The 9 Best Denim Shorts in Every Style and Silhouette

This classic, no-nonsense pair of shorts from J. Crew is Marie Claire's top overall pick. They sit right above your hips and boast slight distressing on the cut-offs, giving them an easy, relaxed look and feel. The denim is made from 100 percent cotton, giving the shorts a subtle weight and rigidity, which means, yes, you'll have to break them in. But once you do, you'll discover that they're your new favorite jean shorts—ever. Take it from this one happy J. Crew shopper: "Being 45 and wanting a pair of denim shorts that are appropriate has been like finding a needle in a haystack. Well, I found the needle!"

We're huge fans of Everlane not only for its gorgeous pieces but for its transparent, ethical sourcing. Check out this cozy, universally flattering pair of shorts from them for a fashionable and functional option. "I have such a hard time finding shorts that aren't too long and that has enough room in the bottom area, but these did it for me," writes one Everlane shopper. "They fit great around the waist and don't drag down at the end of the day because the denim is sturdy." Other reviewers point out, though, that this style runs a little large and can gap around the waist. 

Here, vintage-inspired denim brand Rolla's masters the art of a subtly-distressed look with strategically shredded holes and frays. This pair of cut-offs is crafted from a non-stretch, sturdy white denim, making it another style you'll have to break in, but it will be well worth it when you do. They have a baggier silhouette, too, which reviewers adore: "These shorts fit right at my belly button, don't gape in the back, and still have a little loose room around my legs. I love them! Great white color and an awesome fit. Just F.Y.I.: the hole on the back does show a tiny bit of cheek, though."

And, of course, you can always reliably turn to Levi's when you're hunting for denim. We particularly love the iconic denim brand's 501 High Rise cut-offs, with its waist-cinched silhouette, worn-in, vintage-inspired fit, and the perfect amount of distressing. Put simply; they are just like your favorite Levi's jeans, only they'll hit your upper thigh. And, as this reviewer details, the 100-percent cotton denim offers surprising comfort: "I bought these a few weeks ago. So comfortable on the first try and, surprisingly, not overly short."

Not into Daisy Dukes? No problem: you can easily steer clear of those. But what if you don't gravitate toward mid-thigh types of shorts either, which are all over the market? In that case, you turn to Jen7's Bermuda short. Coming in at just above the knee, they are the perfect length—which is no easy feat with longer styles. And since they're made of a cotton and spandex blend, they boast plenty of stretch. One Nordstrom reviewer dubs them the "perfect" shorts. "They are a slim fit, high-waisted, and fit true to size," the shopper continues. "The style is so darn cute [and I] love the contrasting rough cut hem."

Are you on the market for a crisp and clean-looking white denim short? Your search is over with DL1961's bright white Zoie Short. The pair masters the balance between lived-in and fresh-off-the-rack with its raw hem, outseam slit, and stark look. It's crafted from a sustainably-made denim and lycra blend, offering a slight stretch that ensures comfort. It's an unfussy option you'll continually reach for and wear after wear—as long as you're careful around red wine and all other stain-prone liquids.

We love Good American because of its high-quality yet affordable denim, of course, and its mindful approach to size inclusivity. Take, for instance, the Good Curve Short, which was designed to intentionally support and shape—but never hide or slim!—your body's natural shape. "These are the first pair of shorts I've had in years that work for my curves," gushes one thrilled shopper. "They comfortably fit my thicker thighs and butt without leaving extra inches of material around my waist like so many others. Actually, a gap-proof waistband for this fit!"

Sitting super high on the waist for a nipped-in look, this style by FRAME will quickly become the unsung hero in your denim rotation. They boast an easy-going, relaxed fit (notice the slight, flared-out silhouette at the thighs) and a washed olive green color, flawlessly executing a lived-in, classically vintage look. "These denim shorts are the perfect length (not too short, but not too long)," writes a Nordstrom shopper. "[They're] very comfortable, and I love, love the color. I've worn them out once and already received multiple compliments."

With just one look at the adorable red heart stitching on the back pockets, we know you're already sold on the look of these Stella McCartney shorts. It's the price tag that's giving you pause—and understandably so. But they are made of 100-percent organic cotton and were thoughtfully picked to be a part of Net-a-Porter's circular and sustainable initiative, NET SUSTAIN, so it's a purchase you can make with a good conscious. And because of its careful fabrications and materials, this style will last you for ample seasons, undeniably longer than a haphazardly constructed fast fashion pair.