Summer is arguably the most fun season to shop for. One, the weather makes the shopping in and of itself easier to navigate. Even while shopping online, sunshine and cool breezes are more inspiring than a dark and cold winter snowstorm. Shopping in the summer also means more fashion items are on the menu, including but not limited to: sundresses, swimsuits, breezy loungewear, sunglasses, open-toe sandals, and denim shorts.
Jean shorts are as classic as the white t-shirt and little black dress. Their biggest strength is their versatility. Whether they’re long denim shorts, high-waisted denim shorts, short shorts, mom jean shorts, or any of the like, they can be dressed up and down. Pair with a button-down and heels for Saturday brunch. Wear them with a tank top and sneakers for a grocery store run. Throw them on over swimsuit bottoms when the boardwalk restaurant requires at least a pair of pants.
When it comes to shopping for the best denim shorts, there are classic silhouettes, and then there are the cult-status denim shorts in this list. Reviewers rave over their designs, fits, and ability to feel fresh season after season. Each pair was put through the point system of Rank & Style’s proprietary algorithm, where they are scored and ranked according to helpful shopping data, including co-signs from industry insiders, social media popularity, notable mentions from fashion publications, and more.
Keep scrolling to learn more about each standout pair and why shoppers can’t get enough of them.
June 21, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Citizens Of Humanity Marlow Easy Short
Overall Score
4.25
10
Citizens Of Humanity Marlow Easy Short
3.5
6 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: Ready-made cut off shorts aren’t created equal. They’re either too short or too long, however, these Citizens of Humanity shorts are neither. At a dreamy mid-thigh length, they also have a faded finish that looks more vintage than worn out, along with a classic button-zipper closure and plenty of pockets.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The denim doesn’t stretch so be sure to wash cold and dry on low heat to maintain its shape.
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Joe's Jeans The Ozzie Cutoff Shorts
Overall Score
4.35
09
Joe's Jeans The Ozzie Cutoff Shorts
4.45
24 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: This high-waist and short inseam combo is for shoppers who really want to show off their gams. The frayed edges lend them a casually effortless vibe, and the cotton-spandex fabric creates a fitted yet not constraining fit.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: In addition to classic denim, these shorts are also available in faded black and a blue that leans more toward turquoise.
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Mother The Tomcat Kick Fray Short
Overall Score
4.5
08
Mother The Tomcat Kick Fray Short
3.62
17 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: Want the vintage look without wearing actual vintage? These shorts have the distressed patches and frayed edging seen on older denim but fit like new with a short and slim silhouette.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: They also lean on the stretchier side and are meant to sit high on the waist.
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Frame Le Cutoff Denim Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
07
Frame Le Cutoff Denim Shorts
5
2 User Reviews
2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: The dark wash and contrast stitching give these cut-off shorts a modern edge. They also come with large belt loops for shoppers who want extra support.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The fading and raw edge hemming is minimal so the shorts still look and feel new.
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Moussy Vintage Mathews Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
06
Moussy Vintage Mathews Shorts
5
2 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: This Japanese brand is known for its artful and carefully constructed take on fraying and fading, giving vintage-inspired denim a unique look that sets it apart from other brands. For example, the hemline on these shorts is a mix of short and long fraying, while the high-waist is a slightly relaxed fit, as opposed to a tighter silhouette.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: They’re available in just one denim shade.
Frame Le Brigette Shorts
Overall Score
4.55
05
Frame Le Brigette Shorts
4.6
2 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: Here is a pair of shorts that take fraying to the extreme along the hemlines. The denim wash is also varying shades of blue with a darker tone around the closure.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: These are mid-rise shorts and 100 percent non-stretch cotton; ideal for pairing with t-shirts and tank tops.
Citizens Of Humanity Annabelle Long Shorts
Overall Score
4.6
04
Citizens Of Humanity Annabelle Long Shorts
5
2 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: When they say “long shorts,” they mean the longest of short shorts, with a hemline meant to stop at the middle of the thigh. The fraying on this pair is very minimal, while the rest of the short is a clean, classic denim with barely-there fading.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: Citizens of Humanity makes a range of clothing staples but is best known for its denim.
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AGOLDE Dee Ultra High Rise Shorts
Overall Score
4.8
03
AGOLDE Dee Ultra High Rise Shorts
4.31
255 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: These cut-off shorts are made for dressing up with a blouse and/or strappy heels. The fit is a slender high-rise with slits on the side of each leg that add even more height to the wearer’s silhouette.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW: The dipped waistline also compliments the midsection.
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AGOLDE Parker Cutoff Denim Shorts
Overall Score
4.95
02
AGOLDE Parker Cutoff Denim Shorts
4.41
1772 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHY SHOPPERS LOVE THEM: The appeal of these shorts is in the details. The denim wash is super light and the hemline is short on the outside of the leg, while the inseam is slightly longer, making this an especially flattering pair on short shoppers.
STYLE TIP: Tuck in your top so the shorts can truly have their moment in the spotlight.
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Agolde Parker Long Loose Vintage Shorts
Overall Score
4.95
01
Agolde Parker Long Loose Vintage Shorts
4.63
118 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Mid-Length Denim Shorts Overall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: The longer silhouette of these shorts means more comfort and less undies riding up your backside. The large back pockets and relaxed fit also leave plenty of room for storing a phone and wallet.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: Agolde’s one-of-a-kind indigo fabric is sourced from around the globe but made locally in Los Angeles.
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