(We Got To Have It)

Is It Even Summer If You Haven’t Bought New Denim Shorts?

Here are the season’s cutest styles.

June 25, 2023

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Summer, of course, is the season of shorts, but for many it is specifically the season of denim shorts. The style, be it of the slouchy cutoff or cleanly tailored variety, is somehow imbued with the languid nature of lazy hot days in which one does not have much to do. Jorts (jean + shorts) are what Jane Birken would wear while frolicking around the South of France with Serge Gainsbourg, and Alexa Chung’s go-to for mucking around all manner of music festivals (cute rocker boyfriend in tow) in the early aughts. And these days practically every celebrity, including Marion Cotillard and Taylor Swift, has the warm weather staple in their closet — and, naturally, their own memorable way of wearing it.

The TZR team is no different. Once the temperature start creeping up and we have more and more beach days and long weekends on our calendars, jean culottes are something we rely on for both ease and outfit versatility. A few of our favorites? Right now that’s shaping up to be quite the diverse list, spanning from the vintage-inspired Re/Done silhouettes (just add a cropped concert tee) to relaxed pleat-front silhouettes by way of Abercrombie (so chic with a white button-down and skinny belt!). See and shop these pieces ahead, along with our editors’ other top recommendations.

Tôteme

High-Rise Wide-Leg Denim Shorts

$320

“I live in denim shorts during the summer, but finding a pair that I can also wear to work, perhaps with a summer blazer and tank, is a challenge. I love the crisp, minimal design of these knee-length shorts and the dark blue hue that makes it feel more dressed up than the casual, light blues.” — Kathy Lee, editor-in-chief, TZR

Nili Lotan

Yoann Frayed Denim Shorts

$350

“There was a real specific moment in my life when I spend my summer in cutoffs so short you could see the pockets hanging out the front. Now, while I haven’t forsaken jorts altogether, I prefer something a little more refined. This longer Nili Lotan style offers just that thanks to its relaxed cut and higher rise. I could wear these with a white button-down and loafers to a casual work event and no one would blink twice.” — Alison Syrett, deputy fashion editor, TZR

Closed

Bermuda Shorts

$340

“I want a pair of slightly longer shorts for summer and like the way Closed’s denim feels. I have super soft baggy jeans from them, so I know these shorts will likely be comfortable as well. They’ll be the easy throw-on-and-go pair for summer, matching with everything from a brown ribbed tank to a long-sleeve tee when the weather gets a bit chilly.” — Marina Liao, senior fashion news editor, TZR

RE/DONE

50s Cutoff Shorts

$195

“Every year, without fail, I gravitate towards a roomy cutoff short. This year, I'm grabbing this indigo blue pair from Re/Done. I like that it hits a bit longer on the thigh without veering into Bermuda short territory. They go nicely with all my summer staples: bodysuits, cropped tees, bathing suits, etc.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR

AGOLDE

Parker Long Short

$148

“I'd been looking for denim shorts that are a little more polished than classic cutoffs, but not so formal that they couldn't pair well with ribbed tank tops or an old T-shirt. This AGOLDE pair is a dream combination of both elements. There's a bit of fraying at the hems that makes them feel lived-in, which is helped by the super-soft fabric and faded color. But at the same time, the high-rise fit and longer leg length means they can easily be dressed up.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR

Levi's

501 Mid Thigh Women's Shorts

$70

“As someone who lives in jeans, I take denim shorts very seriously. This pair from Levis offers the same fit as their beloved 501s, which I've searched high and low for in vintage stores, and isn't too short or too tight around the thighs. The dark wash and finished hem elevates the classic silhouette.” — Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR

Abercrombie

High Rise Loose Short

$70

“When it comes to denim shorts, comfort is my main concern. I look for high rise styles with a longer inseam and looser fit, and this pair checks all of those boxes. This classic blue jean wash will go with everything in my wardrobe — I'll be wearing them all season long.” — Maggie Haddad, senior social media strategist, TZR

AGOLDE

Parker Distressed Denim Shorts

$140

“The perfect denim shorts DO exist thanks to AGOLDE. Let me explain. Their Parker shorts hit every requirement: cutoff style but long enough to fully cover your behind, vintage look with a modern fit, no rips in the wrong places, a reasonable price point, and they come in a variety of colorways! I own a few pairs, sometimes sizing up for a roomier, loose fit and in others taking my normal size for a more fitted look.” — Rebecca Iloulian, director of newsletter revenue and marketing, BDG

Levi's

501 '90s Denim Shorts

$70

“Shorts used to be hard for me but I’ve begun wearing them a lot more as of late. My go-to options tend to have a longer inseam and looser fit around the thigh. This pair from Levi’s would easily fit into my summer wardrobe because it can be dressed up with a cute sandal or worn with my favorite pair of Vans.” — Jessica Fields, beauty writer, TZR