"There used to come a time every May where the jeans shorts tucked away in the back of my dresser start haunting my every thought. (Why do they never fit the same way they did last summer?!) I was tired of the age-old denim short freak-out, so I made it a goal to find a pair of denim shorts I’d actually look forward to wearing.
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During my quest for the perfect pair of denim shorts, an important factor was that they were made of high-quality materials that held up year after year. Another important factor was the price. For something I wear during less than half the year, I didn’t want to break my budget looking for the perfect pair. Lucky for you, I found 16 pairs that hit both of those points. Below are 16 pairs of the best denim shorts that’ll stand the test of time, and they all come in at under $100.
If we had to pick the shorts of the summer, they’re 100% Abercrombie’s High-Rise Dad Shorts. These sell out quick, so if you see your size in stock, we’d recommend you snag it ASAP. The denim is comfy and not too tight or rigid, and the length sits perfectly at mid-thigh. They give the perfect amount of vintage vibes with a modern feel.
9 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 37
Abercrombie’s Curve Love line is heaven-sent if you’re prone to waist gapping in your jeans. They account for extra inches in the hip and thigh so that waist-gapping is literally non-existent. Their High Rise Mom shorts have a shorter hem than the Dad Shorts, but still offer a good amount of coverage and a comfy yet snug fit.
6 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 37
Madewell’s Perfect Vintage Jeans already hold a soft spot in our hearts, so it’s a no brainer that their Perfect Vintage Jean Shorts do as well. These mid-length shorts are fitted at the waist and flare out to give that perfect cut-off look.
available in sizes 23 to 33
Patch pockets on denim are so in right now, especially when paired with ballet flats or platform sandals this summer. These Madewell shorts are made of their signature denim that is meant to hold you in and accentuate you in all the right places. (Um, yes please.) The curvy fit prevents waist-gapping if that’s an issue for you, and the A-line style of the shorts is flattering on absolutely everyone.
3 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 33
Plus-size options available
These fitted A-line shorts from Madewell are made of structured denim that give enough stretch while still looking and feeling already broken in. With a 5.5” inseam, they’re the perfect length that isn’t too long or too short. They have front welt pockets that hide the pockets along the waistband, which give these classic shorts a fun, vintage look.
available in sizes 14W to 28W
Levi’s 501 Jeans are truly going to be a classic until the end of time, and the fact that they came out with a mid-thigh length for their shorts is truly a game changer. These shorts are made of 100% cotton and have a broken-in look, so if someone asks you if they’re vintage, you can sort-of say yes.
7 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 34
Another vintage-looking classic from Levi’s, their ‘80s Mom Shorts are a reliable option to return to summer after summer. Their high-rise waist and A-line silhouette lend to a flattering silhouette for everyone. They’re short, but still long enough to cover you up to ensure no wardrobe malfunctions occur.
4 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 33
Like it or not, looooong denim shorts are back in style. Take this trend for a spin with this pair from Levi’s. Made of 95% cotton with a 6.5” inseam, they’re not too long, and they offer a baggy fit to pair with all your tanks, tees, or button-ups all season long.
4 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 34
Everlane’s denim is not one to be overlooked. These shorts are made of 100% non-stretch organic cotton, so you know they have a soft-yet-durable feel. This pair flares out at the hem and sits right at the upper thigh for a hem that isn’t too tight or uncomfortable on the thigh.
5 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 33
Not into the high-waisted look? Old Navy always has some of the best denim with options at every possible rise, and these Mid-Rise Boyfriend Cut-Off shorts sit right below the belly button for a perfect mid-rise waist. These cotton shorts have a good soft stretch to them, and aren’t skin-tight, so they’re ideal for occasions you’ll be wearing them for long periods. Let’s not forget to mention that this high-quality pair is on sale right now for $20.
4 colors available
available in sizes 0 to 30
Gap’s denim is going to deliver every single time, and their low-rise denim shorts are a perfect option if you’re looking to try out the low-rise trend this summer. They’re loose throughout the hip and thigh, and are made of a 95% non-stretch cotton material. These jeans only get better with time. An investment, if you ask us.
3 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 36
Looking for a pair of shorts that are actually comfortable and won’t break the bank? These ones are your girl. Made of 99% cotton, so they won’t sag throughout the day, but will mold to your body’s shape with wear (and look cute while doing so!). Plus, they’re on sale right now for $25.
2 colors available
available in sizes 10 to 30
& Other Stories seriously has some of the best denim options and I’m ready for the whole world to know! Their denim shorts are soft and comfortable, but still have that lived-in hard denim look. For being made of a non-stretch denim, these might be some of the comfiest denim shorts out there.
3 colors available
available in sizes 0 to 12
Zara is here to show us that mom-fit shorts aren’t going out of style any time soon. These denim shorts are made of 99% cotton, and are a great pick-up if you want a quality pair of denim shorts. With their affordable price tag, we recommend getting a pair in every color.
4 colors available
available in sizes 25 to 32
Cuffed shorts never go out of style, and Mango knew what they were doing when they made this pair. These shorts are made of 100% cotton and are soft and stretchy for all-day wear. The inseam stops at mid thigh, and are definitely going to be the shorts that stick with you for every summer activity you have in your calendar.
3 colors available
available in sizes 1 to 22
If you’re looking for a less-structured, super-relaxed pair of denim shorts, try this Aritzia mid-thigh pair. These shorts are made to only get better the more you wear them, and are made of 100% Italian cotton. The frayed hem is always going to be in style, and brings a casual-cool vibe to the shorts.
8 colors available
available in sizes 23 to 32