7 Popular Denim Shorts Styles to Try This Summer

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While many of us have multiple pairs of denim cutoffs, it's easy to single out a style that's better than the rest. Whether it's because they emphasize your curves or fit snug around the waistband with zero gaping, these styles make you feel most confident (and likely earn you endless compliments) because they were made for your body type — even if you cut them yourself during a DIY.

It's time to determine why these shorts have become your go-to, and what style you should be consistently looking for. Whether you're plus size, curvy, or petite, there is a silhouette that will fit you perfectly, and it will serve as a solid foundation to your outfits all summer long.

We tapped denim experts at Levi's, AGOLDE, Madewell, Paige, Mother Denim, Mavi, Citizens of Humanity, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Eloquii to get a breakdown of the bestsellers onsite, and also to explore distinctive cuts that appeal to many different customers. The shorts you'll see ahead are not only top rated, but they come in a wide range of sizes and washes — and they ring in at a variety of price points.

Ahead, the best denim shorts for every fit concern.

Plus Size Denim Shorts: Levi's High Waisted Mom
levi.com

Plus Size Denim Shorts: Levi's High Waisted Mom

The Levi's High Waisted Mom Shorts ($36, originally $60) sit at the natural waist, take a slight A-line shape, and have a 4-inch inseam. The medium-wash shade will go with anything in your closet from simple white tees to going-out tops. They come as a top recommendation for plus size customers, according to Jill Guenza, Global VP of Women's Design at Levi's.

Plus Size Denim Shorts: Madewell Relaxed
madewell.com

Plus Size Denim Shorts: Madewell Relaxed

Madewell's VP of Merchandising, Sasha Marden, confirms that the Plus Relaxed Denim Shorts in Madera Wash ($78) are best sellers. This particular pair features a contoured waistband for less gaping and offers more room around the hips and thighs for comfort.

Shorts For Thick Thighs: Levi's High Loose
levi.com

Shorts For Thick Thighs: Levi's High Loose

The Levi's High Loose Women's Shorts ($71, originally $80) fan out at the hem and have a bit more room in the leg. They sit high on the natural waist and extend into an easy fit through the hips and thighs. Style them with a tucked-in top or bodysuit and sneakers for an effortless summer look.

Shorts For Thick Thighs: Eloquii Mom Jean
eloquii.com

Shorts For Thick Thighs: Eloquii Mom Jean

Yesenia Torres, Eloquii's Creative Director, explains that the Mom Jean Shorts ($30, originally $70) have a relaxed hip all the way through the leg that makes the style a great cut for customers with thicker thighs. Though they're slightly softer, they still appear structured and can make your outfit look polished and streamlined.

High Rise Jean Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Dad
abercrombie.com

High Rise Jean Shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Dad

Abercrombie & Fitch recently released its High Rise Dad Shorts ($49, originally $65), which come in seven different washes and have added length as well as a dipped waistband.

High Rise Jean Shorts: AGOLDE Stella
agolde.com

High Rise Jean Shorts: AGOLDE Stella

AGOLDE Design Director Erin Meehan recommends the Stella High Rise Short ($148) since the easy, relaxed feel is trendy at the moment. Tuck in a sporty tank top and wear these with mules or slides.

Denim Shorts For Curvy Women: Paige Allure
paige.com

Denim Shorts For Curvy Women: Paige Allure

The Paige Allure Short ($169) is the brand's number one bestseller and comes with a slightly deconstructed hem. Because it's part of the Flaunt line, it's made for women with fuller hips and thighs but stays slim in the waist so there's no gaping. These cutoffs were designed to accentuate an hourglass fit.

Denim Shorts For Curvy Women: Eloquii Belted Denim Shorts
eloquii.com

Denim Shorts For Curvy Women: Eloquii Belted Denim Shorts

These Eloquii Denim Shorts With Belt ($85) come with a waist-cinching denim sash, and the spandex denim material helps to give the perfect fit through the hips and thigh. Style them with a crop top or a tucked-in tee.

Mid Rise Jean Shorts: Citizens of Humanity Annabelle
citizensofhumanity.com

Mid Rise Jean Shorts: Citizens of Humanity Annabelle

Citizens of Humanity Creative Director Marianne McDonald confirms that the Annabelle Short ($148) is among top sellers on the site, explaining that she believes customers love the relaxed look of the silhouette. It comes in multiple inseams, so you can cater to your own taste in length.

Mid Rise Jean Shorts: Mavi Pixie
us.mavi.com

Mid Rise Jean Shorts: Mavi Pixie

For a mid rise style that's roomy without being baggy, the Mavi Pixie Denim Short ($55, originally $78) has a relaxed boyfriend fit with laid-back style. It's a part of the label's sustainable All Blue collection, which means it's made from organic cotton. The mid-weight fabric has a moderate stretch, so these shorts are great for movement. Style them with a high-top sneaker and T-shirt.

Denim Shorts For Petite: Mother Denim The Scrapper
motherdenim.com

Denim Shorts For Petite: Mother Denim The Scrapper

Tim Kaeding, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Mother Denim, explains that loose, '90s-inspired fits have been making a comeback and selling out quickly. For a petite frame, Kaeding recommends the Scrapper Cut Off Fray Short ($198), which comes in two shades: Mentally Elsewhere (pictured above), which is light with subtle whiskering, and Camera Obscura, which is slightly darker and has an added fade.

Denim Shorts For Petite: Madewell High-Rise
madewell.com

Denim Shorts For Petite: Madewell High-Rise

Madewell's Marden recommends any shorts with a 3-inch inseam for petites, since the rise isn't so high that it overwhelms your frame. These High-Rise Denim Shorts ($70) can be cuffed as much as you like to complement the top you style it with.

Denim Shorts For Tall: Paige Dani Short
paige.com

Denim Shorts For Tall: Paige Dani Short

The Paige Dani Short ($169) has a slight vintage feel with its raw, destroyed hem, and they come feeling lived-in. The high-rise and slight A-line silhouette make them suitable for tall shoppers. Style them with a blouse and block heel mules for a summer evening look.

Denim Shorts For Tall: Eloquii Elements Distressed Bermuda
eloquii.com

Denim Shorts For Tall: Eloquii Elements Distressed Bermuda

Eloquii's Torres says the Bermuda short is enjoying a comeback this year, and she suggests the Elements Denim Distressed Bermuda ($15, originally $26) for tall customers. Even if you have a longer torso, the medium rise won't hang too low on the waist, helping you balance proportions perfectly.