Skip to Content

The 24 Best Jean Shorts That Fit Every Summer Occasion

Jorts season is finally here.

By Aemilia Madden
three jean shorts for women in front of white backdrops in a roundup of the best jean shorts for women 2022
Courtesy

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Your calendar is stacked with beach days, barbecues, and weekend getaways—occasions that require a wardrobe that's equal parts versatile and cute. One summer staple you don't want to overlook is the ubiquitous denim cutoff. The best jean shorts are easily styled in multiple ways, making them the ideal item to throw into a carry-on suitcase when you have limited room.

"Denim shorts exist in a unique space because you can pop them on in the morning barefoot with a bikini top and head to the beach, and then wear them to dinner or a gathering with a belt, a great button-down, and a simple sandal," Brigette Deshais, vice president of women's design at AYR, says. "There's a reason denim shorts never go out of style: They go hand in hand with how we love to spend our summer days."

Part of what makes denim shorts a must-wear for summer is the wide range of options available depending on what best fits your style and needs. Distressed designs can be ideal for casual daytime settings, while something high-waisted with a tailored fit has an inherently dressier feel (perhaps even for the office). If you're looking for something particularly trendy this summer, "it's about a longer-inseam denim short," Deshais shares. "I think we're going to see less Daisy Duke–length denim shorts and a more relaxed fit overall—shorts that sit slightly lower on the waist and give more coverage to your bum and thighs." Ahead, shop the best jean shorts for summer, whatever your plans may be.

Best Distressed Black Shorts

Levi's Cutoff Denim Shorts

Cutoff Denim Shorts
Best Distressed Black Shorts

Levi's Cutoff Denim Shorts

$69 at Nordstrom$50 at Amazon$69 at Bloomingdale's
Credit: Nordstrom
Pros
  • Relaxed Fit
Cons

    These go-with-anything black shorts are the ideal style to pair with sandals or sneakers.

    Best Bermuda Shorts

    DL1961 Emilie High Rise Jean Shorts

    Emilie High Rise Jean Shorts
    Best Bermuda Shorts

    DL1961 Emilie High Rise Jean Shorts

    Credit: Shopbop
    Pros
    • More Coverage
    Cons

      Look for Bermuda shorts that hit mid-thigh for a relaxed, cool aesthetic that offers a bit more coverage.

      Best Patchwork Shorts

      Sea Dagmar Denim Mini Shorts

      Dagmar Denim Mini Shorts
      Best Patchwork Shorts

      Sea Dagmar Denim Mini Shorts

      Credit: Moda Operandi
      Pros
      • Zipper Fly
      Cons

        Not a fan of traditional button flys? This style is zipper only—easy!

        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
        Best Colored Denim Shorts

        Warp + Weft Trouser Short

        Trouser Short
        Best Colored Denim Shorts

        Warp + Weft Trouser Short

        Now 68% Off
        Credit: Warp & Weft
        Pros
        • Inclusive Sizing
        Cons

          If you want an alternative to your usual blue jeans, try these buttery-yellow shorts instead.

          Best Elastic-Waistband Shorts

          Still Here Ames Shorts

          Ames Shorts
          Best Elastic-Waistband Shorts

          Still Here Ames Shorts

          Now 27% Off
          Credit: Still Here
          Pros
          • Comfortable
          Cons

            Don't stress about the waistband: This style is elastic, so it will move comfortably with you.

            Best Plus-Size Distressed Short

            Good American The Bombshell Short

            The Bombshell Short
            Best Plus-Size Distressed Short

            Good American The Bombshell Short

            Now 15% Off
            Credit: Good American
            Pros
            • Inclusive Sizing
            Cons

              Cutoffs are a summer must-wear. This style has just the right amount of distressing.

              Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
              Best Embroidered Jean Shorts

              Farm Rio Frayed Embroidered Denim Shorts

              Frayed Embroidered Denim Shorts
              Best Embroidered Jean Shorts

              Farm Rio Frayed Embroidered Denim Shorts

              Now 50% Off
              Credit: net-a-porter
              Pros
              • Colorful
              Cons

                Brighten up your summer style with these embroidered jean shorts from Brazilian label Farm Rio.

                Best Roomy Shorts

                Agolde Parker Long Shorts

                Parker Long Shorts
                Best Roomy Shorts

                Agolde Parker Long Shorts

                Credit: Free People
                Pros
                • Comfortable
                Cons

                  "I love that these are a bit longer and roomy at the bottom but still high waisted. They hit all my musts in a denim short," BAZAAR.com editor-at-large Kerry Pieri says. "I wear them with maillots and button-downs all summer."

                  Best White Shorts

                  AYR The Juuust Riiight Shorts

                  The Juuust Riiight Shorts
                  Best White Shorts

                  AYR The Juuust Riiight Shorts

                  Credit: AYR
                  Pros
                  • Polished
                  Cons

                    White shorts will keep you cool and look polished all at once. The medium rise is great for styling with button-downs and tees.

                    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                    Best Paperbag-Waist Shorts

                    Miu Miu Logo-Print Paperbag-Waist Denim Shorts

                    Logo-Print Paperbag-Waist Denim Shorts
                    Best Paperbag-Waist Shorts

                    Miu Miu Logo-Print Paperbag-Waist Denim Shorts

                    Credit: Matchesfashion
                    Pros
                    • High Rise
                    Cons

                      These high-rise denim shorts will stand out from the crowd thanks to the bold logo print.

                      Best High-Waisted Black Shorts

                      Rag & Bone Denim Cutoff Shorts

                      Denim Cutoff Shorts
                      Best High-Waisted Black Shorts

                      Rag & Bone Denim Cutoff Shorts

                      Now 60% Off
                      Credit: Nordstrom
                      Pros
                      • Mid-Thigh Length
                      Cons

                        Simple black shorts are a great base piece when building a summer outfit. The mid-thigh length offers just enough coverage.

                        Best Carpenter Shorts

                        Madewell Baggy Carpenter Jean Shorts in Delemere Wash

                        Baggy Carpenter Jean Shorts in Delemere Wash
                        Best Carpenter Shorts

                        Madewell Baggy Carpenter Jean Shorts in Delemere Wash

                        Credit: Madewell
                        Pros
                        • Casual
                        Cons

                          With the popularity of carpenter pants, test the trend out in shorts form as well.

                          Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                          Best Knee-Length Denim Shorts

                          IRO Knee-Length Denim Shorts

                          Knee-Length Denim Shorts
                          Best Knee-Length Denim Shorts

                          IRO Knee-Length Denim Shorts

                          Credit: Farfetch
                          Pros
                          • Maximum Coverage
                          Cons

                            For even more coverage than Bermuda shorts, try these long shorts that rival a culotte length.

                            Best Mid-Rise Short

                            Agolde 90's Short Mid Rise Loose Shorts

                            90's Short Mid Rise Loose Shorts
                            Best Mid-Rise Short

                            Agolde 90's Short Mid Rise Loose Shorts

                            Credit: Shopbop
                            Pros
                            • Trendy
                            Cons

                              "This pair is just like Agolde's editor-beloved 90's Pinch Waist Jean, but much more appropriate for summer," Halie LeSavage, BAZAAR fashion commerce editor, says.

                              Best Plus-Size White Shorts

                              Universal Thread Vintage Bermuda Jean Shorts

                              Vintage Bermuda Jean Shorts
                              Best Plus-Size White Shorts

                              Universal Thread Vintage Bermuda Jean Shorts

                              Credit: Target
                              Pros
                              • Easy to Style
                              Cons

                                These casual shorts may seem simple, but they're especially easy to style in a dressier fashion. Just swap in a blouse and heels.

                                Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                                Best Mom-Approved Jean Shorts

                                Joe's Ozzie Cutoff Shorts

                                Ozzie Cutoff Shorts
                                Best Mom-Approved Jean Shorts

                                Joe's Ozzie Cutoff Shorts

                                Now 40% Off
                                Credit: Nordstrom
                                Pros
                                • Versatile
                                Cons

                                  "Joe's Jeans is one of my favorite denim brands of all time, so it’s no surprise I keep a few of their shorts in my summer wardrobe rotation," Tiffany Dodson, BAZAAR associate beauty commerce editor, says. "Not only is this pair extremely comfortable and highly versatile, but they're also short without being too short—my mom even approves of their length."

                                  Best Tie-Dye Shorts

                                  Dries van Noten Tie-Dyed Denim Shorts

                                  Tie-Dyed Denim Shorts
                                  Best Tie-Dye Shorts

                                  Dries van Noten Tie-Dyed Denim Shorts

                                  Now 60% Off
                                  Credit: net-a-porter
                                  Pros
                                  • Colorful
                                  Cons

                                    Don't shy away from bold colors. These denim shorts will surely make a statement.

                                    Best Beachy Denim Shorts

                                    Frame Le Grand Garcon Short

                                    Le Grand Garcon Short
                                    Best Beachy Denim Shorts

                                    Frame Le Grand Garcon Short

                                    Credit: Frame
                                    Pros
                                    • Relaxed Fit
                                    Cons

                                      The distressed hems on these shorts gives them a relaxed, beach-appropriate vibe. Throw them on over your favorite bikini.

                                      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                                      Best Light-Wash Denim Shorts

                                      Marni Blue Denim Shorts

                                      Blue Denim Shorts
                                      Best Light-Wash Denim Shorts

                                      Marni Blue Denim Shorts

                                      Credit: Ssense
                                      Pros
                                      • Light Wash
                                      Cons

                                        During the summer months, light-wash denim is the way to go. These shorts are ideal for daytime with a pair of lace-up sandals.

                                        Best Frayed Shorts

                                        Grlfrnd Helena Destroyed Boyfriend Shorts

                                        Helena Destroyed Boyfriend Shorts
                                        Best Frayed Shorts

                                        Grlfrnd Helena Destroyed Boyfriend Shorts

                                        Credit: Bergdorf Goodman
                                        Pros
                                        • Relaxed Fit
                                        Cons

                                          If you prefer jean shorts that resemble a traditional cut-off style, try these with frayed hems.

                                          Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

                                          The Edit: Fashion

                                          street style day 2 copenhagen fashion week springsummer 2024

                                          18 Trench Coats With Enduring Appeal

                                          this skirt trend makes getting dressed a breeze

                                          This Skirt Trend Makes Getting Dressed a Breeze

                                          celebrities love these $110 new balance sneakers

                                          Celebrities Love These $110 New Balance Sneakers

                                          a person's legs and shoes

                                          The It Sneaker Era Is Ending

                                          Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                                          Advertisement - Continue Reading Below