9 Editor-Approved Jeans Shorts for All Your Summer Plans

These '80s-inspired shorts are one GH editor's favorite pair of all time. "I'm usually more of a skirt person in the summer because it's too hot to wear denim, but these are my go-to shorts," she says. "I wear them with cropped T-shirts, and I love how the A-line silhouette creates a flared-out shape."

She added that "there isn't much stretch in the waistband and they can ride up as you sit down," so be sure to order them in your true size or one size up if you prefer a looser fit. It features a 4-inch inseam and a 10-inch high rise (which Constantine explains as the "distance from the crotch to the waistband"), so the waistband hits above the belly button.

There's no time like summer to sport white denim. Paige is a popular pick with GH staff, including Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu, who had a version of these shorts with a raw hem. "I loved the high-waisted fit and A-line silhouette. They were really comfortable and flattering," she says. Wu also remembers them being thick and well-lined, so you can wear these white shorts without worrying your underwear might be visible.

Executive Director Lexie Sachs loves her Paige denim shorts, too, but warns that "the fraying hasn’t held up so great," so you may want to use a gentle cycle or let them air-dry if you choose any of the Dani Shorts with distressing.

For jean shorts that fall closer to the knee, Commerce Director Brie Schwartz loves this 100% cotton pair from Buck Mason with a relaxed fit. “It’s been legitimately hard to find mid-rise denim shorts that don’t ride up. These comfy, oversized Buck Masons in a trendy jort length completely fit the bill. I also like the button fly, which almost gives the illusion of tummy control.”

After seeing these recommended over and over again on social media, Deputy Editor Ashley Phillips was influenced to give Agolde's Parker shorts a try, and there's a reason they're so popular.

"I've been wearing the same pair of Citizens of Humanity shorts for years, but they're a bit on the short side. This summer, I wanted something slightly longer that I can feel comfortable wearing away from the pool. These have the rigid denim and button-fly combo I love, but they're also loose enough that it's easy to move around. The first time I tried them on, I didn't want to take them off." She usually sizes down in non-stretch denim, but went with her usual size to keep the loose fit.

One former GH editor is a big fan of Madewell's jeans and calls her high-rise, mid-length denim shorts the "best thing since white bread." While her exact pair is discontinued, this pair has a similar fit and is one of the brand's best sellers.

These shorts also feature Madewell's "Magic Pockets," which the brand says are an "extra layer of ultra-smoothing, holds-you-in sorcery in the front pockets" to help keep you snug and comfy. They come in a curvy fit too.

Both our editors and Textiles Lab experts are fans of Everlane for its sustainable denim and LEED-certified factory. While we haven't tried these specific shorts, Seymour recommends the brand for jeans and shorts alike, and this pair earned great reviews from customers.

Similar to the Levi's 80s Mom Women's Shorts, Everlane's have a high waist and short 3-inch inseam. They're made with 100% cotton, so these are a good match for those who prefer rigid denim with zero stretch. While this is the brand's most classic pair, we like how there are also plenty of choices for longer lengths.

The Textiles Lab loves Gap for its affordable prices and extensive size range, especially for petite or tall jeans. These mid-rise shorts from Gap are no exception, with options for petite, regular, and tall inseam lengths.

If non-stretch denim isn't your thing, this pair is made from a blend of cotton and Tencel for a super-soft feel. Plus, the shorts have a looser fit that makes these extra comfortable and breathable for sweltering summer days.