The best denim shorts for women to live in this summer and beyond
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Denim shorts are one of the most useful foundation pieces you can have in your summer wardrobe. Dresses are a dream to throw on and go when you're stuck for what to wear on a warm day, but denim shorts are just as versatile – perhaps even more so – as they can be a springboard for more playful styling and instantly exude a retro Californian aesthetic.
Whether you favour a classic cut-off, raw, distressed and frayed finish, or choose a smarter pleat-front style that you could wear to work (with a tailored white shirt), we've put together a curated list of the best denim shorts from both the high street and designer denim brands.
Although denim cut-offs will always be a classic, longer Bermuda-style shorts have been spiking in popularity recently thanks to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid. Harking back to the '80s, they have a longer leg and looser fit, similar to mom jeans, and come up to just above your waist. They look stylish with just a white T-shirt or button-down shirt, but also look elegant when dressed up with a tailored blazer or cashmere crewneck and glossy slingback heels. These longline silhouettes have a more tailored finished than the distressed Daisy Dukes that gave denim shorts a bad rep in the early Noughties.
If you're heading to the Med this summer, a pair of raw-hem denim shorts is a must-pack. Agolde's Parker iteration would be perfect for the Riviera with a Breton top or a loose linen shirt and bikini. However, these aren't just to be reserved for heatwaves and holidays – one of our favourite ways to wear denim shorts is with a leather jacket, cashmere jumper, loafers and socks in autumn.
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How we chose the best denim shorts for women
We're a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, each of us a different shape, size, height and so on, and we've tried our fair share of denim shorts to know which ones are worth shouting about. Here's what to consider yourself:
- Shape: Further enhancing their forever status, there isn't a shape of denim shorts that isn't ‘in’ right now. Sure, lower waist designs are harder to work with these days, but when you look at the comeback low-rise jeans have made, who's to say their cropped siblings aren't following suit? That being said, retro high-waist silhouettes remain a firm favourite among editors, stylists, celebrities and influencers – which is why the majority of this edit is made up of them.
- Colour: Classic mid-wash or light-wash blue denim shorts continue to be the go-to, but ecru and black designs are just as covetable. While it's always fun to dabble with colour, pattern and texture, if you want a pair that you can reach for year after year, opt for a more neutral colour that slots in with the rest of your collection as opposed to one which requires thought to style.
- Comfort: In order to keep your denim shorts in constant rotation, you need a pair that actually fits. There's nothing worse than sitting down for lunch in some tight Daisy Dukes (short shorts) and have them, er… dig in before you do. Don't be afraid to go up a size or two, you can always get them tailored to your waist, and, remember, numbers and letters on labels are inconsistent at the best of times. Go for what looks and feels good and ignore the rest.
Below: the best denim shorts for women 2024.
1/14Rolla's Mirage Long Shorts
Why We Love Them: These have a retro, skater silhouette that will make you feel like you're in California in the '90s. With a sculpted high waist and flared, loose legs, these skim beautifully off the waist. The only question is which of the five washes will you go for.
2/14Loose Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: Trust Arket to create the coolest Bermuda shorts out there. The slouchy, longer fit makes these ideal for warm weekends in the city, as they are a hybrid between jeans and denim shorts and give lots of coverage. Wear with a button-down shirt and lots of gold jewellery.
3/14Agolde Parker Long Clean Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: When it comes to designer denim, Agolde's ‘Parker’ shorts have quickly become cult classic. Available in several washes from indigo to white, these shorts have a vintage worn-in quality to them, with a high waistband and flared hem crafted from non-stretchy denim. If you are in-between sizes, Net-A-Porter advises you should take the smaller size.
Save when you shop for the best denim shorts for women with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
4/14Denim Pleat Front Shorts
Why We Love Them: The high waisted silhouette and pleat detailing on the front of the shorts gives this pair an elegant finish. Plus they are under £40.
Save when you shop for the best denim shorts for women with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
6/14Levi's Women's 501 Rolled Short Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: If you are going on a last minute trip or didn't get round to your holiday shopping, you'll be pleased to hear that these Levi's shorts can be delivered to you via Amazon Prime. These are the shorts versions of the 501 Original jeans and have a vintage-inspired straight fit.
7/145-Pocket Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: These are one of the best pairs we have found on the high street. With the classic five pocket placements, including a small coin pocket, these are available in four washes including black, beige, light blue and classic denim. Like any jeans, you want them to be a practical addition to your everyday rotation and these are machine washable at 40.
Save when you shop for the best denim shorts for women with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
8/14High-Rise Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: Available in a light wash and a dark indigo, these are the ultimate high-rise denim shorts. In fact, these are the pair I decided to purchase myself after a long morning in Westfields. My favourite thing about them is the flare on the leg, which means they don't cling too tightly and have a more relaxed silhouette than the denim shorts I wore in the '00s.
9/14Citizens of Humanity Gaucho Organic Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: If you are into the baggy denim trend, then these ‘Gaucho’ shorts by Citizens of Humanity might be the pair for you. They have a very exaggerated, slouchy fit and are made from a stiff organic denim that has fading detailing on the hips and legs. When it comes to styling, play up the proportions by tucking a fitted vest top into the high-rise waistline.
10/14Levi's High Baggy Shorts
Why We Love Them: If you want a pair of timeless denim shorts you can wear summer after summer, Levi's is always a wise investment. These have a baggy longline fit that will give you that LA Hailey Bieber look, while the rigid denim will maintain its shape. Add Fishermans or a pair of retro trainers and a T-shirt, and you have your 2024 summer uniform.
Save when you shop for the best denim shorts for women with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
11/14Loewe Anagram Frayed Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: Loewe has put its own spin on wardrobe basics from vest tops to boyfriend jeans with the addition of its signature ‘Anagram’ logo, including this pair of jorts. They have a high waistband and fall to just above the knee, with the white logos sitting along the hemline. These are certainly the fanciest denim shorts money can buy.
12/14Denim High Waisted Mom Shorts
Why We Love Them: These are a classic pair of mom shorts, with a vintage lived-in quality that will make you wonder how you ever got dressed in summer without them. Many of the other styles on this list have a rigid denim, while this has added stretch to give extra comfort and flexibility. The raw hems give a subtle frayed edge, without looking too scruffy or distressed.
13/14Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: These have a very simple silhouette, and that is exactly why we love them. If you want a style that runs no risk of going out of style by next summer, then this is a wise investment. The black rinse and ecru shade both are minimalist staples.
Save when you shop for the best denim shorts for women with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
14/14Agolde Risha Organic Denim Shorts
Why We Love Them: These are the shorts for those of you who don't love shorts, thanks to the relaxed, longer silhouette. Agolde is a celebrity-approved denim brand and these will make you feel like an LA native, thanks to the organic denim that is deliberately faded to give an authentic vintage look. The perfect longline shorts do exist.
