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If there’s something we can all agree on, it’s that the perfect length for denim shorts is long, but not too long. You want to be able to bend over without exposing your backside, but you don’t want to look like you had a hard time letting go of your below-the-knee bermudas from the early aughts.
Luckily, there’s an answer for this denim dilemma: mid-length jean shorts. Appropriate for a variety of summer occasions, from brunch with friends to baseball games and days at the beach, there’s a myriad of ways to dress up or down a staple pair of mid-length denim shorts.
Plus, there’s no shortage of options if you’re hoping to snag this particular style in time for summer. From distressed cut-offs to vintage-inspired, high-waisted styles, we do not doubt that there’s a pair of long (but not too long) denim shorts out there for you.
How We Found The Best Mid-Length Denim Shorts
Shopping for shorts can feel a little intimidating, but armed with a bit of info, you can find a pair that makes you look and, most importantly, feel confident. Our Top 10 Lists are unique because they’re curated with the help of our unbiased, data-driven algorithm. This tool uses information from user reviews, best-seller lists, and social media to determine which products are the best of their kind. Meaning, we’ve done the research for you so you can quickly find the best products without scrolling through dozens of pages on the internet. So, with that, scroll on to shop the best mid-length jean shorts to buy this spring and summer season.
April 12, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
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
One Teaspoon Super Relaxed Shaker Shorts
Overall Score
4.25
10
One Teaspoon Super Relaxed Shaker Shorts
4.8
5 User Reviews
2.1
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.
Best Relaxed Mid-Length Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Cool as can be, One Teaspon's Super Relaxed Shaker Shorts have a six-pocket design. They're high-waisted with pleats in the front—so start thinking about which t-shirts you want to tuck into them.
MUST-KNOW INFO
According to Free People, these shorts run slightly large.
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Old Navy High-Waisted OG Jean Shorts
Overall Score
4.35
09
Old Navy High-Waisted OG Jean Shorts
4.4
34 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
0
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 Affordable Mid-Length Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Old Navy does denim well—slip into the High-Waisted OG Jean Shorts and you'll see what we mean. Stretchy with a high rise, this pair's 5" inseam is described as "...the perfect length" by reviewers.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"Love these! I normally am not a fan of longer shorts but these are so comfortable. Great for cropped tanks."
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Inclusive
Gap 5" Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts
Overall Score
4.4
08
Gap 5" Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts
4.5
253 User Reviews
2.7
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.
Best Mid-Length Girlfriend Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
When cotton and spandex team up, you know you're going to get a great fit. This combo is part of what makes Gap's Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts so great, along with the various washes they're available in (including black denim).
MUST-KNOW INFO
Gap's website mentions that these run large in the waist, but true to size elsewhere.
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Inclusive
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Short
Overall Score
4.5
07
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Short
4.62
5 User Reviews
2.1
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.
Best Mid-Length Vintage Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Madewell's Magic Pockets are the star of The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Short. These pockets have lifting and sculpting superpowers that give your backside a boost. Couple that with the pair's straight '90s silhouette, and you'll understand why they're named The Perfect Short.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"LOVE these shorts! I bought a pair of mid-length Perfect Vintage shorts last summer and was waiting all year for them to release more shades. When I saw these, I snagged them! I have always had trouble buying trendy shorts that fit my waist, bottom, and don't ride up when I walk and end up showing my cheeks. These are perfect!"
Levi's 90's 501 Shorts
Overall Score
4.5
06
Levi's 90's 501 Shorts
4.25
41 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
3
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 Cutoff Min-Length Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Speaking of the '90s, Levi's 90's 501 Shorts are the pair of cutoffs you've been searching for. Frayed hems, a mid-rise waist, and a slim fit give them the appearance of a vintage find.
MUST-KNOW INFO
A few reviewers suggest ordering a size down from your usual for the best fit.
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Everlane The A-Line Denim Short
Overall Score
4.55
05
Everlane The A-Line Denim Short
4
147 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
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.
Best A-Line Mid-Length Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Everlane's A-Line Denim Shorts have a long inseam at 5.5", making them especially great for those prone to thigh chafing. And with their waist-nipping, high-rise fit and subtly frayed hems, they're a must-have for effortless summer style.
MUST-KNOW INFO
In addition to the classic indigo wash, these shorts are available in black and powder blue denim.
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Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Dad Short
Overall Score
4.6
04
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Dad Short
4.68
154 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
3
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 For Athletic Legs
LOVABLE DETAILS
Give your thighs some much-needed breathing room with Abercrombie's Dad Shorts. Designed with a high-rise waistband and a relaxed fit, we're just thankful to know that these jean shorts come in black, white, cream, and four different blue denim options.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"Very cute shorts, I have an athletic body type, but these shorts still gave me enough room around my thighs. The waist fits perfectly also. I'm typically a size 4 or 6, and the size 26 worked perfectly for me."
More Colors
Inclusive
Agolde Stella Shorts
Overall Score
4.7
03
Agolde Stella Shorts
4.37
34 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.
Best Designer Mid-Length Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Whiskered, faded, and ready for anything, the Stella Shorts are Agolde's ode to vintage jean shorts. They take the classic cut-off silhouette and make it everyday appropriate with a 5.5" inseam.
MUST-KNOW INFO
At $158, the Stella Shorts are definitely amongst the most expensive on our list. But Agolde has a way with denim that should be studied by scientists, and like all of their styles, this pair is made from high-quality fabric sourced from around the world (or in this case, Turkey).
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Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
Overall Score
4.8
02
Levi's 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
4.23
962 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.
Best Mid-Length Boyfriend Denim Shorts
LOVABLE DETAILS
Levi’s 501s are an iconic American style. As classic as it gets, these jean shorts have a high-rise waistband and distressed accents that will never go out of style.
MUST-KNOW INFO
Based on a scroll through the nearly 500 5-star reviews for this style, you might want to consider sizing up.
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Agolde Parker Long Loose Vintage Shorts
Overall Score
5
01
Agolde Parker Long Loose Vintage Shorts
4.5
543 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
LOVABLE DETAILS
Fitted in the waist but long and loose in the legs, Agolde's Parker Shorts are equal parts flattering and modest. According to our algorithm, these are the best lengthy denim shorts for women, so make sure you stock up on all the different washes because you'll likely be wearing them on repeat.
MUST-KNOW INFO
The premium denim these shorts is made from is 100% organic cotton. That means they're the real deal (but also that they have no stretch whatsoever).
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