This article has been sponsored by Levi’s!
Can we talk about Levi’s denim shorts for a second? Every summer I see them everywhere – online, at the farmer’s market, on every cool girl who looks effortlessly put-together at the beach – and every summer I wonder: which ones are actually worth it? For me??
So I did what any reasonable person would do and tried on seven pairs. For you. (Ok, for me too.) You’re welcomeeeee.
7 Pairs of Levi’s Denim Shorts, Tried and Tested
Ahhh perfect timing: Levi’s Long Weekend Sale is on!! Get 30% off sitewide (yes, all the shorts in this post) plus an extra 40% off sale styles.
*Sizing Note: I’m 5’6″, usually a size 28/29 in jeans, and prefer a relaxed fit in the thigh and a rise that sits comfortably when I sit. My sweet spot for jean shorts = high or mid-rise with room for thighs. I sized up to a 30 in all of these!
The Best Levi’s Denim Shorts for Every Style
- Best high-rise classic: Levi’s Ribcage Denim Shorts
- Best baggy / vintage: Levi’s High Rise Baggy Lightweight
- Best for stretch lovers: Levi’s A-Line Denim Shorts (stay true to size)
- Best for all-day wear: Levi’s Cinch Mid-Thigh Lightweight
- Best short / vintage: Levi’s 501 Original Fit High-Rise
- Most versatile length: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Mid-Thigh
- Best utility look: Levi’s Baggy Dad Bermuda
1. Levi’s Ribcage Denim Shorts
Levi’s Ribcage Denim Shorts (30)
Fit: Relaxed through the butt and thigh
Rise: High rise
Fabric: 100% Cotton, non-stretch
Wash: Blow My Mind
Levi’s Ribcage Denim Shorts (30)
My favorite classic denim style of the bunch. The high rise is genuinely high (perfect for tucking in or cropped tops) and the fit through the butt and thigh is relaxed but without being too baggy. Zero stretch (size up!), but they feel great on. I love that they keep my stomach snug.
2. Levi’s Baggy Dad Utility Denim Bermuda Shorts
Levi’s Baggy Dad Utility Denim Bermuda Shorts (30)
Fit: Regular through the thigh
Rise: Mid-rise
Fabric: 100% Cotton, classic non-stretch denim
Wash: Yeah No Yeah Utility
Levi’s Baggy Dad Utility Denim Bermuda Shorts (30)
I just knew I’d love these. Bermuda length is having a moment right now and these naillll it. The cargo pockets are actually cute (like not too utility/workwear) and balances the ivory color so well. This mid-rise is my fave, by far. I’ve tried them on with SO many summer tops now and I’d say they’re my top denim shorts pick for summer 2026.
3. Levi’s A-Line Denim Shorts
Levi’s A-Line Denim Shorts (30)
Fit: Waist-defining mid-rise, slightly loose due to stretch
Rise: Mid rise
Fabric: 85% Cotton, 14% Polyester, 1% Elastane (Lycra), stretch
Wash: Whoops I Did It
Levi’s A-Line Denim Shorts (30)
The wildcard of the group! This is the only pair with real stretch, which kinda changes everything. The A-line cut skims the hip and thigh instead of hugging them (thank god), and the waist definition is really flattering. Because of the stretch, stay at your true size here – no need to go up. I could’ve used my usual 29.
4. Levi’s High Rise Baggy Lightweight Denim Shorts
Levi’s High Rise Baggy Lightweight Denim Shorts (30)
Fit: Easy through the hip and thigh
Rise: High rise
Fabric: 55% Cotton, 45% Lyocell (Lenzing Tencel Lyocell), non-stretch
Wash: Achieve Everything – Dark Wash
Levi’s High Rise Baggy Lightweight Denim Shorts (30)
If you’ve been looking for a vintage-y baggy short, these are it. The Tencel blend makes them noticeably lighter and softer than traditional denim, the high rise is flattering, and the above-the-knee length hits at the perfect place. They look like a thrift find in the best way. SOO comfy.
5. Levi’s 501 Original Fit High-Rise Denim Shorts
Levi’s 501 Original Fit High-Rise Denim Shorts (30)
Fit: Fitted through hip
Rise: High rise
Fabric: 99% Cotton, 1% Lycra
Wash: Roll Away
Levi’s 501 Original Fit High-Rise Denim Shorts (30)
These are a little more fitted than the others and a good bit shorter. The high rise is waist-defining and the vintage fit means they look broken-in immediately which I love. I personally go for longer styles but I’m so excited to wear these lakeside / with my bikini. Love a classic, leg-lengthening cutoff.
6. Levi’s Cinch Mid-Thigh Lightweight Denim Shorts
Levi’s Cinch Mid-Thigh Lightweight Denim Shorts (30)
Fit: Loose through the hip and thigh
Rise: High-rise
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Wash: Lift Up Short – Medium Wash
Levi’s Cinch Mid-Thigh Lightweight Denim Shorts (30)
These solve a real problem: baggy shorts that don’t gap at the waist(!!!). The adjusters on the back let you cinch it in so you get some shape while still having a loose, airy fit through the hip & thigh. Lightweight and a little more unique than your standard baggy short. Such a flattering cut!
7. Levi’s 501 Original Fit Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts (30)
Fit: Easy Through The Hip
Rise: High
Fabric: 79% Cotton, 21% Lyocell (Lenzing Tencel Lyocell)
Wash: No Scrubs
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts (30)
The same 501 silhouette in a lighter, softer Tencel fabric. The mid-thigh length is pretty versatile (long enough to feel cool, short enough to actually feel like shorts). They’re not my favorite for thick thighs (looked too tight on mine) but they’d look really cute looser/sized-up. “Guaranteed to never go out of style” says Levi’s, soooo.
Levi’s Denim Shorts FAQ
Do Levi’s denim shorts run small? Yes – especially in the 100% cotton styles, which have no stretch and don’t give at all. I’d recommend sizing up one size from your usual. The one exception is the A-Line Denim Shorts, which have a stretch blend and fit more true to size.
What is the best pair of Levi’s denim shorts? It depends on what you’re looking for! For a classic high-rise fit, the Ribcage is the move. If you want something lighter and more relaxed, the High Rise Baggy Lightweight is hard to beat. The 501 Mid-Thigh is the most versatile all-around option.
Are Levi’s denim shorts see-through? No – the pairs I tried all had enough weight and opacity to not be an issue. The 100% cotton styles in particular are solid.
What length are Levi’s denim shorts? It varies by style. The Ribcage and A-Line hit above the knee, the 501 Mid-Thigh and Cinch sit at mid-thigh, and the Baggy Dad Utility Bermuda is the longest – hitting below the knee.
Are Levi’s denim shorts worth it? For the price point, yes. Most pairs are in the $60–$80 range, the quality is really great, and there are enough silhouettes to find something that actually works for your body and style.
What should I wear with Levi’s denim shorts? A graphic tee or a linen button-down works with almost all of them, especially in the summer. The Ribcage and 501 styles can handle something a little dressier – a strappy top, a breezy blouse. The baggier pairs are great with a cropped tank or an oversized tee tied at the waist.
Do you have a favorite pair of Levi’s denim shorts? LMK!
Xox, Abby (@abbycheeka on Instagram)
A huge thank-you to Levi’s for sponsoring this post! As always, all thoughts, opinions, and product choices are my own. And readers, thank you for your continued support of The Mom Edit. It doesn’t go unnoticed, and is so very much appreciated.
