Like it or not, shorts season is coming, and it’s my job to prepare you for it. I actually love shorts, perhaps because I’m from Louisiana and you must wear them practically year-round there. And now that I’m back living in the South, shorts dominate my summer wardrobe yet again. These days, there are many more shorts options to choose from aside from denim cut-offs and the Soffe cheerleading shorts me and my friends used to wear (you know the ones).
Through much trial and error over the years, I think that I’ve cracked the code to what makes a great pair of shorts, and there are a handful of specific pairs that check a lot of boxes and are wildly popular because of it. I think now is the perfect time to put them on your radar because history shows that they’ll be sold out before June makes its arrival.
Scroll to shop the best shorts of the season.
Reformation Mason Shorts
Reformation Mason shorts (especially in linen) are the polished trouser shorts your wardrobe needs. The length is perfect for any height, and they come in tons of useful colors.
Reformation
Mason Linen Shorts in Dark Olive
Reformation
Mason Shorts in Black
Reformation
Mason Linen Shorts in Oatmeal
Reformation
Mason Shorts in Poppyseed
Agolde Parker Long Shorts
I’m no longer a fan of super-short denim cut-offs but I’m a bit short for bermuda shorts, so this mid-length style is the perfect in-between. They’re very polished for denim shorts and quite comfortable for being 100% cotton.
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts in Cat
Agolde
Parker Long Clean Organic Denim Shorts in Enamour
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts in Twister
Agolde
Parker Long Shorts in Dough
Aritzia Sweatshorts
While I love sweatshorts, I’m very picky about them. Aritzia’s (which come in a variety of lengths) are the best I’ve found. Take my advice and size up for the most comfortable fit.
Aritzia
Cozy Fleece Perfect Hi-Rise Mini Sweatshorts in Black
Aritzia
Cozy Fleece Mega Mid-Thigh Sweatshorts in Modern Taupe
Aritzia
Cozy Fleece Perfect Hi-Rise Mini Sweatshorts in Heather Chrome
Aritzia
Cozy Fleece Boyfriend Mini Sweatshorts in Tidal Blue
Toteme Silk PJ Shorts
Another comfortable style that’s on the fancier side is Toteme’s silk PJ shorts. They’re perfect for vacation—just add a tank top and leather flip-flops.
Toteme
Embroidered Silk-Twill Shorts in Black
Toteme
Embroidered Silk-Twill Shorts in Ivory
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Fatigue Shorts
I own these Madewell shorts in two color, both of which I wear constantly on casual summer days. They have a bit of stretch, so they’re even more comfortable than they look.
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Fatigue Shorts in Desert Olive
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Fatigue Shorts in Form Grey
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Fatigue Shorts in Dried Straw
Levi’s 501 Mid Thigh Shorts
If you prefer mid-thigh denim shorts, these affordable Levi’s are one of your best bets. But I would hurry as they’re already on their way to selling out.
Levi’s
501 Mid Thigh Shorts in Blue Beauty
Levi’s
Mid Thigh 501 Shorts in Medium Wash
Levi’s
Levi’s 501 Mid Thigh Shorts in Ojai Luxor Last Shorts
Levi’s
501 Mid Thigh Cutoff Denim Shorts in Odeon
Hommegirls Cotton-Poplin Shorts
Not sure if you’ve noticed, but cotton boxer shorts have been trending as of late. Hommegirls makes a great elevated pair that doesn’t look like something you pulled out of the bottom of your pajama drawer.
Hommegirls
Pinstriped Cotton-Poplin Shorts in Light Blue
Hommegirls
Boxer Shorts in White
Hommegirls
Boxer Shorts in Classic Stripe
Hommegirls
Striped Cotton-Poplin Shorts in ’70s Stripe
Loulou Studio Isu Denim Shorts
If long shorts are your thing, the pair I highly recommend is Loulou Studio’s Isu Shorts. They’re simple, timeless, and understated.
Loulou Studio
Isu High-Rise Organic Denim Shorts in Light Blue
Loulou Studio
Organic Cotton Denim Shorts in Washed Light Blue
Loulou Studio
Isu Organic Denim Shorts in Ivory
Loulou Studio
Organic Cotton Denim Shorts in Washed Grey
