The Best Denim Shorts for Summer

You have probably noticed that my single favorite item of clothing is a good pair of jeans. That being the case, it’s probably not a surprise that my favorite summer staple is a good pair of denim shorts! I thought it would be fun to do a roundup of the best denim shorts for summer! I ordered three popular styles that I hadn’t ever tried at various price points. At the bottom of the post, I’m linking some other styles that I already own and love. Please excuse my obvious need for a tan… this is the problem with shooting content before it’s actually the appropriate season. 😉

Blank NYC Cuffed Distressed Shorts

I’ve heard a lot of positive things about Blank NYC, both for shorts and for jeans. They have cute, on trend washes and the price point is great! The pair I’m wearing is $78, so these are in the middle price wise of what I tried. However, that is the full price, and you know I’m all about looking for a good deal! Nordstrom Rack is a great place to get designer jeans reduced prices. I picked up two pairs of shorts from there a couple of years ago (linked below) and have worn them both a ton!

I like the cuffed raw hem, the distressing (it’s not over the top), and the color. These were the shortest of the three I tried, so even though I like them, they aren’t exactly what I’m looking for. I have plenty of short shorts but it’s nice to have some that are slightly longer to wear to the kids’ schools, you know? 😉 For reference, I’m 5’7″ and have a 32 inch inseam – my legs are long! If you don’t have especially long legs or aren’t as tall as me, these may be just what you are looking for!

AGOLDE Parker Shorts

These A Golde Parker shorts have been all over my instagram feed lately! Many bloggers consider them to be among the best designer denim shorts for the price. At $128, they aren’t cheap, but they aren’t bad for designer denim. There’s a ton of different color options. These were the longest of the pairs that I tried, and I love them for that! They are a modest length but not too long, which is great for summer. I know that longer denim shorts are making a comeback, but honestly the last thing I want when it’s 90 degrees is more fabric! This is the same reason I don’t like high rise shorts – they feel like too much!

I had ordered these shorts just before the recent Shopbop sale started, which means I paid full price. While I don’t mind spending that too much for a quality item I’ll wear on repeat, I suspect you can find them on sale again if you keep your eyes peeled.

Levi’s 501 Shorts

These Levi’s were my favorite of the bunch. I haven’t worn Levi’s in years! Literally. But this brand has been making a comeback recently, and a post about the best denim shorts for summer seemed incomplete without them. They did not disappoint!

They were the least expensive of the three ($69.50) and relatively easy to find on sale. In fact, this exact pair is currently at Shopbop for less than $50. I love the rise (they are mid rise) and the fit. I’ve been looking for new white shorts so I wound up purchasing this pair in white! I did size up one from my typical size. I read reviews that they run small and that turned out to be true for me.

I’m linking a few other styles that I own and love in the hopes that you can find the best denim shorts for summer for yourself! Did I leave out one of your faves?! Let me know!