I’m not going to lie: finding comfortable denim shorts is no easy feat, but it’s not impossible. And come summer, it’s essential to find the right pair especially since denim cutoffs can help you beat the heat and take you from poolside to beachside in an instant. The best news? There are so many cotton styles to choose from, too, from high-waist shorts to the best summer shorts for petite women and even the return of the long shorts trend (but more on that in a minute). When it comes to comfort, I was curious which styles come out on top, which is why I sought out the best picks from brands beloved by PureWow editors and readers, including the best overall pick from Abercrombie & Fitch, an affordable must-have from Zara and a splurge-worthy denim number from Agolde. I present you with 13 of the most comfortable denim shorts PureWow editors swear by.
I Asked PureWow Editors About the Most Comfortable Denim Shorts They Own—Here Are Their Picks
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The Most Comfortable Denim Shorts at a Glance
Best Overall
Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise 90s Cutoff Short
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Best Length
Levi’s High-Rise Baggy Shorts
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Best Shorts with a Belt
Ann Taylor Weekend Belted Denim Shorts
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Best White Shorts
Zara TRF Mid-Rise Denim Shorts
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Most Postpartum-Friendly
JCrew High-Rise Denim Short
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How I Chose the Most Comfortable Denim Shorts
To create a well-rounded list of the most comfortable denim shorts, I asked my colleagues here at PureWow to recommend one pair they own and love. Many of the editors listed below have owned their shorts for multiple years, attesting to the denim’s longevity and quality, as well as the comfortability. You’ll also find a variety of lengths, cuts and washes, as each reviewed item correlates to each editor’s style. Plenty of picks, such as the Abercrombie & Fitch cutoff shorts and the Agolde long shorts have remained popular picks among PureWow readers, too.
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Best Overall
1. Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise 90s Cutoff Short
What We Like
- vintage-inspired design and fit
- versatile styling
- durable quality holds up well in the wash
What We Don't Like
- selling quickly; limited sizes available
Abercrombie & Fitch
“These denim shorts are by far the best ones I’ve ever had,” gushes Nicole Frazzini, audience development strategist at PureWow, who bought the ‘90s-inspired style in two colorways. “They’re fitted at the waist and a tad loose at the bottom, which gives them a really flattering A-line shape that stays intact through several washes. I find myself wanting to wear these nearly every day in the summer since they’re so comfortable and go with everything (especially tucked in oversize T-shirts).”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 37
- Materials: cotton, elastane, polyester
- Inseam: 3.25 inches
Best Length
2. Levi’s High-Rise Baggy Shorts
What We Like
- no chafing whatsoever
- long inseam will cover your bum and any insecurities around your thighs and stretch marks
- A-line fit is flattering and stylish
What We Don't Like
- selling quickly
Levi’s
I’m not a jean shorts type of girl—seriously, give me biker shorts or even your most non-stretch jeans any day of the week—but the moment I slipped on these baggy shorts from Levi’s (see here for my in-depth review), I was hooked. They’re comfortable beyond belief, proving to be non-irritating after a long day in the desert sun, and they don’t chafe at all or ride up. Yeah, you heard that right. Thanks to the “baggy” fit, which is just another way to say that they flare out below the hips, they don’t irritate my thighs.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton
- Inseam: 6.5 inches
Best Shorts with a Belt
3. Ann Taylor Weekend Belted Denim Shorts
What We Like
- pre-belted style
- vintage-inspired design with pleats and patch pockets
- fabric blend provides a stretchy and relaxed fit
What We Don't Like
- runs slightly big
Ann Taylor
Another pair I can’t get enough of: the belted denim shorts from Ann Taylor. Complete with front pleats and back patch pockets, these vintage-looking cuffed denim shorts are designed to hit mid-thigh, which totally reminds me of Chessy from The Parent Trapin the best way possible. Most importantly, they’re made from a blend of 84 percent cotton, 15 percent lyocell and one percent spandex, so you can bet your bottom’s dollar that these are unbelievably comfortable and stretchy; so much so that you may want to consider sizing down as these can run slightly big (though the belt will help cinch you in).
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 00 to 18
- Materials: cotton, lyocell, spandex
- Inseam: 6 inches
Best White Shorts
4. Zara TRF Mid-Rise Denim Shorts
What We Like
- mid-rise is a good in-between
- comes in several different washes
- lots of pockets
What We Don't Like
- sizing is limited
Zara
Last year, Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint’s favorite pair of denim shorts were the mid-rise denim shorts from Spanish-based retailer Zara. “These are really great if you want the high-waist look but don't have any butt/hips, because they sort of puff out on the sides while nipping in at the waist. You can also cuff them or leave them long, depending on the look you're going for,” Quint says. The five-pocket design is such a classic, and not only are they available in eight washes, but they’re *so* affordable, too.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 0 to 14
- Materials: cotton, lyocell
- Inseam: n/a
Most Postpartum-Friendly
5. J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short
What We Like
- postpartum-friendly
- fabric blend provides a forgiving stretch
- fit is smoothing and flattering on the figure
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say that the fit around the thighs runs small
J.Crew
Behold: a pair of denim shorts that can really do it all, as Executive Editor Dara Katz discovered. She tells me, “In my postpartum haze, a friend lent me these shorts for a warm-weather trip that I had no clothes for. I was sooo nervous to even try on denim shorts at the stage, but these were SO comfortable and SO flattering.” They’re comfortable make is comprised of 99 percent cotton and one percent lycra spandex, so there will be some give, especially compared to shorts that use a true non-stretch cotton. “Other denim has highlighted my baby pouch, but these just looked like normal jean shorts, and not ‘mom shorts,’” Katz adds.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 37
- Materials: cotton, lycra spandex
- Inseam: 4 inches
Best Distressed
6. Free People We The Free Now Or Never Denim Shorts
What We Like
- long-lasting, durable quality and design
- loose fit that won’t feel or look baggy
- versatile fit around the waist
What We Don't Like
- short inseam may feel too short on tall people
We The Free
“You’ll rarely ever see me in denim shorts unless it’s this pair from Free People,” admits Destinee Scott, associate sales and deals editor at PureWow, who’s worn her pair for three years and counting. Made with a rigid, non-stretch denim, these are designed with a vintage quality, yet will have a looser fit that’s not too baggy. “When I bought them, I didn’t know they were mid-rise, but to be honest, it’s one of the main reasons why I love them because if I want to wear them higher, I can, or lower if I want to show more belly. With the right size, they also aren’t suffocating on your waist and down there,” she shares.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 24 to 33
- Materials: cotton
- Inseam: 3 inches
Most Affordable Shorts
7. Gap Factory High-Rise Vintage Midi Denim Shorts
What We Like
- comprised of recycled materials
- affordable
- relaxed, oversize fit affords a comfortable all-day wear
What We Don't Like
- limited color options
Gap Factory
Did you ever think you’d find comfortable, high-waist denim shorts made with some recycled materials and a low-stretch denim for less than $25? I didn’t think so either, until PureWow’s Wellness Director, Sarah Stiefvater, told me about these. She raves, “I got these Gap Factory shorts last week and I've already worn them three times. The fit is perfectly relaxed and a bit oversize, the wash is classic and versatile and they're on sale for $24. Win-win-win.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 24 to 34
- Materials: cotton, recycled cotton, elastane
- Inseam: 5.5 inches
Best Vintage Cutoffs
What We Like
- vintage-inspired design and quality
- comfortable A-line cut and longer hem
- roomy around the thighs
What We Don't Like
- rigid cotton will have little-to-no stretch
Agolde
As an Agolde fan myself, I’m really excited about this find that PureWow Affiliate Director Pamela Masin shared with me. These are actually so beloved that they’ve been a consistent best seller on Revolve. One thing that Agolde gets right and executes like no other brand: vintage denim that’s comfortable and incredibly good-looking. Masin says, “The longer length and A-line cut of these Agolde jean shorts make them my go-to on summer days when I need a stylish bottom that won't make me totally regret not wearing athletic shorts. I love how the fit is body-hugging at the waist and through the hip, but roomy in the thigh so that these don't stick to you or ride up as you move around. While I'm petite at 5'2, I know people who are average and tall heights who all say how flattering the length is on them. Sisterhood of the traveling shorts?”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton
- Inseam: 4.5 inches
Best Menswear Pick
9. Wrangler Men’s Five-Star Premium Carpenter Shorts
What We Like
- trendy cut and silhouette
- incredibly roomy and spacious, especially around the thighs
- affordable
What We Don't Like
- sizing may be difficult to gauge if you don’t regularly shop menswear
Wrangler
When it comes to menswear pieces, I trust PureWow Assistant Editor Delia Curtis’s suggestions with my life, and their current go-to comfortable denim shorts just so happen to be from the iconic American denim brand Wrangler. “These totally fit the jort moment [currently] happening in fashion,” says Curtis, referring to the controversial Y2K fashion trend comeback Gen Z has helmed. “These are some of the roomiest jean shorts that I own, and I love them SO much. They’ve got a solid pocket situation and come in five different washes, but the best part is that they’re only $20. You simply cannot beat that price. They’re soft, baggy and sit right at the waist—though if you’ve got a female frame, can lean toward mid- or high-rise. I always feel happy in my body when I wear these. Plus, I get tons of compliments.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 30 to 50
- Materials: cotton, spandex
- Inseam: 10 inches
Best High-Waisted Shorts
10. Madewell The '90s Mid-Length Jean Shorts
What We Like
- good quality holds its shape well
- raw hem holds up in the washing machine
- sustainably made
What We Don't Like
- limited color options
Madewell
Two years ago, PureWow’s Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak bought an older version of these Madewell shorts on a whim when she was perusing the store and fell in love with their fit. “The brand in general holds shape so nicely, and the raw hem doesn't fall apart into a frayed mess after a turn in the washing machine, either,” she wrote. The new style has that ‘90s-inspired silhouette that I can picture on a young Katie Holmes, and features a non-stretch denim made from the brand’s Regenagri certified cotton, which incorporates eco-friendly and sustainable techniques to generate. The light Pearlman wash is extremely nostalgic, too.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 33
- Materials: 100 percent Regenagri certified regenerated cotton
- Inseam: 5 inches
Most Comfortable Shorts with Stretch
What We Like
- mid-rise, relaxed fit
- pre-fixed rolled hem is polished
- denim fabric has some stretch to it
What We Don't Like
- limited color options
DL1961
If you’re trying to find eggshell pieces to complete your capsule wardrobe, then you’re in luck. This comfortable pair of denim shorts is a vintage style that has a mid-rise, relaxed fit throughout, plus a rolled hem that looks put-together and relaxed. It’s made from a blend of materials that includes rigid and comfort stretch denim, giving you the best of both worlds. But don’t just take my word for it. Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera says, “I have a slightly older version of these shorts from DL1961, and they're the only pair of jean shorts I actually don't mind wearing because they have a perfect amount of stretch and don't feel too heavy in the hot weather.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton, Tencel lyocell, lycra
- Inseam: 4.5 inches
Best Low-Waisted Shorts
12. One Teaspoon Worn Blue Frankies Denim Shorts
What We Like
- roomy around the thighs
- longer hem at the front and back with a shorter hem along the sides
- long-lasting quality and make
What We Don't Like
- may need to trim the frayed hem
- low-waist fit may not be universally comfortable
One Teaspoon
“I've long been a fan of One Teaspoon denim shorts because they are much roomier on the thighs than a lot of other brands I've tried, but the Frankies style specifically is longer in the inside than it is on the outside, which looks incredibly cool (IMHO, at least) but also helps prevent chafing without turning into a full Bermuda short,” shares Abby Hepworth, fashion editor at PureWow. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that these low-waist shorts have a longer hem at the front and back, but graduate upwards along the sides. This bold cut—while not everyone’s style—will look ultra flattering on your frame while keeping everything that needs protecting protected. Hepworth adds, “I often times trim the fringe a bit to make them look a smidge neater, but otherwise love getting to sport cute Daisy Dukes without my legs feeling like sausages.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 22 to 34
- Materials: cotton
- Inseam: n/a
Most Comfortable Short-Shorts
13. Levi’s 501 Original Fit High-Rise Shorts
What We Like
- vintage design
- lived-in comfortable fit and feel
- significant bum coverage and room for thighs
What We Don't Like
- short inseam may require the occasional tug down
Levi’s
Last, but certainly not least, this pair comes highly recommended by PureWow Managing Editor Catrina Yohay. “The Levi 501s are the only jean shorts I'll wear. They're the perfect summer cut-offs: vintage, high-waist fit that covers the cheeks without totally suffocating your legs or impaling your stomach,” she assures. “They're just as comfortable to sit in as they are to stand (no small miracle), and I love how lived-in they feel right off the bat. I own three pairs, all in different washes and the fit is consistent throughout. The reliable durability of Levi’s also means they've lasted me multiple summers (like, eight plus). Sure, you'll still have to do the occasional tug down, but they rarely ride up and are so easy to move around in. Casual, cool, no frills, I'm obsessed!”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 23 to 34
- Materials: cotton
- Inseam: 2.5 inches
What to Consider When Shopping for the Most Comfortable Denim Shorts
- Pay attention to the materials: Depending on your preference of fit and feel, you’ll want to pay close attention to the materials used. Shorts made with 100 percent cotton will have a more rigid and non-stretch composition that may take a few wears to fully “break-in” than that of a cotton and elastane blend, which will provide more stretch, leniency and give upon first wear.
- Opt for a familiar length: Whether you adore some short shorts or prefer baggy-looking jorts, you’ll need to assess the inseam. A denim short that’s two inches in length may feel just right on one person and entirely too short on another. Need a foolproof way to find a comfortable inseam with clothes you already have in your closet? Take a pair shorts from your wardrobe and, with a measuring tape, measure the inseam. You can also do this with full-length jeans—though this will require more imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Denim Shorts Are in Style?
Whether mini or maxi, when it comes to denim shorts right now, it’s all about the baggy jorts look. Yes, it may seem like all we could talk about was mini this and mini that, thanks to the mini skirt revival sparked by fashion label Miu Miu, but Gen Z has shifted the focus from the ‘90s to the early 2000s (for now), as PureWow Editorial Assistant Courtney Mason reported. As someone who considers sweatpants to be the standard level of comfort, a baggy, loose-fitting, A-line silhouette is far more comfortable than tight, figure-hugging denim shorts. “As a Gen-Zer myself, this trend was not on my bingo card of fashion revivals, but surprisingly, the more I think about it, I’m not mad at it,” agrees Mason. It’s even taken off amongst celebrities like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski.
How Do You Style Jean Shorts?
Think of denim shorts as an extension of your favorite pair of everyday jeans (though much shorter in length). Style-wise, a pair of comfortable denim shorts can be extremely versatile, giving you a handful of looks with a few simple swaps. For instance, a plain white T-shirt or tank top will always remain a classic, but the moment you add a jacket on top, whether it be a blazer, leather jacket, jean jacket, cardigan or hoodie, you’re met with a vibey ‘fit. Plus, pairing comfortable sneakers or sandals with denim cut-offs is a great way to lean into the comfy vibe, but I prefer a kitten heel when I want to look a little dressier and feel sexy. When in doubt, always always always revert to an oversize button-up for a classic yet dressed-down ensemble, and don’t forget to accessorize with some jewelry, belts, bags and hats.
