New York has just entered the perfect time of year, or what I like to refer to as "peak denim shorts" season. Summer is rounding the corner in the city, and thanks to the high temperatures and our changing closets, there's not a single item I'm more excited to pull out of storage than my classic denim shorts.
There are dozens of denim shorts and jean shorts out there for every kind of sartorial taste—dark wash, light wash, micro minis, and bermudas—but one thing all fashion people can agree on is that when the temperatures rise, the denim shorts come out to play. Not only is the classic cutoff style timeless throughout the ages, spanning as far back as the late '60s, but they also go with practically anything in your wardrobe—T-shirts, cardigans, button-downs, and lacy linens included.
Below, I've rounded up my 34 favorite pairs of denim shorts for every taste and budget, from triple-digit designer finds to low-key luxe items for under $30. Trust me—I have a feeling these are all going to sell out before summer officially hits.
Citizens of Humanity
Marlow Long Vintage Shorts
Starting off strong with this classic pair.
Levi's
501 Original Shorts
Truly, Levi's can do no wrong in my eyes.
Good American
Good 90's Shorts
Good American's classic denim shorts (available in an expansive size range) have become a go-to for me.
Mango
Mid-Rise Denim Shorts
No thoughts, just these micro-mini denim shorts and vibes.
Eloquii
Destructed Denim Bermuda Short
Love the cool baggy look of these.
H&M
Low Denim Shorts
I couldn't even tell this expensive-looking pair was from H&M.
Mango
High-Rise Denim Shorts
This pair is shockingly just $50.
Nili Lotan
Yoann Denim Shorts
Perfect.
Toteme
Denim Bermuda Shorts
Toteme's denim can't be overlooked.
Everlane
The A-Line Denim Short
No wonder Everlane's denim is constantly raved about— it looks so rich.
Zara
Mom Fit TRF Denim Shorts
As someone who owns way too may pairs of Zara denim shorts, I have to admit, these are at the top of my list.
Agolde
Parker Long Clean Organic Denim Shorts
Fashion people can't get enough of Agolde's classic Parker shorts.
Mother
Down Low Undercover Shorts
I have a sneaky feeling these would go with anything in your closet.
Abrand
Venice Shorts
For under $100, these luxe-looking shorts are practically a steal.
Loulou Studio
+ Net Sustain Isu High-Rise Organic Denim Shorts
Loulou Studio is the cool-girl label everyone's been paying attention to as of late.
Zara
Mom Fit Shorts Z1975
So easy.
Zara
TRF High-Waisted Mom Fit Denim Shorts
Vacation, anyone?
Agolde
Parker Vintage Cutoff Organic Denim Shorts
Another pair of Parker shorts for you to feast your eyes on.
Gucci
Horsebit-Detailed Denim Shorts
This toned-down, quiet-luxury pair is ideal for any Sabato de Sarno enthusiasts.
Levi's
501 Original Shorts
Can you tell I have a thing for Levi's?
Zara
Trf Mid-Rise Denim Shorts
Okay, this pair look so good.
H&M
Regular Denim Shorts
Wear your denim shorts with a white bodysuit for maximum summer coolness.
Lucky Brand
'90s Denim Shorts
Stunning.
No Boundaries
High Rise Denim Shorts,
I gasped when I saw how well-priced this pair was.
Free People
Danni Roll Cuff Denim Shorts
Free People + denim shorts = the perfect combination.
Mango
Broken Denim Shorts
Effortless.
Mango
Straight-Fit Denim Bermuda Shorts
So good.
H&M
Mom Ultra High Denim Shorts
This affordable pair of denim shorts is just perfect.
Frame
Le Brigette Raw Hem Denim Shorts
I have a sneaky feeling these will sell out before May 1.
Abercrombie
Fitch
Curve Love High Rise 4" Mom Short
A&F's Curve Love line has been one of my best discoveries of the year.
No Boundaries
Mid Rise Denim Shorts
Dark-wash denim is always a good idea.
H&M
Denim Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts are just too good to not rave about.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.