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13 best denim shorts for women to live in this summer and beyond

A hard-working silhouette.
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How we chose the best denim shorts for women

We're a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, each of us a different shape, size, height and so on, and we've tried our fair share of denim shorts to know which ones are worth shouting about. Here's what to consider yourself:

  • Shape: Further enhancing their forever status, there isn't a shape of denim shorts that isn't ‘in’ right now. Sure, lower waist designs are harder to work with these days, but when you look at the comeback low-rise jeans have made, who's to say their cropped siblings aren't following suit? That being said, retro high-waist silhouettes remain a firm favourite among editors, stylists, celebrities and influencers – which is why the majority of this edit is made up of them.
  • Colour: Classic mid-wash or light-wash blue denim shorts continue to be the go-to, but ecru and black designs are just as covetable. While it's always fun to dabble with colour, pattern and texture, if you want a pair that you can reach for year after year, opt for a more neutral colour that slots in with the rest of your collection as opposed to one which requires thought to style.
  • Comfort: In order to keep your denim shorts in constant rotation, you need a pair that actually fits. There's nothing worse than sitting down for lunch in some tight Daisy Dukes (short shorts) and have them, er… dig in before you do. Don't be afraid to go up a size or two, you can always get them tailored to your waist, and, remember, numbers and letters on labels are inconsistent at the best of times. Go for what looks and feels good and ignore the rest.