2 Fashion Editors Tested the Internet's Favorite Denim Shorts—These 7 Levi's Pairs Won
Between the two of us, we own quite a lot of denim. Here's why these shorts are our favorites.
The season for denim shorts has finally arrived, and you can't turn a corner in New York City right now without seeing a pair on an incredibly stylish individual. They're no longer just for concerts and beach days. They've become an everyday wardrobe essential thanks to longer inseams, polished washes, and elevated styling. Fit is everything when it comes to deciding which pair is going to be the heaviest in rotation, and every year, just one style for each of us ends up standing out among the rest. That's why we started asking questions.
We've been asking the smartest shoppers we know where they get their favorite jean shorts from, and lately, there seems to be a consensus. If a brand has earned a reputation for making great denim, it's Levi's. With dozens of silhouettes—from low-rise to Bermuda to vintage-inspired cuts—the options can feel overwhelming, so instead of relying on reviews, we've put them to the test.
Tara Gonzalez and I have completely different approaches to style. She is more maximalist, vintage, and playful, and I go for more polished, trend-forward, and romantic moments. That's exactly what makes the test more valuable: If a pair works for both of us, it's probably worth buying. Between the two of us, we've tried multiple Levi's silhouettes, and these are the seven pairs that stood out, plus exactly how we styled them.
High-waisted denim shorts were made for cheeky pink cardigans and sassy little Mary Janes.
I fell in love with the silhouette and wash of these Levi's shorts. They're aptly named the 80s Mom Shorts, and that's exactly what they look like. I love that they're high-waisted but still teeny. Since they have a retro vibe to them, I leaned into that for this look with a vintage Blumarine pink cardigan set and my favorite baby-blue Carel Mary Jane heels with a little sun and moon on the toes.
This is not your average Canadian tuxedo.
Denim on denim usually isn't my first thought in the summertime, but a tee like this makes for an easy outfit to put together. I wanted to style this pair of jean shorts in sporty yet elegant attire, and these sneaker-inspired pumps were the exact thing I needed to finish off the look. A little heel always makes denim shorts look even better.
Longer men's shorts don't have to be basic—they can be Brat.
I love the look of longer shorts, so I wanted to style this loose pair of men's Levi's that hit just above the knee. Up top, I kept it basic with a Levi's Dreamy Tank Top, which is incredibly soft and comfortable. (It really lives up to the name.) Together, they made the most uncomplicated base that's easy to dress up.
I threw on my favorite chunky Chopova Lowena necklace, a pair of tall Labucq Joan Boots, a B-Low the Belt grommet bag, and a bright-green Maryam Nassir Zadeh scrunchie worn like a tiara. Why be basic when you can go full Charli XCX instead?
Did someone say Sporty Spice?
Sometimes, all you need is a good set of basics. I styled this pair of denim shorts with a plain white tee and cool-girl sneakers. This slip-on style in bright blue is a nice update to the classic Adidas logo. If you ever run out of things to wear, you can always count on denim and basics to pull through.
White go-go boots and a heart-shaped bag are too extra for most things, but not denim shorts.
Something I quickly realized on my denim-shorts journey was that they're the perfect base for over-the-top pieces because they're so simple. I love my white Kiki Boots by Maryam Nassir Zadeh and my heart-shaped Coach crossbody bag, but they usually feel like too much when paired with a funky dress or skirt. With long Levi's shorts, though, they strike the right balance—especially when styled with a vintage D&G top.
Peplum is so back.
I loved peplum once long ago, and then for years, it felt like it missed the mark. Its comeback has been far more elegant and luxurious than the original style that plagued us all. I'm now convinced it's the perfect type of top to pair with long denim shorts.
You can still be a princess in cutoffs.
The biggest misconception about denim shorts, I've quickly realized, is that you have to wear them with a perfectly worn-in vintage band tee. Why not a Molly Goddard tulle top? I've truly never felt better than I did in this outfit. The denim-and-tulle combo is so fun. It's unexpected, and the textures balance each other out. The only thing that felt right to add was a pair of old Miu Miu Mary Janes and some fun little socks.
