No bottoms scream “summer” quite so much as the best jean shorts. They nail the ideal balance between structure and slouch, and their vintage, ’90s-esque vibes are exactly right for our current CBK-obsessed moment. Long and baggy, cropped and booty-skimming, DIYed during a sweltering day—no matter your favorite vibe, we’ve gone ahead and curated all the pairs worth buying for spring and summer.
And while anyone can wear our picks, we’ve paid special attention to options for women over 30, including pairs you can wear during date night and to the office (seriously!). These are the best jean shorts for the season ahead—plus styling tips that’ll help you get even more mileage out of your favorites.
Our favorite denim shorts for women
The baggy jean shorts for work and play
No cut is as buzzy (or, to be honest, easy to wear) right now as baggy denim shorts. The nostalgic silhouette offers a touch more coverage than the Daisy Dukes of yore, meaning they’re more suited for dressier occasions. Plus, the silhouette calls to mind trouser shorts—and you can even get away with wearing these picks to the office with a button-down shirt, a blazer, and formal shoes. We’re loving worn-in mid-blue washes this season, and the picks below deliver.
Styling tip: Wearing these shorts for a nice dinner or $20 cocktails? Add a belt and tuck in your top to up the chic factor; a tailored blazer or trendy jacket up top will bring the look together.