When it comes to denim shorts, Agolde has been a long-time favorite brand for a lot of us, with the Parker Vintage Cut Offs as the popular choice. They sit comfortably at the waist, the denim (despite being rigid) already has a broken-in feel, and they ace the washes every time.

The one catch? Agolde shorts are not cheap. While the price may not make some think twice, it could be argued that a piece of clothing you only wear for a few months of the year (at least in my case as a Michigan gal) need not be such a splurge.

So if there’s a pair of shorts out there that is comparable and helps me save nearly 70 bucks, I am totally interested.

Shop the shorts: Abercrombie Mid Rise Mom Short (left) | Agolde Parker Vintage Cut Off (right)
Shop the outfit: Sweater | Sneakers

Oh, Hey, AGOLDE Parker Vintage Cut Offs — Abercrombie Mom Shorts Are Comin’ In Hot

While there are a couple of options in both shorts, I am specifically zoning in on Abercrombie’s Mid-Rise Mom Short, which turns out to be an incredible alternative for the Agolde Parker Vintage Cut Off. Looking at images of these shorts on retail websites, they don’t at first glance appear to be very similar, other than the fact that both are, you know, denim shorts. I actually wasn’t even trying to find a comparable pair, it was more of like an accidental discovery I made when doing a deep dive into Abercrombie’s denim shorts selection. 

A very happy accidental discovery.

And to stack accidents? I bought Abercrombie’s Mid Rise Mom Short by mistake. I thought I had ordered the High Rise Mom Short (which turns out is a really flattering, full coverage short, if you’re in the market). But since there I was, mid-rise short in my hands, I pulled them on, checked myself out in the mirror, and… couldn’t help but think that I already owned these.

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Shop Agolde Parker Vintage Cut Off: Revolve | Shopbop | Nordstrom | Free People
Shop Abercrombie Mom Short: Mid Rise | High Rise | High Rise 4 Inch

Abercrombie Mid Rise Mom Shorts vs. AGOLDE Parker Vintage Cut Off – A Comparison

Even though these denim shorts do not look anything alike online, they felt and looked so incredibly similar on my body that I was curious to see how their measurements added up. I was actually a little surprised to find that every measurement for the Parker Cut Off and Mid Rise Mom Short came in matching. 

While Agolde’s Parker shorts don’t have the rise in their title, both Agolde’s Parker and Abercrombie’s Mid Rise Mom Short have a rise of 10 ½ inches. The inseams came in at 2 ½ inches on both pairs, and even the back pockets each measured 5 ½ inches from the middle. 

Both shorts have 5-pocket styling, as well as a cut-off appearance with the frayed hem. So how is it that these shorts are not just entirely the same? There are a few ways to note.

Abercrombie Mid Rise Mom Short (left) | Agolde Parker Vintage Cut Off (right)

Agolde’s Parker Vintage Cut Off is made from 100% organic cotton and considered rigid denim. Abercrombie’s Mid Rise Mom Short, on the other hand, is 99% cotton with 1% elastane, so you’re going to feel just a bit more stretch with this one. 

The back pockets are slightly closer together on the Abercrombie pair, giving the appearance of a more toned booty. This alone ends up being kind of a big deal to me, I don’t need a more flattened bum than I already have!

Shop Agolde Parker Vintage Cut Off: Revolve | Shopbop | Nordstrom | Free People

While the two that I’m wearing are both a light wash, Abercrombie’s is slightly lighter. Each pair of shorts is offered in a variety of washes, however, making me think you might be able to find a better match to Abercrombie’s “light wash” with the Parker in ‘swapmeet’. As for closure, the Parker is a button fly, and the Mom Short features a zipper. 

Let’s not forget about the price! Agolde shorts retail anywhere from $128-$138 at various stores, whereas you can scoop up the Abercrombie short for just $60 (and often even cheaper with their frequent promotions; the most recent one had them listed for just $45). 

Shop Abercrombie Mom Short: Mid Rise | High Rise | High Rise 4 Inch

If all of that wasn’t enough, you can actually get both the Parker and Mom Short in longer 4-inch inseams. Abercrombie offers a High Rise 4-inch Mom Short that gives you extra length on both ends for an overall more coverage short (they’re good, too). And Agolde offers their Parker in “long.”

In summary? If buying organic denim is important to you, you’ll get that with the Agolde Parker Vintage Cut Off and you’ll be so happy. If you’re simply looking for a really good and affordable denim short to rock this season, I absolutely recommend Abercrombie’s Mid Rise Mom Short!

Fit Notes: I consider both shorts to be true to size. I do think both styles are also totally cute when ordering one size up, as that gives you an oversized, low-rise fit that’s very on trend this summer.

Shop The Shorts

Xx,
Amy

Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl binge-athons, and endless cups of coffee – all with a good dose of adorable toddler content, too.

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