AE Shorts Review

When I was in my teens and early 20s, I wore American Eagle almost exclusively. They offer short lengths in their jeans, which often work well for me, and great prices. In recent years, I have mostly been shopping from their Aerie line (I love their undies and loungewear), but I still love their shorts and jeans. Today I have three pairs of shorts to review that are under $50 and have a great fit all around.

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My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.

Relaxed Shorts

I tried the Relaxed Shorts in both 00 and 0 and decided to go with the 00 (my true size). The shorts have a high rise and a relaxed 3.5″ inseam. They’re what AE considers “strigid,” which means they’re rigid in the front and stretchy through the back. They feel overall stretchy and comfortable. They’re meant to be relaxed through the thighs, but they are tight on my thighs at first and stretch with wear. For what it’s worth, I have thick thighs in proportion to my size. The shorts come in several color options and styles, I love this non-distressed pair with a clean hem.

Shorts 00 | Tank Top Petite XXS | Sandals size up if in between sizes

4″ Perfect Shorts

I tried two styles of the 4″ perfect shorts, and they were both perfect. Starting with a denim style, I went with my true size in these shorts and found them to be stretchy and comfortable overall. They have a 4″ inseam, a somewhat loose fit, and a mid-rise.

Shorts 00 | Tank Top Petite XXS | Sandals size up if in between sizes

I also tried a pair of utility-style 4″ Perfect Shorts and loved them! I went up a size in this pair and love the fit. They have the same fit as the denim pair: mid-rise, 4″ inseam, but they also have pulls at the waist to draw it in if they’re a little bit loose there. I love the soft blush I chose, but they also come in cream and olive.