The best shorts for you depend on what you’ll do in them and how much coverage you want. Start by choosing a category—denim, linen or linen-blend, or running shorts—then compare rise, inseam, fabric, stretch and fit. No single pair is best across every activity and preference.
Start with the kind of shorts you need
Denim cutoffs, airy linen styles and running shorts solve different problems. Decide whether you want everyday casual wear, a warm-weather fabric, or a pair made for exercise before comparing individual products.
- Denim: A familiar casual option, with differences in rise, inseam, leg opening and stretch.
- Linen and linen-blend: Warm-weather styles whose fabric composition and stretch vary by product.
- Running shorts: Athletic designs to assess for coverage, liner, leg opening and movement rather than treating them as equivalents to denim.
Compare casual denim shorts by fit and fabric
Rise and inseam give you concrete points of comparison, but neither number determines whether a pair will feel right on you. Check the product’s leg opening and fit guidance as well, and look at the fabric composition to see whether stretch is part of the design.
Levi’s 501 Original Short
Levi’s describes the 501 Original Short as high rise and vintage-inspired, with a 2.5-inch inseam. The brand says a cotton-elastane blend is available in addition to a 100% cotton version, so check the specific wash or listing rather than assuming every version has the same composition. See Levi’s shorts fit guide.
#1 Best Overall
Abercrombie Dad Shorts
In a July 23, 2025 denim-shorts comparison, Who What Wear named Abercrombie Dad Shorts its best overall denim-shorts pick after an editor try-on. That is the publication’s dated editorial verdict within denim shorts, not an independent lab result or a judgment covering every kind of women’s shorts. Read the comparison.
Consider linen and linen-blend options
“Linen shorts” can describe different constructions. Read the composition and stretch details rather than relying on the fabric label alone.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
Levi’s Linen+ Denim Lightweight Carpenter Shorts
Levi’s lists these as mid-rise, non-stretch denim with a 3.5-inch inseam and a composition of 85% cotton and 15% linen. These are the brand’s stated product specifications; check its current page for available versions and fit details. View the Levi’s product page.
AG Jeans Analeigh Short
AG describes the Analeigh as a utility-inspired linen-blend denim short with all-direction stretch and a 3.5-inch inseam. Compare those details with the Levi’s example, but note that the available descriptions do not establish a direct fit or comfort comparison between the two. View AG’s product page.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose running shorts for running
For exercise, look for athletic-specific details such as lining, coverage and leg opening. lululemon describes its Track That High-Rise Lined Short 3-inch as a high-coverage running short made with lightweight Swift fabric. The brand says the design has “a little extra room in the leg opening”; treat that as product copy, and check the current page for sizing and fit guidance. View lululemon’s product page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use fit details to narrow your choice
If you’re trying to avoid ride-up or chafing, or want something between very short and longer coverage, those concerns are useful filters—but they are individual fit preferences, not evidence that one cut works for everyone. A style guide from FatFace also frames shorts choices around fit, length and fabric. Read FatFace’s shorts guide.
Rank #4
- For coverage: Compare inseam and leg opening, and look for product-specific coverage descriptions.
- For stretch: Check the stated fiber composition and whether the product is described as stretch or non-stretch.
- For fit: Use the brand’s current size and fit guidance; do not assume measurements or fit notes transfer between styles.
- For activity: Choose a running short for running, and assess its liner and coverage separately from casual shorts.
Comments in online discussions sometimes describe wanting shorts that “don’t ride up,” avoiding chafing, or finding a balance between “too short” and longer coverage. These are anecdotal examples of reader language, not measured findings about how common those concerns are. See reader discussions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
