!) thanks to the wider cut to the legs. I hate when those shorts cling and these won’t do that. They fit perfectly on my curvy/size 10 thighs and for that, I thank them.
Inseam: 3″
Wearing Size: 10
Shown In: dark indigo
Price Point: $$
High Waist Cut Off Denim Short
Another pair with great room in the thigh area! I am here for the style of this short. It sort of reminds me of a super stylish, super flattering version of 90’s mom jeans, thanks to the wash.
The rise is high but not uncomfortable and the distressing + raw hem is perfect for that super distressed look but without any gaping holes.
Inseam: 3″
Wearing Size: 30
Shown In: Mid Indigo
Price Point: $$
Every year I’m asked to recommend a pair of Bermuda cut denim shorts and I never have until now!
I love the solid black (they are a true black, the photo is showing a bit of a reflection from my front door) and the leg length of this pair. They are high waist and the denim is a bit more snug so if in between sizes, you may want to swipe up. I’m in my true size but wouldn’t mind a bit more give at the waist.
Plus, they are on the low end of the budget so this is the perfect opportunity to take a pair of Bermudas for a spin.
Inseam: none listed, Bermuda length
Wearing Size: 10
Shown In: Black Washed Out
Price Point: $
This pair is a sister pair to the one below and while they both have stretch built in, this pair is more fitted through the hip and legs.
They are super comfy and I love the button front detail, which I haven’t found too much of this year. Plus, they have a great light wash with a raw hem but no other distressing which gives them a cleaner look than if they were fully trashed.
And did I mention they have stretch? Yeah, I’m going to need every single pair of my denim shorts to have stretch. The 4″ inseam is crazy flattering, especially if you always feel like the shorts you try on are way too short.
Inseam: 4″
Wearing Size: 10
Shown In: Light Wash
Price Point: $
linking the non-distressed, dark wash version
here
Ok, get this: this pair of shorts actually promises to “smooth and sculpt” and has a bit of stretch to it for comfort! They have a great leg length at 4 inches, which is, in my opinion not so short that you spend all day digging them out of your crotch but not too long that you feel matronly.
This was absolutely the comfiest pair I tried on thanks to the stretch. I sized up in this pair and felt the difference in the waist, not the legs, so if you carry your weight in your tummy area, size up for comfort on these!
Inseam: 4″
Wearing Size: 12
Shown In: Medium
Price Point: $
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