This summer I’ve been into shorts way more than I have in the last few years. I suspect there are a few reasons for that. We don’t have A/C, so our house is warmer in the summer than I’m used to (totally okay with this). I have been doing more weight-focused training and building muscle so I feel more confident in my legs (something that has eluded me my entire life). And the last reason: separates lend themselves to a lot more creativity and versatility than jumpsuits or dresses, in other words, I don’t get bored with them nearly as fast.
Naturally, because jeans are my favorite thing to wear, an adoration for denim shorts follows. However, sourcing a great pair (or two) has been entirely harder than I expected. After trying a few styles last year and this year, I have finally cracked the code on finding a pair I love.
Along the way, I learned to identify the style of shorts I wanted to wear and group them into two main categories:
Relaxed – Loose on the leg, sits on the hip instead of the waist. I have found thick, interesting denim (the kind that’s very popular right now) works best in this style of shorts because they sit away from the body and therefore are less hot.
Fitted – High-rise, sits on natural waist, snug across the hips, relaxed on the leg. I almost ruled out this style of denim shorts because it sounded too hot and uncomfortable – until – I had the epiphany that it would work better with different denim material, preferably something with stretch, which I usually avoid. Game changer!
After trying several styles, and doing some internet research, here is what I found that works!
AGOLDE ‘REESE’ SHORTS
I shared these last week in my heat wave capsule, and I have indeed been wearing them through the hot weather. These have a very relaxed fit, in fact I could have easily sized down, but I was worried I’d lose that loose fit.
I know way too much about Agolde shorts now. I tried the Dee (high rise, fitted) last year, but they just didn’t look good on me, and I found them tight and uncomfortable. I eyeballed the Parker (relaxed, short inseam), but they looked too short for my comfort. And finally this year Agolde released the Reese, which shares the relaxed fit of the Parker, but with a longer inseam. (Otherwise known as ‘mom shorts’?)
These sit below my natural waist and the legs are relaxed and loose instead of following the leg line. I personally love this because the total read on these is: CHILL. And I need more chill in my life.
I am wearing a size 28, but I kind of wish I had tried a 27 too! (For size reference I’m about 29″ in the waist and 39″ in the hips.) These shorts are mostly sold out, but there are few places that still stock them:
Precision Wash (shown above): a few sizes at Anthro, a few more from Agolde direct
Wonder Wash (lighter): most sizes at Shopbop, most sizes at Free People
MADEWELL HIGH-RISE DENIM SHORTS
I’d been stalking Madewell’s denim shorts, but couldn’t quite find a right fit until I tried on these high-rise denim shorts in the store. I found the cuffs could roll down (they’re shown rolled up online) and that the high rise feels a lot more comfortable in a short with some stretch!
I like the wash on these in person way better than how they’re photographed for the website. I find the washes on most Madewell denim look better in person than online, and I’m not sure why that is. Note the close up photo above compared to the online listing.
These have a 10.75″ rise and a 4″ inseam, and the fabric is 72% cotton/27% TENCEL/1% spandex denim. They are substantial, but with give. They are made at the Saitex factory in Vietnam, which is a Fair Trade Certified and a Certified B Corporation, which means they have to meet certain benchmarks for social responsibility. It makes me so happy to see more brands being mindful about where and how their items are made.
I am wearing a size 27, which is my usual Madewell size. It looks like they still have several sizes left! These are the Cantrell Wash. They also come in a ‘curvy fit’ for those who need more tapering at the waist.
HONORABLE MENTION
This pair I purchased but didn’t keep because I found them a little bit too short for my taste, but I regretted sending them back for about half a day! These are the Perfect Denim Short, and they are nearly sold out. But I thought I’d share just in case they fit the bill for you.
Thanks for getting in the weeds with me on denim shorts. Are you into shorts or denim shorts this summer? I’d love to hear how you’ve been styling and wearing them!
Thanks for this post! Been trying to find a denim short that works for me… Going to try the AGOLDE Reese’s and see if they are it! :)