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PureWow Readers Are Obsessed with These Abercrombie & Fitch Shorts—So Clearly I Had to Try Them

Spoiler: You're gonna want to grab a pair

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abercrombie and fitch linen blend shorts review collage
Dasha Burobina for PureWow
  • Value: 18/20
  • Fit: 18/20
  • Quality: 18/20
  • Aesthetics: 19/20
  • Comfort: 20/20

Total: 93/100

I've spent years scouting the best shorts for summer that are *actually* comfortable—not too short or too long, not too rigid or too tight at the waist—which, as any shopper can attest to, is not an easy task. So when I noticed that tons of PureWow readers have been flocking to Abercrombie & Fitch's best-selling linen-blend shorts ($50), I knew I had to give them a try for myself. The shorts are a classic, no-nonsense style that come in several different colors and sizes—all of which are regularly restocked since they tend to fly off the (virtual) shelves—and fit right in with my casual, everyday wardrobe. But do they live up to the hype? Below, read all my thoughts on the go-to style everyone's buying.

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abercrombie and fitch linen blend shorts review
Alex LaBarbera

Here's What You Need to Know

Abercrombie & Fitch

Before I get into my experience, here’s some basic info you should know about the shorts. First, they feature a 3.5-inch inseam, which I found to be a perfect length that didn't feel too short to wear on a recent family vacay. I should note that I'm on the short side at 5'2'', but according to taller reviewers, they still have an ideal fit. One buyer shared, "I loved these shorts, I’m 5’9” and I thought they were the perfect length and rise." The shorts also have a full viscose lining (more on that in a second), and are made of a lightweight (but not so lightweight that they feel subject to rips or damage in the wash) linen and viscose blend fabric, complete with a comfortable, stretchy waistband and *pockets.*

abercrombie and fitch linen blend shorts review
Alex LaBarbera

Everything I Loved About the Linen-Blend Shorts

Abercrombie & Fitch

If you can't already tell from the photos above, I love a laid-back, slightly slouchy look for scorching summer weather, and for that, these shorts are perfection. I also appreciate the soft touch of the blended fabric, which isn’t scratchy at all (as I've found some lower quality linen blends can be) and keeps me from rushing to take them off after a full day's wear. The fabric also has some weight to it, giving the shorts a higher-quality feel. But the real pièce de résistance is the added thickness from the lining. Finding a good pair of white shorts that don't show anything underneath has always been a struggle, but I'm happy to report that I can confidently wear these without everyone seeing the outline of my underwear.

Beyond the feel and thickness of the fabric, I also love that these shorts are totally comfy, while still being stylish enough for casual outings. The waistband is thick enough to stay supportive and not roll down as the day goes on, which is great because I don’t have to constantly adjust them. And finally, I can't not mention that these shorts have pockets that *actually* fit things, like a small wallet or my keys.

...And a Few Things I Didn't

Truthfully, there isn't much I don't like about these shorts, but it's worth noting that they shouldn't be thrown in the dryer. While they're machine-washable, according to the brand, they should be line dried, which can take a bit of time since they do have that helpful lining. I did place mine in the dryer (for *science*—definitely not because I was too impatient to let them dry on their own) and noticed a bit of pilling afterwards. That said, I'll probably continue drying mine because it wasn't enough of an issue to bother me.

Besides that, the only other downside is that they do tend to sell out quickly even after a restock, so if you have your eye on a particular color or pattern, you'll want to scoop them up sooner rather than later.

The Bottom Line

All in all, I totally see why so many PureWow readers have been shopping these shorts. They're versatile, comfortable *and* budget-friendly. I also know it's a style I'll wear again and again this season (and beyond) since they fit so well with the pieces I already have in my closet. My advice? Pick up a pair of these perfect summer shorts before they're gone for good.


natalie bio photo e1692204716113

Assistant Commerce Editor

  • Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
  • Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
  • Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School

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