Here's the long and short of it: These fan favorites will make you wanna unleash those legs once and for all. (Levi's, Banana Republic Factory, Old Navy)(Levi's/Banana Republic Factory/Old Navy)
There's an elephant in the room, and it's wearing shorts. Well, let me rephrase that: The elephant in the room is the shorts. Outside of swimsuits, few wardrobe staples strike as much fear into women's hearts. Finding a flattering cut and length is hard enough, but there's also the matter of flashing our grudging gams after a long winter of Netflix and comfort food. No wonder plenty of us would rather sweat all summer in our jeans or leggings.
Well, what if you could find some shorts that didn't, well, suck? I made that my mission, scouring reviews and chasing down coworkers for recommendations. I'm talking Goldilocks shorts: Not too short, not too long. Not too tight, not too loose. These are shorts you'll reach for because they're juuuust right, not because you're afraid pants will give you heatstroke. Whether you want denim or linen, polished chinos or casual pull-ons, there's something on this list for you, with picks starting at a ridiculously reasonable $15.
There's nothing like a good pair of denim shorts to halt the tyranny of full-length jeans on a sweaty summer day. Made with a touch of stretch, these babies have a flattering 5-inch inseam and a crisp cuff that buyers say washes and dries without unrolling (that's a pet peeve of yours truly). Choose from sizes 2-18 in three washes.
And how's this for an endorsement? "I'm not a huge fan of shorts," admitted a Macy's shopper and former skeptic. "I am 63 and don't think my legs are sexy, but I love these shorts."
These fan favorites from Loft offer a little more polish and a little more coverage with their 6-inch inseam. Made of sturdy stretch cotton, they're the shorts you can probably get away with wearing to the office, assuming the air conditioning isn't on full blast. Even better, they also come in curvy and petite. Choose from sizes 00-18 in four colors.
"As a 40-something woman, these are cute and comfortable without revealing more than I want to show nowadays," said one relatable reviewer. "They run large, but they're great overall!"
Commerce Editor Kris Scott is a big fan of these affordable Amazon pull-on shorts. "I've never met an elastic, drawstring waist I didn't love, but let's be honest — that can often translate to, 'Hi, I've given up,'" she says. "But not when it comes to these shorts. I snagged a few pairs last summer and love how comfortable but cute they are. As a 50-plus woman, I appreciate the not-too-short inseam and thicker waistband. They're also not tight at all and — hallelujah — have pockets."
If you're indecisive, buckle up: The list of colors and patterns is longer than your latest CVS receipt (42 by our count). "I have a solid, a flower print and one of the woven patterns, and I regularly wear them all," Kris says. Choose from sizes XS-3XL.
Breathable boxers and preppy chinos had a beautiful baby: these 100% cotton pull-ons, tailor-made for sweltering weather. "I own two pairs. They have great air flow, and they aren't constricting," Janelle says. "I hiked up a Mayan pyramid in these on a 95°F day and still felt comfortable, then I wore them out to dinner and still felt polished."
Choose from six styles — three stripes, three solids — in sizes XXS-XXL. Even better: "They are always, always on sale," she adds.
Despite the name, these aren't your mama's shorts. The high rise is there, but there's not a pleat in sight, and the sturdy no-stretch denim will keep its shape all day. The A-line silhouette is relaxed but far from baggy — think less MC Hammer, more "I see curves." Choose from waist sizes 23-34 in two washes.
"So comfortable, lightweight and roomy in the thighs," crooned one Levi's customer. "I can't tell you how long I have searched, high and low, for shorts that don't suffocate my thighs and cover my booty! Very flattering and age-appropriate."
These stretch cotton shorts could be the new MVP of your summer wardrobe — they're a natural with everything from a T-shirt and comfy sandals to a crisp button-down and heels. Functional pockets and a flattering 5-inch inseam are icing on the very versatile cake. Choose from sizes 4-16 in five colors.
"They are stretchy, breathable and overall just super comfortable (and I can sit down happy too)," raved a relieved shopper. "There is no catch to these shorts, even though I thought they would be too good to be true. Just elegant and timeless pieces that are perfect for summer and spring! I got three pairs in different colors."
These pull-ons are a personal fave for active weekend days — I've worn them for yard work, basketball games and Costco trips galore. The wide waistband stays put, the zipper pockets are big enough to hold my phone, and the 5-inch inseam is just the right amount of coverage. The quick-drying poly-spandex blend also goes through the washer and dryer like a dream. Choose from sizes XXS-XL in five colors.
"Love the length," said a fellow fan. "Not so short that they ride up, and not too long. I am 5'4" and these hit my mid-thigh. The material is soft and very light. Great for hot-weather vacations. The waistband is wide and comfy. Doesn't roll down."
These admittedly splurgey linen-blend shorts might be worth the spend thanks to their subtle pleats and gorgeous drape. The 3.5-inch inseam is on the shorter side, but the relaxed fit puts them firmly in the "I can totally pull these off" camp. Choose from five colors, including a black floral and an adorable strawberry print, in sizes 00-16. Petites are available too.
"My first pair of shorts in years!" said a leg-liberating reviewer. "The rise and inseam are perfect (I can't with super short inseams!) and they flare out enough to make me feel comfortable in them and for me to tuck tops in at the waist, my preferred style."
"Legendary" is some lofty billing, but these versatile Lees really are straight out of a fairy tale, thanks to that modest but not-quite-Bermuda 7-inch inseam. Choose from sizes 0-20 in five colors.
"I'm getting too old for my go-to 4-inch inseam shorts and these still feel like real shorts (not Bermudas), just with a little more coverage," said one reviewer. "Very soft, cute and comfortable. So many shorts I tried were heavy or scratchy or flimsy. These hit the sweet spot."
Agreed another: "These fit like a glove! They have just the right amount of give in them! I'm 5'10" and normal-length shorts on me can look like Daisy Dukes. I appreciate the 7-inch inseam being a normal, mid-thigh length that isn't showing the world too much."
So you want to get active, but skin-tight bike shorts and tiny, loose running shorts aren't your jam? Give these a whirl instead. Made from a quick-drying poly-spandex blend with four-way stretch, they have a fitted (but not too fitted) silhouette and a 5-inch inseam. (And yes, you do spy functional pockets — there's one on the back too.) Choose from sizes XS-XXL in four colors.
"I have purchased many types of hybrid shorts, and they will all be donated, except for this pair," said a discriminating shopper. "I wanted multi-use shorts for activewear, swimming and travel, and these are perfect. Love the wide, comfortable yoga waistband. It fits well, smooths and flatters without any of those nasty fabric gathers that irritate your skin. The cut is great for me, as I carry most of my weight in my belly, but judging from the model, it looks like these shorts are a rare cut that work for several body types."
There's nothing like a good pair of denim shorts to halt the tyranny of full-length jeans on a sweaty summer day. Made with a touch of stretch, these babies have a flattering 5-inch inseam and a crisp cuff that buyers say washes and dries without unrolling (that's a pet peeve of yours truly). Choose from sizes 2-18 in three washes.
And how's this for an endorsement? "I'm not a huge fan of shorts," admitted a Macy's shopper and former skeptic. "I am 63 and don't think my legs are sexy, but I love these shorts."
Wanna go longer? You can grab this style in 9-inch Bermudas.
