If you’re asking for my opinion, the perfect length for a pair of shorts is around a 4-5″ inseam. A 4-5″ inseam is a nice mid-length. They’re not too long or too short, and I find that most shorts in this length don’t ride up as easily as their shorter 2-3″ counterparts. In today’s post, I have three pairs of shorts from Madewell to review, with a mid-length.

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Mid-Length Shorts from Madewell

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.

Pull-On Drawstring Shorts

The pull-on drawstring shorts from Madewell are 100% linen and so comfortable. These shorts are a thicker linen, than some of my other pairs, so they aren’t see-through. They have a relaxed fit with a comfortable drawstring waist and oversized utility pockets on the front. This pair has a 3.75″ inseam – paired with the relaxed fit – it’s close enough to 4″ to be a comfortable length for me. I’m wearing them here in XXS and find them to be true to size. I love this deep maroon, but they also come in six other color and print options. If I’m honest, they’re a pair I want in multiple colors.

Shorts XXS in henna | Scoopneck T-Shirt XXS | Short Sleeve Denim Top XXS | Striped T-Shirt XXS | Linen Top XXS oversized | Bag | Sandals

Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Denim Shorts

The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Denim Shorts are high-rise with a 5″ inseam. They are stretchy and well-fitting through the hips and waist and relaxed through the thighs. These are a great fit if you have thicker thighs like me and struggle with shorts being too tight there. They’re not too tight and not too loose—they’re a “perfect” balance. I find them to be true to size overall.

Shorts 24 | Scoopneck T-Shirt XXS | Linen Top XXS oversized | Bag | Sandals

Brynn Long Shorts

The Brynn Long Shorts come in a long and short option. The long option has a 4.5″ inseam. These shorts are no-stretch vintage denim. I find them to be snug across my thighs, but loose through my waist and hips. They’re meant to be worn low and slouchy, but are too snug in my thighs to wear them that way, so if you’re similar in shape to me – I would size up for a slouchy fit. In white, they aren’t see-through. They also come in a curvy option, which I haven’t tried, but possibly that would fix my issue with the fit through the thighs.

Shorts 24 | Jacket XXS | T-Shirt XXS | Bag | Sandals

-Brooke