Denim shorts are one of the most useful foundation pieces you can have in your summer wardrobe. It goes without saying that dresses are a dream to throw on and go when you’re stuck for what to wear on a warm day, but denim shorts are just as versatile, perhaps even more so.
Whether you favour a classic cut-off, raw, distressed and frayed finish, or prefer a longer, more tailored style you could wear to work (with a tailored white shirt), we’ve put together a curated list of the best denim shorts from both the high street and designer denim brands.
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What denim shorts are in style?
Although denim cut-offs will always be a classic, longer Bermuda shorts – AKA jorts or jean shorts – have been spiking in popularity recently thanks to the likes of Simone Ashley, Charli XCX and more. Harking back to the ’80s, they have a longer leg (think anything below mid-thigh) and looser fit, similar to mom jeans.
They look stylish with just a white T-shirt or button-down shirt, but also can be elegant when dressed up with a tailored blazer or cashmere crewneck and glossy slingback heels. These longline silhouettes have a more tailored finish than the distressed Daisy Dukes that gave denim shorts a bad rep in the early Noughties.
If you’re heading off on a summer vacay, or are simply out and about soaking up the local vitamin D, a pair of denim shorts is a must. Good American has just launched over on ASOS, making the brand much more accessible than ever before, and this Good Girlfriend cross-waist raw-hem pair would be perfect with a loose linen shirt and one-piece swimsuit or bikini.
Remember though, jorts aren’t just reserved for heatwaves and holidays – one of our favourite ways to wear them is with a leather jacket or trench coat, loafers and socks in autumn. À la Hailey Bieber.