I Found a Pair of Denim Shorts to Make Me Love Cutoffs Again

Seeing as though I'm on the shorter side, a pair of longer shorts is probably not the most flattering option. Nevertheless, I wanted to try Zara's Ripped Bermuda Shorts ($36) because they looked so. Friggin. Soft. And they have a cute little bow on the butt pocket! But this style might have been too soft for me. These cutoffs were loose, and the frayed hem felt more like fringe than just a few wispy denim strings, which I prefer. And though I did like the bow, it sort of distracted from the curvature of my bum, making these look like "mom jean" shorts. Not that that's a bad thing! In fact, I did love the high-waist silhouette and thought it highlighted the slimmest part of my body: my waist.

Overall Rating on a Scale of 1 to 10: 5

I think the lighter wash and slouchy fit of this denim turned me off, mostly because I like a dark jean with structure. These shorts are absolutely perfect for bohemian festival days, so don't knock them!

Mother Denim is known to be ridiculously soft, and the Teaser Step Fray Short ($178) is no exception. The other quirk about these is that they feature Mother's signature "step fray" snip at the side, a little detail you can find on plenty of the brand's cropped jeans in all colorways. That's why I wanted to try them out — I practically live in my own Step Frays. And the shade of these shorts is sublime — it's not too dark and not too light. These babies are butter soft. When you walk in them, it almost feels as if you're not wearing any clothes at all, but just gliding down the street, your legs completely bare and free.

Overall Rating on a Scale of 1 to 10: 7

The only thing holding me back from falling madly, deeply in love with these shorts was how lacking in structure they were. The silhouette was perfect, and they were just short enough. I even appreciated the simple distress at the hem. I was only looking for something that hugged my thighs just a smidgen tighter.

I was surprised by how much I liked Frame's Rigid Re-Release Le Original Short ($215). At first glance, the wash looked a little too light for me, and I didn't expect them to have much give at all. The waistband also appeared snug . . . but then I slipped them on. I immediately realized why these shorts had the highest price tag out of the bunch: the denim is clearly good quality. It is somehow rigid and structured, but depending on the wearer's body type. Though it might not look it, these do have give and in all the right places. They feature a high waist, but the button closed at the slimmest part of my body, so I didn't feel like I couldn't move by any means. I also appreciated the little V cutout at the sides — it's a subtle detail, but one that worked to make the jeans feel more casual. And that's what jean shorts should be, in my opinion.

Overall Rating on a Scale of 1 to 10: 8

These would have been my favorite pair had they been one shade darker. Personally, I think bluer denim makes my legs appear more slim and toned, and I wasn't crazy about the patterns of bleach on this style as it got more intense right above the thigh. I did think they made my butt look pretty good though — and for a pair of shorts with so many pros, I think I'd even shell out the cash.

What first attracted me to the Madewell High-Rise Denim Boyshorts ($75) was the darker color and the cuff. I also liked the row of buttons, which worked to elongate my torso. Thanks to a distressed hem and some bleach detail, these appeared worn in (and they were soft enough to be too!). But, at the same time, they were thick enough to lend my look structure, which is always important to me.

Overall Rating on a Scale of 1 to 10: 9

While it'd be tough to find the perfect pair of jean shorts, these came close. I might have chosen a slightly darker wash had I been given the choice, but I definitely love a good cuff.