Is there any piece of clothing cooler than denim shorts to rock in the spring or summertime? Well, ok, maybe a Hawaiian shirt…but still, if you’re looking for a trendy pair of bottoms, nothing compares to a pair of denim shorts. Whether you’re going for a more modern look with distressed denim or a more polished look with a classic light wash pair, denim shorts offer a level of versatility, making them great for trans-seasonal dressing all year round.
During the 70s and 80s, denim shorts were all the rage, as they were a staple piece for the warmer months. Though cut-off denim shorts became popular thanks to the fictional Dukes of Hazard character Daisy Duke, the shorts became longer and more distressed, and designers began to play around with different colours too. By the 90s, denim shorts had new life breathed into them, as they were embraced by the pop and grunge scenes; and though they went on a brief hiatus, they eventually found their way back into most peoples wardrobes by the early 2000s.
Best Denim Shorts For Men FAQs
How do I style denim shorts?
The great thing about denim shorts is that they're incredibly versatile. If you're going for a super casual look, pair it with a loose-fitting t-shirt and some cool sneakers. However, if you're after a more smart casual look, pair your denim shorts with an oversized blazer for a super, cool preppy aesthetic.
How tight should denim shorts be?
There's nothing more unflattering than extremely tight denim shorts, as it highlights all the wrong areas. To ensure this doesn't happen, make sure your shorts are loosely fitted around the knee, even if they're a slim fit.
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If you’re looking for some versatile, diverse bottoms to shake up your streetwear, it’s time you invest in a pair of quality denim shorts. From cut-offs to baggy denim baseball sorts, we’ve curated a list of brands catering to every man’s aesthetic.
Levi's
1/10Price: From $50
Sizes: 28-44
Customer Reviews: “Fit true to size and of course LEVI’s which have always been the best brand ever!”
Levis is one of the biggest clothing companies in the world and a global leader in jeans. Founded in 1853 by Levi Strauss, Strauss launched the business with the vision to revolutionise the denim industry, and he did just that, as he introduced the world to the first pair of blue denim jeans. The brand delivers the most impressive apparel, continuing to build its rich fashion legacy. When it comes to all things denim, Levi’s are experts.
Make sure you check out their range of denim shorts for men, as they offer a diverse range of different styles, cuts and colours. Whether you’re looking for stretch denim shorts, distressed denim, or cut off denim shorts, Levi’s has just about every kind of style here. Also, if you’re looking to purchase shorts without harming the planet, Levi’s has a selection of denim shorts cut from recycled cotton, recycled polyester and cottoned hemp for those committed to sustainable fashion.
G-Star
2/10Price: From $75
Sizes: 24-40
Customer Reviews: “G-Star is my go-to for everything denim and more. For quality and sustainability, they are the best.”
G-Star is a Dutch clothing brand founded in 1989 by Jos Van Tilburg. G-Star’s philosophy has always been ‘just the product’. This approach has allowed them to pioneer the denim industry as they combine impeccable craftsmanship with their signature streetwear touch, creating luxury denim ideal for everyday and smart casual wear. G-Star is a go-to denim brand committed to making fashion-forward and innovative pieces, so if you’re after a pair of brand new denim shorts, you have to check out their collection.
Their Medium Blue Denim Shorts are a classic, clean style that promises to go with almost any outfit. These denim shorts are a relaxed fit and offer a 5-pocket construction with a button fly for extra convenience, making them an absolute must-have for the warmer seasons.
American Eagle
3/10Price: From $50
Sizes: 26-44
Customer Reviews: “It was perfectly fit just for me just how I like my pants to be. They were breathable and stretchy when they need to be but look proper. Great quality and reliable. Reasonable price, I got what I paid for.”
American Eagle is the pinnacle of casual clothing cut from superior materials and fabric. Aside from being high quality, American Eagle offers their clothes for the most affordable prices, making fashion accessible without compromising its designs. This leading clothing brand operates more than 1,000 stores across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong and ships to 81 countries globally through its websites. For more than 38 years, American Eagle has created versatile apparel that’s comfortable and fashion-forward.
If you’re looking for a pair of super stretchy athletic denim shorts, then you’ve come to the right place. American Eagle’s denim shorts for men are incredibly innovative as they’re designed with AirFlex technology, offering a high level of stretch while still holding their shape. This makes them suitable for situations you wouldn’t normally expect, such as hiking, for example.
Jack & Jones
4/10Price: From $34
Sizes: XS-XXL
Customer Reviews: “Nice colour. Good material.”
Jack & Jones is a Danish menswear brand that has delivered top-notch denim products since its creation in 1990. Despite the company starting from humble beginnings, it’s become one of Europe’s leading clothing retailers and sells its collection in over 800 stores worldwide. Jack & Jones has acquired an incredible reputation and loyal customer base through its effortlessly cool designs that highlight impressive craftsmanship fused with high-end materials. This brand is mainly inspired by urban pop culture, but at its core, their collection of utility streetwear fashion with the strong influence from blue-collar workers.
From relaxed shorts to distressed denim shorts, Jack & Jones offers a vast selection of designs perfect for adding a bit of edge to your everyday wear. If you’re looking for high waisted pair of denim shorts, they have numerous styles on offer, all of which are exceptionally comfy and cosy. However, if you want something a little more rock n roll, Jack & Jones offer patchwork denim shorts that come with frayed edges.
ASOS Design
5/10Price: From $29
Sizes: 26-38
Customer Reviews: “The shorts themselves are good quality.”
ASOS is a famous UK online store offering an endless range of clothes that sells over 850 brands and its own range of clothing and accessories. With a strong e-commerce platform, ASOS ships to many countries with a low shipping fee, making them one of the most highly sought after online retailers.
While you’re here, make sure to check out their own collection of clothing, ASOS Design. This is because ASOS Design offers pretty much any kind of denim short style you can think of. Whether you’re after slim-fit, high waisted designs, to shorts with subtle distressing, or even denim shorts in a range of colours including black and white, they have it all.
H&M
6/10Price: From $20
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Customer Reviews: “These shorts were a great buy! They are super comfy and fit true to size.”
H&M is a Swedish multinational clothing retailer supplying the best quality clothes for a great value price. H&M’s first store opened in the Swedish city of Västerås back in 1947, but now the company has grown into a global business with over 5,000 stores in 74 countries.
If you’re looking for a diverse, versatile collection of men’s denim shorts, make sure to check out their online store. H&M offers light blue and black styles, perfect for building your sporty, sharp look. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, they also offer baggy denim short styles that come with a drawstring waistband, so you can wear them as loose or as snug as you want, perfect for lounging around.
River Island
7/10Price: From $60
Sizes: 26-42
Customer Reviews: “Great fit and comfortable, would buy again. Lovely colour!”
For over 60 years, River Island has created innovative menswear that’s stylish and affordable. Founded by Bernard Lewis and his brothers, this London-headquartered high street fashion brand has always delivered the most exquisite clothing for affordable prices, catering to every man’s budget.
River Island offers denim shorts for men in a wide range of colours, from light wash blue to grey to white; giving you an easy route to creating a number of different outfit options. If you’re after a more classic, traditional design, they offer blue denim shorts that are super practical, as they cut from super stretchy denim and provide belt loops and more pockets than you’ll know what to do with. However, if you’re looking for denim shorts that are a little more unconventional, they have frayed designs available in eccentric patterns and prints, perfect for hot summer days.
Bershka
8/10Price: From $36
Sizes: 28-36
Customer Reviews: “Bershka is THE BEST..love their styles and quality and fitting..”
It didn’t take long for Bershka to find success as, this unique streetwear label offers some incredibly interesting clothing designs, all made to extremely high standards. Today this global fashion chain sells in more than 1000 stores in over 70 international markets, and has a menswear range that offers so much more than just fashionable denim for young people, as Bershka is an attitude rather than just a brand.
Bershka offers a range of well-made slim fit, distressed denim and baggy denim shorts that are the perfect staple for the summer. If you’re after high rise denim, they have a collection of shorts that cater to this style, but if you’re looking for simple designs, they also have their fair share of wide-set baggy shorts, ideal for lounging around in.
Pull & Bear
9/10Price: From $36
Sizes: 29-34
Customer Reviews: “Great brand, good quality and prices are quite affordable.”
Pull & Bear is the sibling brand of Bershka, as this leading clothing company was also founded by the Spanish group Inditex. Since the early nineties, Pull & Bear has had a clear vision always to dress environmentally engaged and dynamic fashion lovers young at heart. Pull & Bear has become a hugely popular brand primarily known for its super trendy yet polished style that draws influence from art, music and pop culture.
Their collection of men’s denim shorts have been expertly tailored and highlight fine craftsmanship, as each item fits like a glove. You’ll always feel incredibly comfy while rocking a pair of Pull & Bear shorts, as they also offer a five-pocket design with belt loops.
Boohoo Man
10/10Price: From $34
Sizes: 28-36
Customer Reviews: “Good quality clothes at exceptional prices. 10/10 always.”
Boohoo Man creates apparel perfect for streetwear as they offer eccentric and modern designs. Offering a diverse range of menswear, Boohoo Man is the ideal clothing brand if you’re looking to upgrade your streetwear game without having to take out a loan.
Their collection of men’s denim shorts is incredibly vast, as they offer traditional styles and ones with experimental graphics and patterns for those looking for an unconventional way to wear denim shorts. However, if you’re looking for a more subtle design, Boohoo Man has plenty of classic denim styles available in relaxed and slim-fit cuts too.
