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Think shorts are only for the beach? Think again! These stylish but comfy womens shorts will take you from day to night, city to sea, and so much more! See more to choose from a wide variety of styles (and lengths, too)!
Summer Shorts for Women
Table Of Contents
In my never-ending quest to pack light, I’m always looking for the most packable fabrics. When it comes to wearing shorts for summer, women travelers need cotton, rayon, linen, and viscose for summer travel fabrics. These fabrics also help keep the bulk and weight of your suitcase to a minimum.
As a major plus, these fabrics are also super comfortable and easy to wear. Overall, shorts are excellent for a city trip, a beach vacation, a weekend getaway, or anything in between! But what about stylish shorts that aren’t simply comfortable?
Take a look at these highly popular picks for the best travel shorts that are versatile, cute, and a no-brainer to bring along with you!
Best Lightweight and Packable Womens Shorts
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Quince
Quince Linen Cute Womens Summer Shorts
If you want lots of versatility while traveling, these Quince linen pull on shorts are ideal. Made from 100% european linen that’s lightweight, breathable, durable, and hypoallergenic paired with a drawstring, elastic waistband, they’re amazingly comfortable . But they’re also presentable-looking and can be dressed up quite easily, too! You can step off the plane and head straight to a nice lunch!
Their cute and comfy linen shorts are a summer staple in our wardrobes. And with practical pockets and tons of versatility, these are definitely worth taking anywhere where you want to look put together and stay cool. These come in five cute colors and in sizes XS-XL.
Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Shop Sizes XXXS-3X: J. Crew
J. Crew Tropez Short in Linen
J.Crew is highly popular with readers and these linen comfy shorts can take you from the literal seaside to a beach town while sauntering around with a cute tote. But not just for the beach, these can also be taken to any other vacation spot as well. Super light and a good length that are still airy, but not too short, these come in sizes XXXS-3X and numerous pretty colors!
Finish off your look by choosing a pair of slip on sneakers that you’re feet will love!
Shop Anthropologie: Sizes 24-32 | 16W-26W | Petite 24P-32P
Anthropologie Womens Linen Shorts
Linen is one of the top fabrics to help you stay cool on your summer vacation. Chilled out and relaxed, these linen soft shorts are easy breezy and are sure to be the perfect item in your travel wardrobe on hot trips.
Designers tend to choose more casual cuts for linen so these Anthropologie ones because they can easily be dressed up or down. Travel outfits don’t have to get sloppy in the heat. You just need to choose your fabrics wisely! These pretties are available in multiple colors and in sizes 24-32, Petite 24P-32P and 16W-26W.
Prefer your shorts to be longer in length? Check out these top recommended picks!
Shop Sizes 00-18: Nordstrom
NYDJ Bermuda Women’s Shorts
For an extra comfy fit that’s versatile, these NYDJ ladies shorts are a Bermuda style and made of soft linen-viscose blend. They also have nice stretch and can be worn on vacation or at home. And comes with plenty of pockets too↣—front and back!
Try them with some adorable slip-ons. Comes in other colors and sizes 00-18.
Pair these shorts with our best sandals for travel this summer!
Shop Sizes 0-16: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Willit Legend Shorts Women (Regular, Petite, Tall Sizes)
Described as having “lots of thigh room,” these womens summer shorts by Eddie Bauer are the epitome of casual and chic. They easily do up with a snap, are made of a soft cotton-spandex blend, and reviewers say these wash well. Enjoy choosing between a ton of colors and they come in regular, petite, and tall sizes right here.
TFG readers also love their Eddie Bauer Shirts – find out why here!
Shop Sizes XS-4X: Old Navy
Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Womens Pull On Shorts (Plus Size)
These Old Navy shorts are beyond comfy! They’re described as super stretchy and wearable for any activity short of hiking or walking!
These shorts have an elevated, airy classic with a pull-on comfort elastic waistband, on-seam pockets and back patch pockets. The 3.5” inseam gives good coverage, and this comes in sizes XS-4X and many color choices.
Looking for the ultimate vacation packing list? Download our fee checklist here!
Shop Madewell: Sizes 23-33 | Sizes 14W-28W
Madewell Women’s Pull On Shorts
Another TFG reader favorite, Madewell offers these adorable womans shorts that could become a summer favorite! Composed of airy cotton and viscose, these are high rise so won’t slip down and these can be easily packed and washed in a machine after your trip.
Completely soft and comfy, grab this in either sizes 23-33 or sizes 14W-28W
Check out this season’s ten best pieces of linen clothing!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Everlane
Everlane Easy Canvas Woman Shorts
This comfy shorts womens option by Everlane conveys a casual yet stylish vibe and out of over 200+ reviews it has a 4.65 rating! A super comfy mid-rise fit, these cozy cotton beauties could be an everyday short or something to pack for an upcoming trip. Comes in sizes XXS-XXL and in four cute colors!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Nordstrom
Lucky Brand Womens Soft Shorts
So cute! These Lucky Brand pull on shorts womens pick is made of a linen-cotton blend so very ideal for hot weather, whether you’re hanging locally or somewhere international with sea and sand. These are lightweight, packable, and stretchy because of the linen. Available in a three colors and sizes XXS-XXL!
Read this post to find out what’s the best fabric for travel!
Shop Sizes 00-16: Faherty | Nordstrom
Faherty Summer Printed Shorts
If you’re looking for some fun fashion shorts for ladies, this printed style by Faherty is crafted in 100% organic cotton. They’re perfected with a just-tailored-enough fit and a fun-in-the-sun hand-dyed ikat pattern. Style with a crisp white button-down or a slouch tee to look effortlessly chic all summer long.
These are beach-ready or for city exploring. Pair with sandals or sneakers, you can grab these in 00-16.
Shop Sizes XXS-3X: Atheta
Athleta Ladies Walking Shorts Mid Rise
Chambray is another light material that’s perfect for summer and these Athleta retreat linen shorts offer a good coverage due to the 4” inseam and have a lot of movement. They’re considered light, with breathable material (all linen) and have pockets!
You can easily wear these as casual or dressy shorts, so quite versatile to take with you anyplace! Comes in sizes XXS-3X, and a ton of colors!
Cute Shorts for Women Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATINGS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Quince Linen Cute Womens Summer Shorts |
Made from 100% european linen that’s lightweight, breathable, durable, and hypoallergenic paired with a drawstring, elastic waistband, they’re amazingly comfortable | Check Price |
|
J. Crew Tropez Short in Linen |
J.Crew is highly popular with readers and these linen comfy shorts can take you from the literal seaside to a beach town while sauntering around with a cute tote. | Check Price |
|
Anthropologie Womens Linen Shorts |
Linen is one of the top fabrics to help you stay cool on your summer vacation. Chilled out and relaxed, these linen soft shorts are easy breezy and are sure to be the perfect item in your travel wardrobe on hot trips. | Check Price |
|
NYDJ Bermuda Women's Shorts |
For an extra comfy fit that’s versatile, these NYDJ ladies shorts are a Bermuda style and made of soft linen-viscose blend. | Check Price |
|
Eddie Bauer Willit Legend Shorts Women |
“lots of thigh room,” | Check Price |
|
Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Womens Pull On Shorts (Plus Size) |
These Old Navy shorts are beyond comfy! They’re described as super stretchy and wearable for any activity short of hiking or walking! | Check Price |
|
Madewell Women's Pull On Shorts |
Another TFG reader favorite, Madewell offers these adorable womans shorts that could become a summer favorite! Composed of airy cotton and viscose, these are high rise so won’t slip down and these can be easily packed and washed in a machine after your trip. | Check Price |
|
Everlane Easy Canvas Woman Shorts |
A super comfy mid-rise fit, these cozy cotton beauties could be an everyday short or something to pack for an upcoming trip. | Check Price |
|
Lucky Brand Womens Soft Shorts |
So cute! These Lucky Brand pull on shorts womens pick is made of a linen-cotton blend so very ideal for hot weather, whether you’re hanging locally or somewhere international with sea and sand. | Check Price |
|
Faherty Summer Printed Shorts |
They're perfected with a just-tailored-enough fit and a fun-in-the-sun hand-dyed ikat pattern. Style with a crisp white button-down or a slouch tee to look effortlessly chic all summer long. | Check Price |
|
Athleta Ladies Walking Shorts Mid Rise |
Chambray is another light material that’s perfect for summer and these Athleta retreat linen shorts offer a good coverage due to the 4” inseam and have a lot of movement. They’re considered light, with breathable material (all linen) and have pockets! | Check Price |
Should I wear shorts?
Shorts are a controversial topic on Travel Fashion Girl. Not all female travelers feel comfortable wearing them and some even say you shouldn’t use them after a certain age (30, ouch).
Hearing so many opinions about one of my absolute favorite pieces of clothing caused a bit of internal conflict in my life. I chase the sun. I live by the sea. I don’t like wearing skirts. And I love wearing shorts.
BUT was I no longer allowed to wear them in my early thirties? Heartbreak.
During my time living in Playa del Carmen, any confusion I’ve had about women wearing shorts has subsided. I’ve seen women of all ages, shapes, and sizes wearing stylish shorts that were not only vacation appropriate – they were extremely flattering, too. If they could wear them, why can’t I?
An Italian fashion stylist in Rome explained to me her theory about shorts: if you have the legs, why not? It’s as simple as that.
With newfound confidence, I’m eager to wear my favorite piece of clothing once again and I’ve recently come across several pairs of stylish shorts for ladies that I thought were absolutely perfect for travel!
Take a look at these cute summer shorts for women!
What’s the best fabric for summer shorts?
I had two types of vacation shorts on my shopping list this past month: weightless summer shorts and a light chambray pair to replace my heavier denim.
Find out how to wear chambray clothing for your next trip
They’re perfect for beach and hot weather travel because they’re rayon – one of the best (and my favorite) fabric for the heat.
Because rayon is extremely lightweight and breathable, it keeps you cool while taking up practically no space or weight in your suitcase. Definitely a pair of travel shorts women globetrotters will want on their packing list!
How to Pack Travel Shorts
Packing cubes will change the way you pack. I designed my own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where I’ve packed everything — even my summer shorts!
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Shorts, summer, and travel; sounds like paradise! What are your favorite summer shorts for women? Share and comment below!
For more summer fashion tips, please read:
- Top Summer Dresses for a Trip Abroad – Paris Perfect
- Comfortable Sandals for Hot Weather Vacations
- Best Tank Tops for Women
- Cute Summer Rompers
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Soul Escape gifted the shorts but all opinions and love of shorts are my own.
is there a link to the cute shorts you are wearing (the black/purpish pink?) so cute!
Hi Theresa, the Violet Diamond Shorts were from Soul Escape but I don’t think the company still exists any more. I brought them a few years ago. 🙂
I’ve been traveling to Italy now annually for 25 years. Neither Italian women nor Italian men wear shorts, except at the seaside, and even then not so much. Unless you want to show you are a tourist, particularly an American tourist, better to leave your shorts at home, particularly short shorts.
Hi Kathy, thank you for taking the time to share your packing advice for Italy with us! Happy travels! ?
where is soul escape?
I think they went out of business 🙁
I have had shorts on my mind and am a bit skiddish about finding some that fit well with my body shape. I love seeing all these options. Thank you.
Glad you like the article Shayna 🙂 If you love shorts then give some a go!
Love them all…
🙂
Those violet diamond shorts are definitely cute. I definitely wouldn’t mind wearing those! They look super comfy!!
🙂 I totally agree!
If shorts not good after 30 then I’ve had a 20yr fashion faux pas. Yikes.
I totally love them after 30 Jacqueline! Keep wearing them 🙂
I love shorts all summer, I’m not interested in spending my interested trying not to flash people in skirts, but one problem I’ve noticed with shorts shopping lately is that a lot of the more relaxed, breezy style shorts lately look really weird when I put them on. I tend to get a weird FUPA-looking, diaper-ish baggy front! It is the weirdest thing and I’ve noticed it across a number of brands. I have no idea what causes it! I’m really interested in hearing about the chambray shorts you got and if you see the same strange effect.
I totally understand what you mean, and have had this problem in the past! These shorts don’t have that affect on me, which is why I love them!
Hahahaha, what?? No shorts after 30?? Hahahaha….. who said that, a 20 year old?
I agree Kiki! If you have the legs then go for it 🙂 I absolutely love this style and brand!