Shopping for shorts is almost as hard as shopping for bras! So I am doing the dirty work for you trying on a variety of denim shorts style and breaking down the fit, sizing, and quality. I tried 7 denim shorts styles from $13 – $70. I hope my reviews help you find a pair of shorts to make you feel confident this summer.

My Sizing

I am sharing my sizing so that my reviews for each pair will make sense and you can accurately determine what sizes will work for you

5’2″, 134lbs, 36D

Denim Shorts Reviews

• Brand: Madewell
• Sizing/Fit: I was on the fence about whether to size up on these shorts but after asking around I was told Madewell jeans, especially the stretch styles fit true to size. I ordered the 27 and they fit great all around (hips, waist & legs).
• Quality: I have been hearing rave reviews about Madewell jeans for years. While I have only these a few times so far, I have been impressed with the look and feel of the fabric. I hope they hold up as long as everyone says.
• Price: $69.50

• Brand: Target
• Sizing/Fit: I LOVED these jean shorts. They fit so nicely in the waist and they looked great from the front. The only downside for me was that they didn’t flatter my backside due to the cut and shaping. I wore my normal 27 in these shorts. If you have wider hips or a larger butt, I would size up.
• Quality: I thought these were very thick material, well made and without distressing I think they would last a while. You can’t beat the prices at Target!
• Price: $17.99

• Brand: Target
• Sizing/Fit: These shorts fit so well and have a little stretch to them. I got my normal size (27) and they would fit true to size due to the stretch on most people. The cuffed leg is very flattering and makes your butt look great as well.
• Quality: These shorts were comparable in quality to my Madewell shorts, though I have not tested their durability over time. Very well made and soft fabric.
• Price: $17.99
  

• Brand: Amazon Brand| Daily Ritual
• Sizing/Fit: I ordered my current size in these (27) and they fit really well. I didn’t think the waist was as flattering as the Levi’s below but they fit well.
• Quality: For $13 I was blown away with the quality. They are a very nice simple short. The only downside to me was that I didn’t love the wash/style.
• Price: $13

• Brand: Levi’s
• Sizing/Fit: These like most Levi’s have no stretch. I started with a 27 but exchanged them for a 28 and they fit like a glove. I love that the leg is more fitted without being skin-tight and the waist is higher. The bottom covers your butt and is extremely flattering
• Quality: AMAZING, Levi’s quality is the best in my opinion. It’s a thick material, doesn’t stretch and takes a long time to wear out! I wanted to love the cheaper pairs, but these shorts took the cake for me!
• Price: $69.50

Levi’s 501 High Rise Short

I also tried these Levi’s which are on sale in many sizes on Amazon, but unfortunately the 27 I ordered was too tight on the waist and they did not have a 28 in stock.

• Brand: Abercrombie High Rise Mom Jeans
• Sizing/Fit: I ordered a 27 in these shorts and should have order a 28. I think I thought these would have some stretch but they do not! I loved the way they fit my leg but I can tell that if I sized up to fit my waist in the 28 they would be too loose on my leg. If you have a smaller waist compared to hips/legs I think you can stick with your normal size. otherwise I would say size up.
• Quality: The quality of abercrombie jeans has really improved over the years. The material on these shorts is thick and very well made in my opinion. I liked that they had very little stretch and the buttons down the front made them look higher end.
• Price: $54
  

• Brand: Abercrombie Curvy High Rise
• Sizing/Fit: I should have known these wouldn’t work for me but I am glad I ordered them as I think they are a great option if you have more hips, butt or thigh area to accommodate. I went with a smaller size (26) thinking the “curve” dimensions would increase the waist but they do not. The extra fabric is only in the hips and thighs and butt. I did like that this style is a bit longer and covers the butt more.
• Quality: I love the wash and style of these. The distressing is minimal and the fabric is still thick and is not stretchy.
• Price: $54

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”4048869″]

So after trying 7 pairs, I only kept 2 (Madewell & Levis). Don’t be afraid to try many styles until you find that one that works for your body. I hope my reviews of these shorts help you find a pair you love this summer. Want more summer style recommendations? Check out this post