The 9 Best Denim Shorts in Every Style and Silhouette

Make summer 2024 the season you say yes to the jort.

graphic of the best denim shorts for women in 2023
(Image credit: Future)

Like a breezy sundress or comfortable sandals, denim shorts are a summer essential. We're not talking about Daisy Dukes, also known as the booty-skimming jean shorts you wore for every summer activity in the mid-'00s. The best denim shorts of 2024 are all grown up and—yes—can even be worn in a summer work outfit if you know how to style a high-waisted pair of shorts. (Though if you're looking for itty-bitty options to throw into your carry-on for a day at the beach, those styles have only improved with time, too.) In short (get it?), there are no downsides to them: You can dress jeans shorts up or down, and they seem to get comfier with each and every wear.

Still, as with jeans, there are a lot of options available. Some denim shorts are super-short and flirty, some hit mid-thigh and are surprisingly work-appropriate, and others range from mom jeans-esque to distressed black denim. You can pick from low-rise or high-waisted styles, and there are endless washes, styles, and lengths to peruse. We know finding the perfect jean shorts that look and feel good can be a pain, so we tapped a denim expert for her insight.

What to Look For in Denim Shorts

  • Comfort

"The perfect pair of denim shorts should look good, but more importantly, they should make you feel good," explains Sarah Ahmed, the CEO and co-founder of sustainable denim brands DL1961 and Warp + Weft. "Comfort is key, so fabric and inseam length are top factors," she shares, directing you to consider "longer inseams, which are trending now and [make] for a sleeker look and all-day wearability."

  • High-Quality Fabrications

"Also, fabric choice is key for finding shorts to wear for hot summers, and breathability is a must-have," Ahmed shares. She encourages you to look for
"high-quality, botanic fibers that are durable, breathable, and ultra-soft," as "it’s important that your shorts move with you throughout the day."

  • Denim Trends

Ahmed encourages you to consult the denim trends of 2023 when shopping for jean shorts. "Longer-length shorts—mom and dad-fitting shorts—have been trending for the past few summers, for instance. Those styles are flattering and, most importantly, comfortable for any body type," describes the denim expert. "Classic washes will always be a timeless wardrobe staple for the summer, but styling the trending primary and pastel colors to an outfit is always a fun way to switch up your wardrobe."

The Best Denim Shorts

Meet the Expert

Sarah Ahmed
Sarah Ahmed

Sarah Ahmed is the CEO and Co-Founder of sustainable denim brands DL1961 and Warp + Weft, the only two vertically integrated denim brands in the world-from fiber to finished garments.

Emma Childs
Fashion Features Editor

Emma Childs is the Fashion Features Editor at Marie Claire, who writes trend reports, long-form reported features, and style guides. She previously wrote for TZR, Editorialist, Elite Daily, and Mission Magazine and studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University. When she's not writing fashion deep-dives, you'll find her stalking eBay for designer vintage and perusing HBO Max (in her heart, it'll always be *HBO* MX).

With contributions from