This weekend was glorious. Seriously, after a week of dark, dreary rain the skies opened up and it finally felt like SPRING! And you know what spring means? Well, spring means more sun, more sun means warmer temps, and warmer temps, well, that means DENIM SHORTS! Oh yes, I love me some jorts. Truthfully I pretty much live in them during the spring and summer and start itchin’ for them right about…now! Funny enough, since we’ve been quarantined I’ve actually been able to wear my precious jorts much earlier this year which, I have to admit, I am not upset about 😉
The thing about jorts is that they are totally tricky. I’m pretty picky, so for a pair of denim shorts to make their way into my closet they have to meet all of my requirements! Over the years I’ve tried many a pair and, while most of them didn’t work, I finally feel like I have a well rounded assortment worth sharing. Hopefully in doing so I can save you from trying on a bajillion pairs like I did!
First things first: let’s chat requirements!
- HIGH RISE – okay I don’t mean “high rise” like those 9 inchers. I mean actually high rise, like 10.25 inches and above. I have a long torso so the 10.5-11 inch range is the sweet spot for me. I’ve found that range is the most flattering and works best with all types of tops.
- MEDIUM LENGTH – my days of wearing short shorts have come and gone. I feel like once I hit 30 I said au revoir to anything shorter than 3″ and it was definitely for the best. No one but moi needs to see my derrière!
- SOFT MATERIAL – I need to be able to sit, walk, run, jump and live in my shorts so anything super rigid is out of the question. 100% Cotton is okay, but it really depends on the wash – flexibility is key!
As far as sizing goes, I do tend to size up in denim shorts. I am not a big fan of tight fitting anything – let alone shorts – and feel my best with some room!
For reference, I paired all of my looks with this jumpsuit (the best around!) and these sustainable sneaks. And now *insert drumroll* the shorts!
AGOLDE Dee Super High Rise Short
This brand has a cult following and for good reason: they are sustainable, look great, wear well and last forever. Are these shorts expensive? HECK YES. Omg, yes. They are pretty much the same price as their longer length counterparts. That being said, I am always willing to invest in basics that I wear a lot and would do so again in a heartbeat. A lot of people are big fans of the Parker Vintage but they were a bit too low and a bit too short for my taste. When Agolde came out with Parker’s (better) sister, Dee, I was floored! A 12.25 inch rise with a button fly, a 3.5 inch inseam and mid-weight (albeit non-stretch) denim means they fit all of my requirements! They hold their shape and the slits on the side are both cute and practical.
This wash is probably the most well known, but I’m wearing this one which I have to say I like better because it’s a little darker and a little less distressed. It is a little on the stiff side during the first few wears, but the denim softens out well. Note that this changes with the different washes (lighter ones are softer!). I wear a 26-27 in denim and wear a 27 in these.
AGOLDE Reese Relaxed Cutoffs
Okay, another Agolde pair. I promise the post is not all Agolde denim. But there is definitely something to be said for quality! These are my newest pair of jorts – I snagged them during a recent Shopbop sale and, to be honest, they might be my most favorite. They are buttery soft (but still 100% cotton – I’m telling you the wash really makes a difference) with a 10.25 inch rise and 4.25 inch inseam, so they are a bit longer on the legs. They have the perfect amount of distressing and fraying for a worn-in feel yet put together vibe. I wear a 27. These are almost identical but more reasonably priced and come in a wider size range (23-33).
ABERCROMBIE High Rise Mid-Length Denim Shorts
These are exactly like the Dee but a much better price point! Abercrombie has great denim, which I didn’t know about because before last year I hadn’t shopped there since junior high. Don’t knock it til’ you try it 😉 This pair is so good – they have an 11.25 inch rise and 4 inch inseam and are made from a comfy cotton with a distressed finish. I’ve had mine for over a year and unfortunately they sell out like hot cakes. Right now they have limited sizes left, but I’ll keep an eye out for a re-stock! I’m a size 27 at Abercrombie and wear a 27 in these. In the meantime, these are almost identical (and come in size 0-24).
EVERLANE Denim Cutoffs
These are the shortest, stretchiest and lowest rise of my picks and unfortunately they are also not in stock. Womp womp. I am a big fan of Everlane because they are sustainable, have great price points and the best basics. The shorts I’m wearing are the denim version of these (also a great pair of shorts) which are the shorts version of these and hopefully will make a comeback. Funny enough the rise is not as high as I like but because of the stretch, they are still comfortable and uber flattering! This pair, this pair and this pair are super similar in fit, fabric and style. Everlane makes another version of denim shorts that are just as cute but are made of a more rigid denim – I would definitely size up in those as a result! I have a lot of friends who love that version so I will say they definitely come highly recommended! I just can’t speak to them myself 🙂
Are you a big jorts fan? Any favorite pairs I should try? I’m not necessarily in the market but am easily convinced 🙂
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