As a true Midwest girl, jean shorts are practically part of my religion—and believe me, I’ve tried them all. From Daisy Dukes that barely grazed my thighs to the infamous crochet-lined pairs that defined my high school summers in 2016 to ultra-baggy silhouettes that swallowed my frame whole, my drawer has seen it all.
These days, though, I’m all about finding the perfect cut, fit, and length, the kind that hugs in all the right places and passes the sit test (who wants to be adjusting their shorts all day long?!). This summer, I made a vow to refuse to spend another minute in ill-fitting denim.
So, in my quest to find the best pair, I did as any self-respecting Gen Z girl would do: I opened up TikTok and went down the rabbit hole in search of the internet’s favorite jean shorts. After hours of scrolling, screenshotting, and parsing through comment sections, I compiled a short list of the internet’s most hyped jean shorts. I wasn’t just looking for what looked cute in a try-on. My criteria were clear: How do they hold up after a wash? Could I spend hours sitting comfortably in them? Are they actually flattering IRL and not just in a mirror selfie? I mean, this was some serious investigative journalism for goodness sake!
After putting each pair through my highly scientific testing process, which included wearing them to brunch, walking my dogs, sweating through a few subway rides, and even standing in a crowd at an outdoor concert, I’ve officially landed on five standouts.
Whether you’re shopping for a Labor Day Weekend getaway or you’re like me and plan to wear denim shorts for as long as humanly possible into the fall, I can confidently say these pairs deserve a spot in your rotation.
Citizens of Humanity Marlow Long Shorts
This pair feels like a designer version of jean shorts. The denim has that crisp, weighty feel that molds to your body over time, and they hit at an appropriate, above-the-knee spot. They’re definitely going to be a staple for me, especially when I want a more polished look from a short.
Composition: 100% regenerative cotton
Sizes: 23–34
Wash Options: 6
Fit: True to size.
How I’d Style Them:
Citizens of Humanity
Marlow Long Shorts in Amaretto
Citizens of Humanity
Cropped Western Denim Shirt
Bottega Veneta
Bold Ribbon Stud Sunglasses
Margaux
The Phoebe in Burgundy Nappa
Ring Concierge
Chain Dusters
Parker Thatch
Micro Mimi in Zebra
Levi’s Premium High Rise Baggy Shorts
There’s something undeniably timeless about a pair of Levi’s, and this pair proves why. The fit is unexpectedly polished: no gaping at the waist, a flattering hug through the hips, and a structured feel that isn’t too stiff. The dark wash adds a level of sophistication, and while I customized them for a raw edge, the clean hem lends itself perfectly to more elevated styling. At this price point, they’re practically a no-brainer.
Sizes: 23–34
Wash Options: 8
Composition: 95% Cotton, 5% Recycled Cotton
Fit: These run a bit small. I recommend going up one size for a more relaxed fit.
How I’d Style Them:
Levi’s
High Rise Baggy Women’s Shorts
Levi’s
Shrunken ’90s Western Trucker Jacket
The Great
The Square Stripe Crop Top
Rabanne
1969 Ball Chainmail Shoulder Bag
Lowercase
Steeplechase Sun in Canary
Vibi Venezia
Mary Janes in Cherry
Reformation Raye Mid-Rise Relaxed Jean Shorts
These might be the comfiest denim shorts I’ve ever put on—no exaggeration. The fabric is unexpectedly soft and has just the right amount of stretch. I love the longer inseam and the trend-forward grommets, which give them a cool twist. It’s no surprise they were all over my feed.
Sizes: 23–34
Wash Options: 4
Composition: 60% organically grown cotton, 40% Tencel x Refibra Lyocell
Fit: True to size.
How I’d Style Them:
Reformation
Raye Mid-Rise Relaxed Jean Shorts in Chesapeake Studded
Jenni Kayne
Fisherman Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Miron Crosby
Missy Crème
Lizzie Fortunato
Arc Resin Cuff
Liffner
Pillow Pouch Micro Army Suede
Agolde Parker Long Shorts in Skywave
The waist on these sits just right, is secure but relaxed, and the loose leg gives them an easygoing, lived-in energy that feels quintessentially summer. The soft, sun-faded wash reads vintage in the best way, making them ideal for everything from casual afternoons to polished off-duty looks.
Sizes: 23–33
Wash Options: 4
Composition: 100% cotton
Fit: True to size.
How I’d Style Them:
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts
Reformation
Mayla Linen Top in Black
Maison Margiela
Tabi Country Mary-Janes
Le Specs
Duskfall Sunglasses
The Great
The Bandana in Almost Black
Rabanne
XL Silver Tone Bracelet
Re/Done 70s High Rise Short
These look exactly like something you’d spot in a ’70s photograph. I’m in love with the light wash and rolled hem, which give them that perfectly worn-in feel, and the fit hits that sweet spot of just cheeky enough without veering into risky territory. I firmly believe every wardrobe needs at least one pair of true short shorts, and this pair is ideal for throwing on anytime you want that effortless French-girl uniform from summer straight into fall.
Sizes: 23–32
Wash Options: 1
Composition: 100% Cotton
Fit: These definitely run on the smaller side. I recommend going up at least one size for a normal fit, or two sizes for a more relaxed fit.
How I’d Style Them:
Re/Done
70s High Rise Short in Ola Indigo
Re/Done
Tiny Cherries Tee
Guest in Residence
Striped Rugby Collared Shirt
Havaianas
Slim Square Sandal
Ganni
Washed Cotton Canvas Embroidered Cap
