We did it guys, we tried on 11 pairs of denim shorts. Definitely our biggest try-on session to date. (I mean we are only two weeks in, but whatever! haha)
And you know, if we’re not wearing jeans, then we’re probably wearing denim shorts. I kid – we do own pants, dresses and skirts as well…but denim is kind of our thing. And denim shorts are the ultimate summer staple.
It can admittedly be tricky to find the unicorn of denim shorts – maybe even trickier than the perfect pair of jeans. You know, the ones that are the perfect length, wash and rise – and most importantly, comfortable.
To help you guys narrow down the field of denim shorts, we rounded up the pairs that caught our eye (and some of our go-to favorites), and did a big try-on session. We will give you the pros/cons and size tips below…
Mother Tomcat Kick Fray
Tomcat – True Confessions (Wearing 1 size up)
Rachel – Ok, my confession, I snagged these on sale in February. I love Mother Denim so when I saw these marked down, I knew I had to have them. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, which makes them insanely comfy, and they also have a button up fly.
I will admit that these are right on the edge of being too short for me (I’m 5’7”). I will likely style these with a more conservative top to balance out the *almost* denim underwear vibe. Also, note that these aren’t as short on Tammy. We are both 5’7″ but I am shorter waisted / longer legs – whereas Tammy has a longer waist.
Tomcat – Shadows In The Grass (w/ heart) | Tomcat – True Confessions w/out heart
(wearing 1 size up)
Tammy – I bought these last summer and wore the heck out of them, and I have already worn them this year! Out of all the denim shorts, these are tied with Maje (also in this article) for my favorite. These are even better than the jeans, in my humble opinion, because they have this adorable heart on the back. This year’s gray gray version has the heart detail, but the True Confessions wash linked above does not. I’ve heard rumors that a blue heart version will be coming out again as well, so we will be sure to keep an eye out and announce if/when they do!
Agolde Vintage Parker (in Swapmeet)
Agolde Parker – Swapmeet (Wearing 1 size up)
Rachel – I am going on my third summer wearing these cutoffs, and they are hands-down my favorites. I love the vintage wash and the length is perfect…short but not too short. I prefer them one size up from my normal size for a little slouch. They are 100% cotton and button fly with a raw hem, and they have a 3” inseam. This is the pair that I wear all summer long.
Agolde Parker – Swapmeet (Wearing 1 size up)
Tammy – Here’s where I admit that Rachel is very persuasive. I tried these last summer and didn’t like them. Rachel loves her Agolde anything, and kept nudging me to try them again. Well I just got these from the Shopbop sale, and what do you know – she was right! They are a bit longer than most of my denim shorts, which I was actually wanting, but without being too long. I have a long torso and shorter legs, and I think that shorter shorts look better with my body type (aka they make my legs look longer)!
Agolde Vintage Parker (in Crash)
Agolde Parker – Crash (Wearing 1 size up)
Rachel – In theory these are the same shorts as the ones pictured above but in a different wash – 100% cotton, button fly, raw hem (same name – Parker Vintage Cutoff). However, the fit is a bit different – these have a looser fit and are a smidge shorter. I could have worn these in my regular size, but ended up sizing up one for extra length and a little more slouch. These are incredibly comfortable – the denim is a bit thinner (and softer) than the other Agolde shorts, which makes them extra comfy.
This is my first pair of black denim shorts (ever) and I love them – the faded black makes them less harsh against my unfortunately pale legs. And they are a fresh departure from the light wash cutoffs that I wear all summer long – I am especially loving them with my striped KULE tee – see here. These will be a summer go-to for me.
Agolde Parker – Crash (Wearing 1 size up)
Tammy – Just like Rachel, I found these to fit a bit looser than the Swapmeet version (above) but in a good way. Like a comfortable boyfriend short while still having that high waist I love. I tend to mostly wear blue distressed cut-offs all summer, so it will be nice to have something different, and I do like that they are a faded wash (I usually don’t like dark black denim shorts).
Agolde Long Parker (in Swapmeet)
Agolde Long Parker (Swapmeet) (TTS)
Rachel: These are new this year, and when I saw them, I knew I had to give them a try. Online, they look exactly like the regular Agolde Parkers (shown above) but with a little added length. Like the Vintage Parkers, they are 100% cotton and button fly but have a 4 ½” inseam.
I found the fit of these to be very different from the regular Vintage Parkers. With these I definitely needed my regular size (not the size up) and they have more of a boyfriend vibe. I know a lot of people love these and they are good – just a smidge too long for my preference. But if you’re looking for a longer short – these are definitely worth a try.
Agolde Dee (in Ricochet)
Rachel: These shorts have all of the retro vibes. They are 100% cotton, button fly and longer than the regular Parkers by an inch (4” inseam). I don’t typically go for shorts this length, but I do love the look of these. Both my regular size and the size up worked for me…but I was worried that the size up would have ultimately stretched out too much – so I recommend your true size in these.
I debated on these – kept them in my “maybe” pile for weeks – tried them on multiple times…and ultimately returned them. I think my hesitation was the super high rise (12.5″) coupled with the rigid denim. I was worried that they would be a little hot and uncomfortable in 90+ degree summer weather.
However, I would not be surprised if I ultimately give these another try – I actually think they could be the perfect shorts to dress up for a night out. The added length of these makes them perfect to couple with a higher heeled sandal.
Frame Le Grand Garcon High Waist
(in Montgrove Rips)
Rachel: Although these are described as high waisted, they felt very mid rise to me (they have a 9.5″ rise) – especially after trying on all of the Agolde shorts. They have a 3 ½” inseam, button fly and really cool distressing with a cuffed hem. These fit perfectly in my regular size. Ultimately the rise on these was just too low for my personal preference. If you’re not into a high rise, these could be a great option.
Good American – Good Curve
Good American Good Curves (TTS)
Rachel: I bought these last year and wore them a ton. They are high rise (11.5″) and super stretchy and comfortable. They are also cuffed in the front but not in the back – so you get the look of a short/short in the front, while your bum is safely covered.
On me, these shorts tend to ride up on my waist – which is annoying. So much so that I was ready to put them in the donate pile until I saw these pics – I mean they are cute?! I don’t know, I like them but maybe don’t love them for me. It could also be my straight body shape that is the issue – they are called “Good Curves” after all. If you’re curvy, perhaps give them a try. They could be amazing on the right body.
Good American Good Curves (roomy in size 4/27)
Tammy – I bought these near the end of last season (on big sale) and they are pretty good. They are relaxed and comfortable, but they are a tiny bit shorter than I like. I did have to iron the front crease to get them to look the way they are supposed to. I do wish they would sew them, as ironing is my least favorite task! I still like and wear them, however, with all of the denim shorts, these are my least favorite.
7 for All Mankind
7 for All Mankind (down 1 size to 25)
Tammy – This is my first try with this brand, and I think they are a great option for anyone wanting an incredibly soft and stretchy material that is a bit longer than the others. These are by far the most comfortable of all the shorts on my list, in big part because of the incredible softness and stretch that just molds to the body.
If I had to pick one thing I would change about these, it’s that I wish they would sew the cuff all the way around (they only sew it at the seams). Unfortunately I have to iron them after washing as the cuff gets all bunched up. Otherwise they are a great casual option!
Everybody loves Levi’s…effortlessly cool
Tammy – I have not worn Levi’s since high school, but I tried these on a whim at Nordstrom last month, and they are good. A bit stiff initially but they break in nicely with a little wear. These are the 501 Originals and they fit my curvy body really well with a good fit at the waist (many Levi’s are too big in the waist on me). I styled and reviewed these in a recent article, which you can read in full here.
Free People
Free People (White, TTS) | My favorite blue wash (TTS)
Tammy – Another new denim brand for me, I tried these on in store recently and they are a great option for us curvy girls (aptly named CRVY). My one hesitation is the color (Natural) which has more yellow than I’d like (and you can see the difference between my crisp white sneakers and the shorts). I still have the tags on and will contemplate. They do have a bunch of washes, and they are extremely stretchy and comfortable. I have bought white denim shorts in the past and they sat unworn in my closet, so I might just return for fear they will meet the same fate. The fit of these is great though – I highly recommend.
Maje
Maje (up 1 size to 38/M)
Tammy – I purchased these last year during the Bloomingdale’s friends and family sale – they make me swoon. These are what I wear when I want to dress up my shorts with cute tops and strappy sandals. The front buttons and consistent fray all around the legs make them incredibly special. Maje is one of my favorite brands because of what they do with details. Good news – these are back again this summer! I always have to size up to medium in the Maje brand, and this is no exception. I am wearing size 38, which is equivalent to medium. These definitely tie with my Mother Tomcats for number one!
**SALE ALERT! THESE ARE CURRENTLY 30% OFF!
(PS – Rachel here, and as I edit this article, I am adding these babies to cart. I freaking love them!)
That wraps up the day that we tried on (almost) all of the denim shorts. We truly hope that this helps you find your own personal denim short “unicorn.” And if we discover a new and amazing pair, you guys will be the first to know. (And if we missed anything, shoot us a DM, we’d love to know!)
