Denim Shorts Review

Denim shorts were something several of you requested to see in an upcoming style session – it’s actually been a request since January! Since then I’ve been trying on multiple pairs to narrow it down to two that I really think have the best fit and feel, for me – and maybe the girls that are similar in shape to me.

Of course, these requests were made before the world turned upside down, but putting this post together got me thinking about the bright sunny days ahead, whether they’re spent at home or not – you can’t beat how good it feels to be outside on a sunny and warm day.

Denim Shorts Review

My fit issues with denim shorts come in with rise, hip tightness and thigh tightness. The same way I struggle with high-rise jeans is the same reason I find it difficult to wear high-rise shorts, which are fairly popular right now.

American Eagle Midi Shorts

In my IGtv review I started with this pair of shorts that I’ve worn for the last few years. I found them after trying on multiple sizes with a friend of mine on a whim. We both found that all you needed to find a great pair of shorts was to size up – several times. Although it feels odd to size up so much, the result is a pair of shorts that are comfortable and modest. They don’t squeeze my thighs, they don’t ride up and although they’re several sizes large, they don’t stretch out and slip down. The waist is large but because the shorts hang on my hips I’ve never had an issue with them. In the video and these pictures I’m wearing a well loved pair from last year, but the very same pair is still available.

I’ve worn this pair here and here on the blog.

Sizing: I’m wearing a size 6, my typical size is a 0.

Madewell Relaxed Shorts

After trying on two fails at Madewell, I almost gave up. But a sale got me to take another look. The reviews for these shorts mentioned they were great for girls who needed a little more room in the thighs, so I ordered them. These shorts have a relaxed fit and are fairly loose in the waistband – but the overall fit is flattering and on-trend. My legs could use a little more color next to them, but we’ll get to that.

I have not worn these out yet, but a brief wear around the house and they don’t ride up and have a modest fit in the back. The back is also flattering with nice pocket placement. Catch them on sale and they’re a great price as well.

Sizing: I’m wearing my usual size, 24 – they have a roomy fit.

Fails:

I went back and forth about sharing the pairs that didn’t work for me, but ultimately decided it might be helpful if I shared why they weren’t a good fit for me.

AGOLDE Parker Shorts

I was really excited to try this pair of shorts. They’re the most raved about pair on IG and they look really good on so many other girls.

From the front I would probably love these shorts. I ordered my typical size, 24 and the waistband fit me well. They’re relaxed which made for a little extra room in the front. The legs are nice and roomy and comfortable and the denim is heavy so I understand the price point. The issue for me, became the back.

This picture doesn’t show well enough how unflattering these shorts are in the back – on me. The pockets are very wide set and for someone with already wide hips it just made me look wider. There is also a good deal of room in the back which wasn’t flattering on me. You can see a better look of the back on my IGtv try-on.

Madewell Perfect Jean Short

These shorts weren’t perfect for me, they were too high and rode up my backside. I just can’t buy a pair of shorts that rides up and constantly have to be pulled down. However, if you’re not curvy on the bottom, I think they’re worth a try.

Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts

I tried this pair just to see, even though I knew it was a long shot with them being high-rise. They were too high on the top and didn’t have enough fabric on the bottom for me. They ultimately rode up my backside as well.

Levi’s Cutoff Shorts

These were very short and rode up quite a bit. They were also too high-rise.

The blogger in me is always on the hunt, so if I find others, I’ll be happy to share them here with you! If you have a pair you love and works well for you, share it with me so I can try too!

-Brooke