It’s getting warmer, so it’s time to break out those shorts! If you’re anything like me, you know it can be a struggle to find a great pair of denim shorts. Sure, some might look great on the size 2 model, but when slipping them over my size 12 thighs or zipping them over my mama pooch they don’t quite look or feel the same as in the picture.
I’m also all about shorts that are not too short because… well, thigh rub is real.
In my experience, what works for one woman as their “favorite shorts” may not be what is best for my body, and that comes down to 3 factors:
- Butt Shape
- Rise
- Inseam
Understanding and knowing these factors when choosing shorts is CRUCIAL to getting pairs that actually fit the first time around. Last year I broke down how each of these factors can impact how shorts fit on your body. Check out that post HERE
Since many of my favorites did not come back this year I went hunting to find some new styles for 2024. Let’s get started!
Tee (L) code RYANNE10 | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: KUT Jane Short Size 12 | 4.5″ Inseam | 11.5″ Rise
This season, these are my #1 denim shorts! I love the higher mid-rise, thicker denim that loosens as I wear them, but they don’t stretch out. The 4.5″ inseam is perfect on my legs, and this style has a slight flare in the thigh to give some room.
Tee (L) code RYANNE10 | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: Jen 7 Shorts Size 12 | 4″ Inseam | 11.5″ Rise
If you are looking for a short this is closer to the thigh and has more stretch then grab these! Still a higher mid-rise and 4″ inseam. These are a great option for those ladies with a V-shaped rear (thicker in the midsection and smaller thighs and legs).
Fit tips: AE Strigid Super High-Waisted Relaxed Short Size 14 | 4″ Inseam | 12.5″ Rise
These shorts run small, and they have a thicker material with minimum stretch. They are higher rise than what I typically prefer with them, about 1″ above my belly button. I like that they are not too distressed and have a darker wash.
Top (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: AE Strigid Super High-Waisted Relaxed Ripped Short Size 14 | 4.5″ Inseam | 12.5″ Rise
These are lighter-weight denim and have minimal stretch. While I like the distressing, the higher rise makes the inseam feel shorter and bunch a bit when I’m walking. Of the American Eagle, these are my favorite styles.
Top (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: AE Strigid Super High-Waisted Relaxed Denim Short Size 14 | 4″ Inseam | 13″ Rise
These are a an ultra high rise and the highest of all the shorts that I found, but one one of the only non-distressed shorts. These have a little bit of stretch but not much making them a bit uncomfortable for me because they are too high rise.
Top (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: AE Strigid 4″ Perfect Ripped Denim Short Size 14 | 4.5″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
While I love the fit of these shorts with a 12″ rise and 4.5″ inseam, the distressing makes them a little too revealing on the leg. These also come in a cuffed version that I’ll be trying with the hopes that they could be uncuffed and fit similar.
Tee (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: Target Mid-Rise 90’s Baggy Jean Shorts Size 14 | 4″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
While I typically hate the 90s-fit jeans, these shorts were a pleasant surprise! These run small and with minimal stretch, so I sized up to a 14, and they fit well. With a high (but not too high) rise and 4″ inseam, these have some of the thickest fabric denim and really hold their shape. They flare a bit at the thigh, making them good for many rear shapes.
Tee (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: Target Mid-Rise 90’s Baggy Jean Shorts Size 12 | 4″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
This is the same style as the shorts above, but wanted to mention that the white is not sheer! I was very happy with how opaque these shorts are making them some of my favorite white denim shorts of the season.
Tee (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: CHICZONE Mid-High Short Size XL | Inseam 4.5″ | Rise 11.25
These SUPER stretchy higher mid-rise non-distressed shorts are so comfortable and some of the best shorts of the season. I love that they have a slightly longer inseam and light wash. They are off Amazon so also easy for returns and shipping!
Tee (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: MODARANI Ripped Distressed Short Size XL | Inseam 3.5″ | Rise 11.25
These shorts have patched distressing, so the look of distressed shorts but not show through. While these are a bit shorter on the inseam, the mid-rise is very comfortable. These have minimal stretch but loosen slightly as I wear them.
Tee (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: MODARANI Ripped Distressed Short Size XL | 4″ Inseam | 11″ Rise
These SUPER stretchy lightweight denim shorts are very comfortable with a mid-rise and 4″ inseam. The fabric is slightly thin, so they can bunch a bit when walking.
Top (L) | Shorts | Flip Flops
Fit tips: maurices™ Mid Rise 5in Short Size 12 (prefer 14) | 5″ Inseam | 12″ Rise
These 5″ inseam shorts are near perfection EXCEPT, they run small, and I needed a 14! I love the light distressing and more fitted thigh great for H and V rear shapes. Also, they are mid-weight denim, so not too thick and not too thin.
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