Let’s face it: denim shorts have gotten a bad rap. Blame it on all the celebs routinely sporting cutoffs to Coachella. (Even though the festival was canceled this year due to the pandemic.) Jean shorts are actually summer staples. And the best denim shorts go with every other seasonal essential in your closet.
The key is to look for ones that aren’t too short or too long. Bermuda shorts are proving popular, but you want to make sure they’re not too tight in the leg area. If you’re brave enough to go the almost-micro route, opt for pairs that feature fancy hems, like cuffs or substantially frayed edges. When it comes to washes, pretty much anything goes. You can rock dark shades, bleached hues and even acid wash — it all depends on the cut and the brand.
Check out the slideshow above for the best denim shorts around. If you’re also in need of some styling inspo, all you need to do is look to the street style set.