It's Here: Our Definitive Guide To The Best Denim Shorts To Buy This Spring

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: Lightly faded with a raw hem and distressed details, these denim shorts are made for sunny days when the only thing on your schedule is “have a good time.” They’re made from a cotton blend that’s slightly stretchy and have an extra-high waist for a flattering fit.

THE DETAILS: Some reviewers mention that the Ribcage Shorts tend to run small, so consider sizing up if you’re averse to hip-huggin’ denim. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: Two words: Curve Love. Curve Love is Abercrombie’s hip- and thigh-friendly fit, and it’s a big part of why these mom jean shorts are so beloved. Thank you, Abercrombie, for not letting us settle for chafed thighs and restrictive denim.

THE DETAILS: These distressed denim shorts come in a classic medium wash denim. To avoid the rest of your laundry (and your thighs) turning an indigo hue, make sure you wash them with similar colors before your first wear.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: We’re picking up good vibrations from these cutoffs (sorry, had to). But really, these denim shorts take the distressed finish to another level via a fully fringed hem and peekaboo pocket. 

THE DETAILS: With a grungy aesthetic and cheeky, high-rise fit, these shorts seem made for attending a music festival. Plus, they’re 100% cotton, so you can throw them in the washer without a worry in the world.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: Something about rolled hems screams “vacation ready” to us, and because these have a roomy, boyfriend fit, they’re definitely one of the most comfortable styles on our list.

THE DETAILS: You might have noticed that these denim shorts are rather long compared to some of the other styles on our list, and that's due to the added length the roll on the inseam provides. Oh, and according to Nordstrom, they run large, so consider ordering a size down if you prefer a tighter fit.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: Some denim shorts ride up uncomfortably, jut into your waist, and restrict your movement. These are not those shorts. In fact, these are the opposite, because they were designed with a loose fit and a stretchy cotton-polyester denim blend.

THE DETAILS: Threadbare abrasions and shadow creases add a lived-in look to these shorts that will pair perfectly with any one of your favorite graphic tees. And since these are meant to be roomy, think about sizing down if you prefer a tight fit.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: We’re nothing but thankful to see another pair of mom jean shorts on the list, especially because this pair has that worn-to-perfection look that’s usually reserved for shorts that, well, have been worn.

THE DETAILS: Madewell’s Momjean shorts have a medium indigo wash (the most timeless denim wash there is), an extra-high rise, and subtle rips throughout.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: It’s a well-known truth that American Eagle has some of the best denim out there, so we’re thrilled to see that they made the cut. Their ‘90s boyfriend shorts have a vintage-inspired fit, complete with an A-line structure and a fringed hem.

THE DETAILS: We all live in fear of the day when low-rise denim takes center stage again. Today is not that day, because these high-waisted denim shorts feature the highest rise AE offers. They’re also slightly stretchy, which is never a bad thing in our book.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: With an ultra-high rise and 4” inseam, the Dee high-waisted denim shorts were designed to give you a confidence boost. And can we just say: finally, a pair of shorts that provides enough coverage to keep us from feeling exposed and insecure.

THE DETAILS: The Dee shorts feature a raw hem with side slits (which our thighs are thankful for), plus paint splatters for an edgy, distressed look. And they’re also available in a black denim version.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: The second pair of Levi’s on our list has arrived, and with these, you’ve got options. Whether you prefer a super light fade, a dark wash, or black or white denim, Levi’s 501 shorts have it covered. 

THE DETAILS: Though the 501 shorts are designed to look broken in, they don’t wear like it—meaning, size up if you rely on a little stretch from your denim.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THEM: From mid-rise to high-waisted, light wash to black denim, and cheeky to lengthy, AGOLDE’s Parker Cutoffs come in a variety of styles to choose from. Heck, these shorts even come in two white denim versions. 

THE DETAILS: Sure, these are investment shorts. But you’re getting high-quality, 100% cotton denim that you’re bound to turn to every spring and summer henceforth. Just note that this denim is not stretchy at all, and reviewers recommend sizing up for comfort.