I love denim shorts for summer—it’s a classic that can be dressed up or down, and these jean shorts women adore are refreshing and so versatile!
Best Jean Shorts for Women
Table Of Contents
Who doesn’t love cute denim shorts for the summer! I personally adore sliding on a pair with a white tee or sleeveless top and my fave sandals. (Don’t forget those sunglasses too!)
Womens jean shorts have come a long way, gone are the days of heavier fabrics and cotton blends are a lot more lightweight.
While I don’t always bring a pair with me on trips, on the occasions I do for summer getaways, they’re super versatile for lounging around, hanging at the beach, or enjoying a fun day of exploring.
Check up a round-up of my current faves!
Summer Ready Denim Shorts Women Love
Shop on Amazon
Daily Ritual Women’s Denim Shorts
I feel like nobody can go wrong with classic cut off jean shorts. And Daily Ritual is super popular with readers (and me!), These have a “natural” fray and come in three cute colors and aren’t stiff due to a cotton, polyester, and elastane blend.
Users say this womens denim short is “breathable” and “roomy”. Really, a staple like this can dazzle any of your fave summer tops!
Shop on Eloquil | Sizes 14-28 Available
Eloquil Bermuda Plus Size Jean Shorts
Bermuda jean shorts are always popular for summer days and nights. This one is made from recycled materials and is a combination of cotton, polyester, rayon, and spandex so there’s a bit of stretch to them.
Described as “amazingly comfortable”, these beauties are mid-rise and their cool, yet clean looking wash (plus frayed hem) means they can be spruced up with a pretty short-sleeved blouse and dressy flip flops, or a casual top and slip-ons. This is a stellar option as plus size denim shorts, offered in sizes 14-28.
Shop on H&M
Editor’s Pick for Fit: Embrace High Waisted Denim Shorts
Confession: I love it when women jean shorts are dressed up! H&M’s Embrace collection is perfect for women with curves and mega fashionable as well. I wear a size 26 at 108 lbs, size 27 at 115 lbs, and size 28 at 126 lbs, so the range is pretty comprehensive.
Their blue jean shorts have pretty distressed detailing, 5-pockets, and I simply can’t get over the flattering flit. Some of the material is recycled cotton too, so it’s more sustainable!
Sidenote: I adore the Embrace jeans, too! Such a good fit for curvy hips with narrower waist.
Mid-Rise Levi Jean Shorts
I couldn’t do a list of my faves without including a pair of Levi denim shorts. They’re a classic brand with an amazing history and they’re still going strong today. Wearers describe them as classy, soft, and dang comfortable!
This Levi jean shorts womens style is super cute, made of polyester and cotton, and comes in sizes 0-18 with tons of colors, and you can buy them from several retailers. A true summer go-to when paired with a tank, tee, and sneakers or sandals.
Shop on H&M
Editor’s Pick for Edge Look: H&M High Waisted Jean Shorts
These black denim shorts are a bit shorter and trendier with a high waist fit. As you know, I wear black a lot so this shade or even a denim blue color looks fab at the beach or at festivals, not exactly for city trips.
I love how the hem is sewn over so it won’t unfold or roll down at a public washroom or port-a-potty situation. Users say these are cozy, but because they’re high-waist it might be wise to size up. Overall, super cute for women that love short jean shorts!
Shop on Old Navy | Sizes 16-30 Available
Old Navy Plus-Size Boyfriend Distressed Denim Shorts
These plus size distressed denim shorts look and feel super relaxed, with scoop pockets, patch pockets on the back, and even a coin pocket in the front.
Reviewers say the length is right without being too skimpy, and the rolled-up cuffs can be adjusted to suit your mood or outfit. Also described as soft, these Old Navy jean shorts really are flattering for all shapes, with an attractive price tag to boot ($32)!
Shop on Aritzia | Sizes 23-32 Available
Denim Forum Distressed Bermuda Jean Shorts
These sophisticated women’s Bermuda jean shorts have a classy vibe with a bit more edge because of the raw cut hem.
Though not cheap denim shorts, these are made of 98% organic cotton, and wearers say these fit well, are comfortable, and quality. Available up to size 32, wear with a fitted classic white tee or dress up with a lightweight linen button-down top.
Shop on Mango
Mango Frayed Womens Denim Short
This frayed edge jean short has a modern, cool feel and a perfect true blue color like this looks more expensive, yet these are well under $40.
So simple with a straight fit and mid-waist, you could pair these fashionable denim shorts with a button-down chambray for a chic, casual appearance. And don’t forget some sassy espadrilles!
Shop on & Other Stories
& Other Stories Frayed Women Denim Shorts
Organic cotton is said to be super soft, which is why these highrise jean shorts make my list. They have a high waist sophisticated fit, with a more relaxed look. The raw-edged hemline gives them a modern feel too!
Note that the manufacturer advises that these have a close fit, so might be a good idea to grab a size up.
Shop on Reformation | Sizes 22-31 Available
Reformation Dixie High Rise Denim Shorts
For all you Reformation fans, these white jean shorts are made for organic cotton and Tencel, quite cozy, yet stylish and contemporary.
These are fitted around the hip and are rigid denim, which means you’d have to break them in a bit, but once you do, they’ll polish up nicely for a beach club party or seaside cocktail hour. They come in sizes 22-31.
Best Denim Shorts Womens Comparison Chart
BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
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Summer Ready Denim Shorts Women Love | ||
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These have a “natural” fray and come in three cute colors and aren’t stiff due to a cotton, polyester, and elastane blend. | Check Price |
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This is a stellar option as plus size denim shorts, offered in sizes 14-28. | Check Price |
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I simply can’t get over the flattering flit. Some of the material is recycled cotton too, so it’s more sustainable! | Check Price |
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A true summer go-to when paired with a tank, tee, and sneakers or sandals. | Check Price |
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I love how the hem is sewn over so it won’t unfold or roll down at a public washroom or port-a-potty situation. | Check Price |
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These Old Navy jean shorts really are flattering for all shapes, with an attractive price tag to boot ($32)! | Check Price |
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Available up to size 32, wear with a fitted classic white tee or dress up with a lightweight linen button-down top. | Check Price |
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So simple with a straight fit and mid-waist. | Check Price |
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They have a high waist sophisticated fit, with a more relaxed look. | Check Price |
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These white jean shorts are made for organic cotton and Tencel, quite cozy, yet stylish and contemporary. | Check Price |
With Wanderlust Wrap, Adea Tank Top, Yosi SamraFlats, and Rebecca Minkoff Bag
What to Wear With Jean Shorts?
If I’m on a short getaway and have my comfortable jean shorts with me I’ll usually pair them with a stylish, yet walkable sandal or flat and revolve one to three tops with it: a tee, a tank, and a dressier sleeveless blouse. Sometimes, I’ll also wear a wrap for chillier evenings if by the sea.
I tend to like the frayed denim shorts style but overall, any jean shorts featured in the list above are so versatile.
With Michael Stars Top and Aerosole Sandals
Depending on the weather (some summer days are hotter than others), a denim shorts outfit can be uber casual with a classic t-shirt, airy tank top, a 3/4 length shirt, comfortable slip-on sneakers or some stylin’ flip flops.
Ladies denim shorts can take on many activities, from very light trail hiking or park walks to market and urban exploring. You can add jewelry, hats, belts, light jacket or wrap, and your favorite bag to imbue more interest. (Again, never forgot those sunglasses to top off your summertime look!)
With merino wool top and Encircled Scarf
For dressing up, high waist denim shorts have a bit more sophistication, which looks amazing with an elegant draped top and some sandal wedges.
Essentially, womens blue jean shorts can almost act like a neutral, one that’s classic and instantly recognizable.
Overall, it’s about playing with colors, styles of tops and shoes, and then coming up with denim shorts outfits that make you feel as good as you look!
Traveling With Denim Jean Shorts? Here’s How to Pack Them
If you’re planning a getaway with your cute jean 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 also 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 method has helped me travel carry-on only!
What is your favorite denim short for women? Share your top pick below!
For more women’s shorts, please read:
- Stylish Summer Shorts for Women: Must-Have Vacation Essentials
- Cute Summer Shorts for Women: 8 Trends to Buy Right Now
- Should You Wear Shorts in Paris…Ever?
- Get Creative! DIY Denim Shorts for Women
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What about casual capris for women 60+ years who don’t want to run around with not—so-lovely knees!? Also other summer styles, blouses, etc that won’t be snug even for women of average weight. Thanks!
Hi Katherine, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at this article where we feature a range of different options for shorts including different lengths: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/summer-shorts-for-women/
Then for blouses and other tops we have a wide range of articles featuring different styles, you can check them all out here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/category/fashion/travel-clothing-for-women/travel-tops/ Hope this helps!