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Just like a nice blazer or a white T-shirt, some wardrobe staples never go out of style. Such is the case with the jean shorts, an American fashion favorite so popular that the silhouette was practically a main character on the ’70s TV show, the dukes of hazardd. (Shouts to Daisy Duke.)
While we’ll always love a good micro-cut moment, our legs definitely appreciate Hailey Bieber’s revival of bermuda shorts, aka shorts, aka oversized knee-length shorts. (Yes, while “jorts” literally means “jean shorts,” in the fashion world the term only applies to a specific, baggy, dadcore look. The more you know!) Hailey’s specific pair is the Levi’s 501 of that season. sourcing company Orlee denim.
Related: The best women’s sunglasses for every summer style
Whether you’re shopping for new festival looks or updating your everyday summer wardrobe, we’ve rounded up the best denim shorts to wear this season and beyond. From micros to retros, cargo and cutaways, check out our top picks below from Levi’s, Madewell, Rag & Bone, Re/Done and many other Hollywood-loved brands (including some on sale at Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale). .
1. Women’s Original Levi’s 501 Shorts
We would never keep the holy grail of jean shorts. In fact, we are warming up with he pair that every lover of style deserves. The Levi’s 501 Original Shorts are 100% cotton, high-rise, hip-hugging and available in a variety of sizes and washes.
Amazon
Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts
2. Circus NY Lace Up High Waisted Denim Shorts
For the daring, we recommend the Circus NY High Waisted Denim Shorts, which feature a corset-style front zipper, front and back pockets, and a frayed hem.
nordstrom
Circus NY High Waisted Lace Up Denim Shorts
3. Free People Denim Culottes
We had to throw a culotte into the mix, and this Free People jean look is easily a winner. Available in a light or dark wash, this style is part skirt, part short. Key details include a front zip closure concealed by the skirt’s fabric, a side tie and a frayed hem.
spin
Free People Denim Culottes
4. Laura Stripe Mirage Shorts by Rolla
These striped stretch jean shorts from Rolla’s (which counts Sofia Richie Grainge as a celebrity ambassador) fit right in on the beach without leaning too much sailor style.
Rolla’s Women’s Laura Stripe Mirage Shorts
5. Katie High Rise Wrap Denim Shorts
What we love about the Katie jean shorts from Universal Standard (besides the variety of sizes and the half-off sale price) is the wrap style that makes it easy to add a natural touch to your summer looks.
universal standard
Katie High Rise Wrap Denim Shorts (reg. $88)
6. Good American Good ’90s High Rise Denim Shorts
About those shorts. These Good American ’90s High Rise Denim Shorts are the most stylish shorts you’ll ever see, offering just the right amount of length and comfort. Constructed from a cotton-lyocell blend and featuring a frayed hem, there’s no need to search far and wide for a throwback pair when this style is here waiting for you.
MORE PURCHASE OPTIONS: Good American | Net-A-Porter
net-a-porter
Good American Good ’90s High Rise Denim Shorts
8. Agolde Cooper Cargo Denim Shorts
The dadcore love continues in Agolde’s denim cargo shorts, but with a sleek modern twist. Instead of side cargo pockets, these pockets sit right in front of the leg and offer an update to your standard utility-style shorts. For the conscious shopper, these jeans are made from at least 50 percent organic and recycled cotton.
Farfetch
Agolde Cooper Cargo Denim Shorts
9. Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Denim Shorts
Another way to go retro? Madewell’s Perfect Vintage mid-length jean shorts feature a four button fly, a super high fitted waist and side seam slits to channel your favorite daisy jones and the six character. (For a limited time, get 25 percent off with code SUNDAZE.)
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Mid Length Denim Shorts
10. Re/Done ’90s Low Rise Denim Shorts
Dua Lipa can’t get enough of Re/Done’s 1990s low-rise jean shorts, having been seen on multiple occasions over the years in this exact pair. Classic details include a zip fly with button closure, a five-pocket silhouette and a flattering not-too-short cut.
MORE PURCHASE OPTIONS: Amazon | Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s
Re/Done ’90s Low Rise Denim Shorts
11. Rag & Bone Vintage Cut Distressed Denim Shorts
A solid pair of black cropped shorts is summer’s answer to a good pair of black pants. Rag & Bone’s vintage-inspired cuts are perfectly distressed and the stiff fabric is split at the sides for ease of movement, meaning the fit of these high-rise favorites will improve and become like a second skin with every wear.
net-a-porter
Rag & Bone vintage fit distressed jean shorts
12. Isabel Marant Etoile Eneidao Frayed Denim Shorts
Going out big in frayed denim shorts by Isabel Marant Etoile aka designer Daisy Dukes, well done. Also available in blue, we love the white pair for summer. A word to the wise: These high-rise shorts run petite and feature a stretchy fabric, so play it safe by sizing up.
net-a-porter
Isabel Marant Etoile Eneidao frayed denim shorts