Nuevo Culture

Find the Perfect Pair With Vogue’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Jean Shorts

Shorts supporter or not, you can’t deny the ease of a pair of denim cut-offs in the summer. Finding the best jean shorts, however, can be overwhelming. Similar to a pair of jeans, you have to consider the combination of cut, length, rigidness, and wash in order to find the perfect fit and style. Thankfully, there are plenty of shorts cut every which way from which to choose.

Whether you pair them with sneakers and a t-shirt or a blazer and heeled sandals, jean shorts are pretty versatile, making for quite the effortless summertime uniform to be dressed up or down. For something simple yet classic, a-line shaped shorts with finished hems feel polished while also nodding to the ’90s mom short. While distressed cut-offs feel just right slipped on with a bikini top for a day at the beach. A built-in belted pair can bring you from day to date night, and a dip-dyed or bright-hued wash bodes well for the camp counselor trend that seems to be coming back summer after summer.

Whether you prefer Daisy Duke-worthy short shorts to more minimal silhouettes in knee-grazing lengths, there’s something for everyone—even the non-shorts wearer might be convinced!

Here, find 28 pairs of the absolute best jean shorts for women to wear now and all summer long.

Midi Magic

A not too tight, not too loose a-line silhouette that falls perfectly on the middle of the thigh, a no-fuss version of the classic straight jean short.

Everlane the A-Line denim short

$60

EVERLANE

Cos straight-fit denim shorts

$69

COS

Madewell Momjean short in Ainslie wash

$70

MADEWELL

Agolde criss-cross denim shorts

$233

HARRODS

You’re Cut Off

Rigid yet worn in, these distressed denim shorts are complete with raw edges and stringy frayed hems, achieving the ultimate laid-back look.

Agolde Parker vintage cut-off shorts

$128

SHOPBOP

Polo Ralph Lauren Sophia denim shorts

$98

RALPH LAUREN

7 For All Mankind Monroe cut-off short with exposed buttons in Pisces blue

$148

7 FOR ALL MANKIND

Moussy Vintage Shirley distressed denim shorts

$245

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Short Shorts

Hot days call for high hemlines. If you dare to wear mini-shorts, consider pairs from Khaite, Rag and Bone, Re/Done, and more.

Rag & Bone Maya high-rise shorty shorts

$198

RAG & BONE

Khaite Charlotte mid-rise denim shorts

$280

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Raey Rivet cut-off denim shorts

$102

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Re/Done the Shorts

$175

RE/DONE

Summer Daze

While true blue denim is synonymous with Americana-inspired summer fashion, these colorful spins on the jean short feel on par with the fun, carefree vibe of the season.

Saint Laurent baggy tie-dye denim shorts

$690

THE WEBSTER

Mother Shaker Prep short-short fray

$188

MOTHER DENIM

Mango high-waist denim bermuda

$60$42
MANGO

Stella McCartney tie-dye denim shorts

$220

BROWNS FASHION

Go Long

The Bermuda-length short is here to stay. If you’re a fan of the knee-grazing style, you’ll find really good options from Frame, Citizens of Humanity, Gap, and Zara.

Zara ripped denim shorts

$36

ZARA

Citizens of Humanity Ambrosio shorts

$158

REVOLVE

Frame high-waist raw-edge denim bermuda shorts

$198

NORDSTROM

Gap 9-inch high-rise denim bermuda shorts with Washwell

$60

GAP

Belted

For a jean short that’s pre-styled, consider a pleated pair or one with a paper bag waist, topped off with a coordinating belt or tie.

Michael Michael Kors belted pleated denim shorts

$110

NET-A-PORTER

& Other Stories belted denim shorts

$79

& OTHER STORIES

Closed Airi paperbag-waist denim shorts

$290

NORDSTROM

Ulla Johnson Alec belted denim shorts

$295

NET-A-PORTER

No Time to Waist

Some of the season’s best jean shorts are revamped versions of the classic. Whether it’s cinched, features crossover detailing, or double waistbands, these shorts make an effortlessly cool and subtle statement.

Levi's women's high-waisted mom shorts

$39

AMAZON

R13 crossover distressed denim shorts

$265

INTERMIX

Veronica Beard Jaylen notch-waist Short

$228

VERONICA BEARD

Ganni dark indigo denim high-waisted shorts

$265

GANNI