The 15 Best Shorts of 2023 for Your Summer Festivities

Best Overall

Girlfriend Collective Snooze Shorts

We are huge fans of Girlfriend Collective, a brand once known for activewear. Currently, the label is a destination for lifestyle-oriented pieces, including the Dawn Snooze Short. Available in several colors, these shorts are the perfect balance between casual dress and loungewear.

Material: 50% Texloop™ RCOT™ Primo Recycled Cotton, 50% TENCEL™ Modal | Colors: Assorted colors |  Inseam: 3.5 inches | Size Range: XXS-6XL

Price at time of publish: $48

Best Budget

Old Navy High-Waisted OGC Pull-On Chino Shorts for Women

These high-waisted yet slouchy shorts from the tried-and-true retailer are ideal for sunny days. They have a wide selection of denim for all body types. These shorts have an elasticized waistband that can be adjusted to sit at or below the belly button, making them a versatile and comfortable choice. Put these chinos on with a halter top and wedge sandals for a night out or a racerback tank and low-top sneakers for a casual day out.

Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex | Colors: Cloisonne, Flower Trail, A Stone’s Throw, Alpine Tundra, Black Jack, In The Navy, Sisal, and Panther | Inseam: 5 inches | Size Range: XS-4X

Price at time of publish: $25

Best Designer

Simone Rocha Draped Cotton-Blend Brocade Shorts

If you’re planning to drop some serious coin on a pair of shorts, then we suggest you spend your hard-earned money on a true statement piece. These draped brocade shorts from whimsical designer Simone Rocha can be styled in many creative ways.

Material: 58% cotton, 39% acetate, 3% acrylic | Colors: Cream |  Inseam: n/a | Size Range: 00-10

Price at time of publish: $850

Best Bermuda

Banana Republic Lido Italian Wool Bermuda Shorts

If you’re planning a trip to the tropics this year, the Banana Republic Knee-length airy Bermuda shorts are a must-have This style is made with fabric from Italy’s Marzotto mill, one of the oldest and most innovative mills in the world. Belt it or wear it as you would a tailored blazer to finish your outfit.

Material: 100% Virgin Wool | Colors: Light Beige |  Inseam: n/a | Size Range: 0-20

Price at time of publish: $95

Best Linen

Athleta Cabo Linen 4″ Short

For an easy, breezy, yet stylish addition to your vacation wardrobe, the Cabo Linen 4” Short from Athleta is a great option. With a 4” inseam and relaxed fit, you can wear them while lounging poolside or sightseeing.

Material: 100% linen | Colors: Assorted colors|  Inseam: 4 inches | Size Range: 0-26

Price at time of publish: $59

Best Cargo 

L.L.Bean Women’s Stretch Canvas Cargo Shorts

If you’re in need of shorts for utility purposes or a nature walk, then consider the Stretch Canvas Cargo Shorts. The pockets are durable enough to hold all your gadgets, while the fabric is lightweight to keep you cool.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Colors: Assorted colors |  Inseam: 7 inches | Size Range: 2-18

Price at time of publish: $50

Best Chino

J. Crew 4″ Stretch Chino Short

Sometimes, you want a more relaxed feel to your shorts, but for the most casual of days, the Stretch Chino Shorts from J.Crew are just that. A simple silhouette in high-quality fabric creates the ideal summer short.

Material: cotton, elastane | Colors: Assorted colors |  Inseam: 4 inches | Size Range: 00-24

Price at time of publish: $60

Best Black

Kiya Tomlin Draped Short

While these shorts come in other colors besides black, they had to make this round-up because Bermuda is such an interesting take on shorts. With draping on both legs of this pair, the style feels like a cross between Bermuda shorts and gauchos.

Material: 66% bamboo, 26% cotton, 6% spandex | Colors: Assorted colors |  Inseam: n/a | Size Range: XS-XXL

Price at time of publish: $125

Best Printed

PacSun Tie Dye Boyfriend Carpenter Shorts

If we’re going to mention prints, then we might as well include this mainstay. Tie-dye has had a hold on fashion in all styles, and it was only right that we find some tie-dye shorts. The Boyfriend Carpenter Shorts are great to style with a hoodie for running errands or with a brightly colored swimsuit top for a beach day.

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Assorted colors |  Inseam: n/a| Size Range: 23-30 |

Price at time of publish: $30

Best Faux Leather

SCHHJZPJ High Waisted Wide Leg Faux Leather Shorts for Women

With over 4,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, it’s clear that these shorts are popular! With a drawstring waist and wide legs, these faux leather shorts are a good year-round addition to your wardrobe that doesn’t sacrifice your bank account for style.

Material: 100% faux polyurethane leather | Colors: Assorted colors |  Inseam: n/a | Size Range: XS-XL |

Price at time of publish: $30

Best Leather

Alice + Olivia Cady High Waisted Leather Short

It’s difficult to find genuine leather shorts that aren’t absurdly expensive, even though these still cost a pretty penny. If you love the look, texture, and buttery feel of leather, then the Cady High Waisted Leather Short from Alice + Olivia might be for you. With a simple cut, these shorts are understated and act as a great base for any look.

Material: 100% lamb leather | Colors: Black, White |  Inseam: 3.5 inches | Size Range: 0-14

Price at time of publish: $595

Best Denim

Madewell Relaxed Denim Shorts

Of course, one of the most well-loved denim brands made it into the roundup. Composed of only cotton in a slouchy fit, it’s no surprise that the Madwell Relaxed Denim Shorts are so popular for the warmer seasons—even making their way into 1400 shopping bags at the time this article was written.

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Assorted washes |  Inseam: 3 inches | Size Range: 23-33W Standard

Price at time of publish: $78

Best High Rise

Good American Good ’90s Short

With a 12-inch front rise and frayed hems, the Good ‘90s Short is the epitome of trendy yesteryear. B cotton blended with elasterell-P and elastane has replaced the restrictive non-stretch denim of the 1990s for added comfort.

These 90s-inspired shorts from Good American are such a vibe if you’re into high-res shorts with a relaxed fit. With light distressing on the pockets and a gap-proof waistband, these jeans are perfect for a casual day off.

Material: 97% cotton, 1% Lycra| Colors: Indigo 433 |  Inseam: 3.5 inches | Size Range: 00-30

Price at time of publish: $199

Best Low Rise

Gap Low Stride Shorts

Another go-to brand for jeans that are high-quality and stylish — Gap! The Low Stride Shorts are for lovers of trends that are gradually coming back into style, like no-stretch denim and low-rise pants. These shorts need to be worn in for absolute comfort but have a modern edge with raw hems.

Material: 100% cotton | Colors: Assorted washes |  Inseam: n/a | Size Range: 23-35W

Price at time of publish: $60