I’ve been frustrated with jean shorts for the last few years. I used to just buy Abercrombie cutoffs in a size or two bigger for a perfectly slouchy fit and they were great. But then came the high-rise that just kept getting higher and the hemline that just kept getting shorter . . . and I’m sorry, but super-short shorts with a super high-rise is just not my jam. Judging from Shana’s recent horrifying denim shorts try-on article, lots of people are searching for that perfect pair of jean shorts that you can literally wear with everything from flip flops to heels without feeling like a total fashion victim. I feel like trends are all over the place when it comes to denim shorts, so I thought I’d order a bunch to see what’s out there.  

Denim Shorts For All Summer: Try-On Sesh 

Usually, I have a rule that I won’t even try anything over $100, but after finding my new favorite (super-perfect, super-soft) wide-leg jeans by breaking that rule, I thought I’d venture out and see what all the hype was about. Sometimes the cost is totally worth it, and sometimes you can find exactly what you’re looking for for less. Here are my top 5:

1. The Winners: rag & bone “The Cutoff” Denim Shorts

I literally said “Oh. My. God.” when I put these on. I love everything about them. From the perfect fit (tts, in my usual 28’s), to the wash, the distressing, the broken-in softness of the fabric . . . LOVE. My favorite thing is that they’re longer in the back so there’s more coverage exactly where I want it. THIS will be the pair I will be wearing (almost) daily this summer. I’ll dress them up with heels and cute tops, and dress them down with flip flops and t-shirts. Honestly, if I had to buy ONE thing for the summer, these shorts would be it.  (OK, and a swimsuit—but both will get tons of use.)

FOUND: the denim shorts for EVERY DAY. Dress 'em up with heels & cute tops; dress 'em down with sandals & t-shirts. If you buy 1 thing for summer, THESE.

Featured: rag & bone “The Cutoff” Denim Shorts, Size 28

2. J Brand 1044 Cutoff Denim Shorts

The first thing I noticed about these is that the wash is totally different in person than it looked online. They’re much darker and don’t have as much variation in the color. I suppose that’s good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for, but I did like the uneven hem on these. They run just a tad small (I’m wearing the 29s, usually a 28) but have lots of stretch and are really comfy. They’re made using 30 percent recycled cotton, and up to 99 percent less water during production, which is obviously a good thing.

FOUND: the denim shorts for EVERY DAY. Dress 'em up with heels & cute tops; dress 'em down with sandals & t-shirts. If you buy 1 thing for summer, THESE.

Featured: J Brand 1044 Cutoff Denim Shorts, Size 29

3. rag & bone Dre Distressed Denim Shorts

These have that perfect slouchy boyfriend denim vibe. Like the first two pairs, they’re also longer in the back (I’m really liking the mullet shorts trend) and have asymmetrical hems. There’s no stretch to these, but they’re super-soft and comfortable — not super-thick and rigid. They have a lower rise and fit true to size (I’m in my usual 28). These are great option if you’re looking for a longer length.

FOUND: the denim shorts for EVERY DAY. Dress 'em up with heels & cute tops; dress 'em down with sandals & t-shirts. If you buy 1 thing for summer, THESE.

Featured: Rag & Bone Dre Distressed Denim Shorts, Size 28

4. JOE’S Ozzie Cutoff Shorts

I have to admit, I mostly tried these because of the name (my son’s name is Ozzie), but I liked the faded lighter wash (Jade). They actually come in a ton of washes including a white one. I liked the longer length, and that they’re rigid without being completely stiff, since they have a bit of stretch (2% spandex) to them. They’re a slightly higher rise than the rag & bone Dre’s and slightly longer.  

FOUND: the denim shorts for EVERY DAY. Dress 'em up with heels & cute tops; dress 'em down with sandals & t-shirts. If you buy 1 thing for summer, THESE.

Featured: Joe’s Ozzie Cutoff Shorts, Size 28

5. Kut from the Kloth Gidget Denim Shorts

Some reviews said to size up, some said down so I just went with my usual size 6 and they fit perfectly. I feel like this is the perfect in-between length if you’re trying to find a shorter pair that’s not too short.  One percent spandex for a tiny bit of stretch. 

FOUND: the denim shorts for EVERY DAY. Dress 'em up with heels & cute tops; dress 'em down with sandals & t-shirts. If you buy 1 thing for summer, THESE.

Featured: Kut from the Kloth Gidget Denim Shorts, Size 6

Shop ALL The Denim Shorts (+ What Else I’m Wearing) From This Post

 

XOXO,

Scotti

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4 COMMENTS

  1. The Rag & Bone cutoffs are completely sold out! But wanted to say if someone wants to save some serious $ on a pair, I see them regularly (and lots of other R&B styles of shorts) on Poshmark. They are usually half to a third of the price. Hope it’s okay for me to share that since they are sold out anyway.

  3. Scotti do you feel like the R&B shorts ( the 1st pair) really have a 2.5 inch inseam? They look great on you but I’m scared they’ll feel too short on me. I’m about 5 ft 5.

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