It’s getting warmer, so it’s time to break out those shorts! If you’re anything like me, you know it can be a struggle to find a great pair of denim shorts. Sure, some might look great on the size 2 model, but when slipping them over my size 12 thighs or zipping them over my mama pooch they don’t quite look or feel the same as in the picture.
I’m also all about shorts that are not too short because… well, thigh rub is real.
In my experience, what works for one woman as their “favorite shorts” may not be what is best for my body, and that comes down to 3 factors:
- Butt Shape
- Rise
- Inseam
Understanding and knowing these factors when choosing shorts is CRUCIAL to getting pairs that actually fit the first time around. Last year I broke down how each of these factors can impact how shorts fit on your body. Check out that post HERE
While everyone has a preference on how shorts look and feel on their own bodies I’m going to give you my 2 cents of the ones that worked (and didn’t really work) for me this season.
Paige Archie Denim Fit tips: Wearing 31, need 32 | 4″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
This season, these are my #1 denim shorts! I love the rise, the stiff but not too stiff feel plus the slight distressing leans to a casual summer vibe! I am wearing size 31 but ended up getting the 32 and they are perfection!
Pistola Kennedy Shorts Fit tips: Wearing 32, need 31 run tts | 4″ Inseam | 11.5″ Rise
Another pair that is a winner! While I first got the size 32 and they felt like they were going to be a winner it was getting in the szie down in a 31 (so stay tts) that they were a home run! They have a more stiff feel but don’t squeeze in the waist. That great casual look without being too distressed.
J.Crew Factory Mid-Rise Denim Short Fit tips: Wearing Size 31 | 4.5″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
This style from J.Crew Factory has a 1/2 inch shorter rise than the darker wash that I tried. I’m not sure if that’s due to the size difference or style but either way these are a WINNER! They don’t have much stretch but loved how they fit on my body.
J.Crew Factory Mid Rise Denim Short Fit tips: Size 32 | 5″ Inseam | 12.5″ Rise
These are a great darker mid-wash with no distressing. They fit almost exactly like the lighter wash above and between the two I prefer the size 31 so stay true to size in these and the lighter wash. They don’t have a ton of stretch and the rise is a little high but overall I like these.
LOFT Palmer Short Fit tips: Size 31| 4″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
I love the LOFT Palmer pant, the denim pant and I had a feeling I would love the shorts and I do! This is also my ideal measurements with a 12″ rise and 4″ inseam- typically when I can find this combo it’s a slam dunk and these are as well.
Pistola Saige High-Rise A-Line Denim Shorts Fit tips: Size 32 | 4″ Inseam | 14″ Rise
These are wayyy too high rise for my body, plus since the rise is so high the 4″ inseam felt like they were creeping up the hoo-ah. These are for you if you have a really long torso or love a super high rise short.
Gap Easy Pull-on Shorts Fit tips: Size L | 4″ Inseam | 13″ Rise” Inseam
These pull-on shorts are a nice lightweight style but the rise is so high that I’m not sure that I love them.
Rag & Bone Miramar Terry Shorts Fit tips: wearing large | 14″ rise, 4″ inseam
These pull-on shorts are that sweatshirt “terry” material and thought oh they could be so comfy, but really they just look frumpy. For over $100 they just are not worth the $$ for me.
Gap Mid-Rise Ultra Soft Relaxed Fit tips: Size 31, run small – rise and inseam for size 32 | 3.5″ Inseam | 11.5″ Rise
This is the stuff that makes my blood boil! These are marketed on their website as a 4″ inseam but the size 31 and size 32 are still under 3.5″. These run small and HATE that they are cut higher on the sides. Basically these are hot garbage.
A&F Dad Short Fit tips: Size 32 | 5″ Inseam | 12.5″ Rise
Another short that just landed as meh. The 5″ inseam feels good on a chino or athletic short but sometimes I feel like they are too long for denim. These also are pretty stiff and the 12.5″ inseam was a bit too high plus the flare in the thighs just isn’t my favorite.
PAIGE Dani High-Rise Denim Shorts Fit tips: wearing 31, need 32 | 12.5″ rise, 4″ inseam
These short ran small so especially in a white they were not my favorite. The notch on the sides are cute but the waist seems to cinch in which is just got good for my body so these went back!
Z Supply Jonah Mid Rise Relaxed Short Fit tips: Size 31 | 4.5 ” Inseam | 12.5″ Rise
I do like these with just a little bit of stretch and bit longer inseam, the issue at this point is that the size 31 I’m wearing is the largest size these go up to so not ideal. I did find them on the Z Supply website with 2 other washes available.
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