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.
Starting off strong with this classic pair.
Truly, Levi's can do no wrong in my eyes.
Good American's classic denim shorts (available in an expansive size range) have become a go-to for me.
No thoughts, just these micro-mini denim shorts and vibes.
Love the cool baggy look of these.
I couldn't even tell this expensive-looking pair was from H&M.
This pair is shockingly just $50.
Perfect.
Toteme's denim can't be overlooked.
No wonder Everlane's denim is constantly raved about— it looks so rich.
As someone who owns way too may pairs of Zara denim shorts, I have to admit, these are at the top of my list.
Fashion people can't get enough of Agolde's classic Parker shorts.
I have a sneaky feeling these would go with anything in your closet.
For under $100, these luxe-looking shorts are practically a steal.
Loulou Studio is the cool-girl label everyone's been paying attention to as of late.
So easy.
Vacation, anyone?
Another pair of Parker shorts for you to feast your eyes on.
This toned-down, quiet-luxury pair is ideal for any Sabato de Sarno enthusiasts.
Can you tell I have a thing for Levi's?
Okay, this pair look so good.
Wear your denim shorts with a white bodysuit for maximum summer coolness.
Stunning.
I gasped when I saw how well-priced this pair was.
Free People + denim shorts = the perfect combination.
Effortless.
So good.
This affordable pair of denim shorts is just perfect.
I have a sneaky feeling these will sell out before May 1.
A&F's Curve Love line has been one of my best discoveries of the year.
Dark-wash denim is always a good idea.
Bermuda shorts are just too good to not rave about.
I'll leave you with this classic find.
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The New Rules of Summer Denim: No Rips, No Fray, No FussSee the full set of rules inside.
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The Anti–Skinny Pants Trend Cool New Yorkers Are Quick to Ditch Their Blue Jeans ForBuh-bye.
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I Tried On All the Coolest Items From Grlfrnd—These Are the Things Worth BuyingI'm betting on denim.
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I Called the Cuffed Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim StyleStyle the jeans like a fashion person.
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Stop the Search—We've Discovered the Cool Denim Trend Every Fashion Person Will Be Wearing Throughout 2025And 2026.
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I'm a Fashion Editor Who Loves Effortless Vacation Essentials—25 Gap Finds That Caught My EyeMany are even on major sale.
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People Are About to Ditch Denim Cutoffs for the Casual Shorts Trend That's More 2025Important pre-summer reading.
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Watch Out: This Controversial Shorts Trend Is Bubbling Way UpA micro-movement worth getting behind.
