I’m probably not alone in my, umm, skepticism when it comes to denim shorts.
The perfect pair can feel impossible to find (and don’t even get me started about trying multiple sizes, brands and fits). Thankfully, our TME editors are on the hunt for their perfect pair of denim shorts too, so we’re kicking off this try-on series with AGOLDE’s Parker Denim Shorts.
Yay! The AGOLDE shorts we tried in 2022 are all still available…so this post has just been updated for 2023.
We’ve embraced AGOLDE jeans for years now thanks to its lineup of on-trend washes and cool cuts. If you’re ever wondering what’s current in denim trends, AGOLDE usually has it covered. (Remember Abby’s elevated shorts try-on? Yup, all AGOLDE.) And better yet? AGOLDE jeans are sustainable too. P.S. You can find our entire Sustainable Style directory here, but it’s no secret that AGOLDE is a crowd favorite here at TME.
AGOLDE Parker Denim Shorts: A Team Try-On & Review
Now that it’s basically summer (haha, we know we have a ways to go), we all need to up our jean-shorts game, and of course, we’re looking to AGOLDE for some contenders. The AGOLDE Parker shorts are available in a few lengths: the classic Parker cutoffs and the Parker Long Shorts — and some of our editors tried both. SO, do AGOLDE jean shorts stack up to the full-length jeans we all know and love? Let’s find out…
AGOLDE Parker Cutoff Shorts, Shana’s Take
Shorts (26)
Shana says: I’ve been such a huge fan of my light-wash AGOLDE Parker shorts (technically named Swapmeet) that I just bought them in a darker wash, Clutch. They have a slightly higher rise (so are leg-lengthening) but aren’t so high that I mind wearing them in the heat. These shorts only get softer with wear.
Details: I’ve found that they run big (I’m wearing a size 26, instead of my usual size 27).
Cami (S) | Shorts (26) | Shoes
AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts on Shana
Cami (S) | Shorts (26) | Sandals
Shana says: I’ve tried the AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts too, but I don’t love how they flare out at the bottom. It’s too much flare for my scrawny legs.
The thing I love the most about the AGOLDE Parker shorts in general, though, is the fact that they are the quintessential denim cutoff. They’re timeless, could be right at home in any decade, and, true to form, only get better with time.
AGOLDE Parker Denim Cutoff Shorts, Laura’s Take
Laura says: AGOLDE’s Parker shorts offer a bit more length than the 501s (my other faves), but break in beautifully as well and are so comfy to wear. I’ve had my black pair for years and added the light blue wash a couple of years ago.
Details: I’m a pretty solid size 6 these days, and usually wear a 28 or 29 in rigid/100% cotton jeans and shorts. These jean shorts do relax with wear, so I’ve been happy going just one size up (but I always go up one size, at least). I’m straighter through the middle and have a booty and thighs, and what I typically refer to as an athletic frame. I’m 5’4″ with 42-inch hip and 25-inch thigh measurements.
AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts on Laura
Shorts (28) | Similar Hoodie | Sneakers | Socks
Laura says: While I do love the oversized sweatshirt pairing here, my legs appear much shorter in these Parker Long shorts. I think a longer pair of cutoffs would be nice to have for comfy hangs, so I’m going to see if I can come up with some styling combos I like.
Details: I’m thinking tan, flat sandals or kitten-heel sandals with an oversized blazer could be a cool combo with these shorts. Sizing up might also add a cool ’90s vibe.
AGOLDE Parker Denim Cutoff Shorts, Scotti’s Take
Similar Tank (M) | Shorts (28)
Scotti says: Um…I LOVE these jean shorts. I thought I’d tried the Parker shorts before, but I guess I hadn’t — because these are awesome. Maybe it’s that the specific wash (Swapmeet) has that perfectly worn-in, had-for-years kind of look to it? These are like denim shorts perfection.
Details: Some reviews said they run big, and some said small, so I just stuck with my typical size (6/28) and they’re perfect!
Similar Tank (M) | Shorts (28)
AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts on Scotti
Similar Tank (M) | Shorts (28)
Scotti says: The best thing about the longer shorts (at least in the black wash) is the fabric…SO soft! I like the side slit for extra room for the booty too. I couldn’t justify keeping both pairs, however, so these went back.
Details: Stuck with my typical size for these too (6/28).
Similar Tank (M) | Shorts (28)
AGOLDE Parker Denim Cutoff Shorts, Linzi’s Take
Tank | Shorts (29) | Sandals | Similar Bag
Linzi says: Nah…not for me. Surprise, surprise…Linzi tries on denim shorts and doesn’t like them. I’m JUST not a denim-shorts kind of gal. They move around too much, ride up when I sit down, gap in the back, feel weird when I bend over. Definitely too high maintenance trying to keep them in the right spot. I like the wash, and they’re definitely soft, but…not for me.
Details: These are maybe too big on me (size 29), so I guess I could try the 28s and see if I like them any better. (Spoiler: I didn’t.)
AGOLDE Parker Denim Cutoff Shorts, Amy’s Take
Shorts (28)
Amy says: When it comes to denim shorts, AGOLDE has been a longtime favorite, with the Parker cutoff shorts as one of my regular go-tos. They sit comfortably at the waist, the denim (despite being rigid) already has a broken-in feel, and they ace the washes every time.
Details: I wear my true size, 28, for a slouchy, comfy fit.
Shorts (28)
AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts on Amy
Shorts (28)
Amy says: The AGOLDE Parker Long shorts are perfect for anyone who wants more length in the leg, and is incredibly ideal for us tall humans! They’re just as comfy, if not more so, and I find they’re easier to wear with longer/oversized tops, as the extra length allows the denim shorts to still peek out in the best of ways.
Details: Size 28 again!
AGOLDE Parker Denim Cutoff Shorts, Julieta’s Take
Shorts (25)
Julieta says: The AGOLDE Parker cutoffs are wide at the waist, so perfect if you want or need more space there. I recently tried this darker wash, and I fell in love. The lighter washes don’t go well with my complexion.
Details: In my opinion, they run TTS, but you can size up if you like an even more relaxed fit. I’m wearing a size up, and they felt too big in the waist.
Shorts (25)
AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts on Julieta
Shorts (25)
Julieta says: I loved these AGOLDE cutoff shorts! The length, a nice rise if you don’t like a super high-rise and super soft. They’re also selling out super fast; I think it’s because they’re great for thick thighs.
Details: I had to go down to a 25 for the perfect size. So consider sizing down, or pick your true size for an even more relaxed feel. Now, this is specific to this wash as sizing can vary from wash to wash.
Shorts (25)
AGOLDE Parker Denim Cutoff Shorts, Cam’s Take
Cam says: The Parker shorts initially reminded me of my favorite Levi’s cut-offs, with that ever-so-classic, casual distressed look. However, I came to appreciate the AGOLDE pair for their difference (they wear as if they have already been broken in, so softer…more relaxed), whereas some jeans shorts require a committed set of deep squats to loosen up a bit. Not these! It may be a subtle difference to some, but to me, it proved to make them worth the cost.
Details: The Parker shorts feel delightful on, which makes them a favorite of this tall gal (coming in at 5’11”, FYI).
AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts on Cam
Shorts | Similar Top | Similar Jacket
Cam says: I ordered this AGOLDE Parker Long pair, purely because I was curious as to whether there could be a longer cutoff that hits the mark for me. The Mark being…Super-Relaxed yet Expertly Cut. The thing I’ve noticed about long denim shorts is that they can feel a bit too boyfriend-ish and slouchy…and I like a more fitted feel. The AGOLDE Long Shorts did surprise me! These shorts seemingly accentuate the things I want shown off. *cough, cough* For instance, the bum. (I do love when it’s highlighted, haha.)
Details: They deliver on the casual, loose feel I’d hope for in longer cutoff shorts, while also being more tailored in the waist and hips…basically, it doesn’t hang.
Xo,
Team TME
This one’s for the Pinners…
I love these types of articles! Really fun to see how a piece works on different body types. Thanks!
I agree with the above reader, this was very helpful! Scotti should be used as the promotional picture for the short Parkers, complete perfection!