We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. A stylish pair of Levi's high-rise jean shorts that'll become an *instant* summertime wardrobe staple and probably last you years and years of firework shows, BBQs, beach trips, and midnight ice cream runs.
Promising review: "I am very picky about shorts – they have to be stretchy enough to allow for bloating otherwise I simply won't wear them, especially when it comes to high-waisted shorts. These are PERFECT. So stretchy and comfy. I had a big brunch with a mimosa and I didn't feel like I was suffocating in these. I felt so comfy and kept them on even when we got home." —KF
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in regular sizes 23–34, plus sizes 26–32, and seven colors).
2. A pair of ultra high-rise Hollister mom shorts embellished with floral embroidery, hip cut outs, rips galore, and eight other designs for a super cool summertime look. Throw on one of these gorgeous tops to pull it all together!
3. A pair of stretchy mid-rise Torrid denim shorts to scoot your boot into on hot summer days when pants are simply *not* in the forecast.
Promising review: "Let me just say this is the first pair of denim shorts that I feel COMFORTABLE in...not just comfortable with how I look but they are the perfect fit for me that I physically feel comfy in them. These are definitely my new favorite for summer!" —Rboss24
Get them from Torrid for $32.17 (originally $49.50; available in sizes 10–30).
Psst, love Torrid? Us too. That's why it made it onto our list of the best places to buy plus-size clothing.
4. A pair of distressed OneTeaspoon shorts complete with extra long side slits and a stylishly baggy fit that would look ah-maz-ing paired with a minimalist black crop top and some platform sneakers!
Note: Free People suggests ordering a size down.
Promising review: "If you want to turn a few heads by wearing some unique and cute shorts, these are the ones. They are comfortable and so adorable. Worth the money." —Laura Stafford
Get them from Free People for $98+ (available in sizes 24–32 and seven colors).
5. A bestselling pair of Levi's 501 high-rise shorts reviewers are calling "magical" and practically begging you to buy. With over 10,000 5-star ratings, it's hard to argue with the quality these offer!
Promising review: "I read somewhere that Levi’s takes the shape of your body after the first few wears and magically molds to fit it and wow they were totally right! I now have these and another pair of jeans that I’m in love with! I swear they’ve already taken shape of me and I’m wowed by the magic! They aren’t stiff now that I've practically been living in them!" —Shawna
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in classic sizes 24–33, plus sizes 35–39, and 24 colors).
6. A fun pair of Wild Fable pleated Bermuda jean shorts created with a super high-rise silhouette, fringed hem, generous pockets, and enough room to allow your thighs to actually breathe – because you deserve that.
Promising review: "Absolutely love these! Perfect length, stretchy, comfortable, and high waisted. I love that they’re wider too so they don’t choke out my thighs when I sit, lol. I purchased all colors, new summer staple shorts!" —lcjackson
Get them from Target for $20 (available in standard sizes 00–18, plus sizes 14–26, and three colors).
You know what else you could rock with these shorts? A trendy bucket hat!
7. A ~jeanious~ pair of Madewell high-rise pull-on denim shorts that are basically the sweatpants of the jean short world. No buttoning or zipping required!
Promising review: "Pull-on shorts that are comfy are a must for chasing after my toddler. I hate tight legs on shorts so these are perfect. The length is great even for me (I’m pretty tall) and they hit slightly above mid-thigh. These are definitely casual, but a step above sweat shorts, lol." —Magelsey
Another promising review: "I love these. They sit nicely right above my waist, aren't too short, and are made of a comfortable and breezy fabric. Seriously, get a pair of these. You won't regret it!" —Megseggs
Get them from Madewell for $59.50 (available in sizes 24–33).
8. A super stretchy pair of mid-rise Bermuda jean shorts ideal for anyone who lives, eats, and breathes for ripped denim.
There are also two nonripped options if you want to switch things up!
Promising review: "I'm so glad I bought these shorts for my vacation. They wash well and have stretch. Now I want more colors!" —C. Davis
Another promising review: "I am normally a 16–18 in pants so I ordered an XL and OMG they fit PERFECTLY! You can't go wrong, this is a good buy." —Evelyn
Get them from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 16 colors).
9. A stretchy pair of Carve Designs high-rise shorts designed with a frayed raw edge hem so comfortable you won't be rushing home to change into sweats at the end of the day for once.
Promising review: "Fits great, looks nice. Can't wait to wear it lots this summer!" —Jocelyn L.
Get them from Carve Designs for $68 (available in sizes 0–14 and four colors).
Maybe even pair 'em with some jelly sandals!
10. A lightweight pair of mid-rise jean shorts showcasing a tasteful ripped hem and tiny side slits that'll make getting ready easy peasy courtesy of their versatile style.
Promising review: "Wow! These are so comfy. The stretch is great and these are not too thick, which is good for the summer. The rise is on these is medium, which I like. They held up well in the wash and since they are stretchy, they won’t rip or fray more than they already are. That’s a plus in my book!" —Megan Nicole
Get them from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 27 colors).
11. A pair of black Madewell "Curvy" high-rise shorts featuring a contoured band, longer rise, narrow waist, and a little extra roominess in the hips and thighs so you can comfortably flaunt your stylish find.
Promising review: "Am I crying over a pair of shorts? Yes. I am nearly 30 years old and this is the first pair of shorts that I have found that I love. They fit, they look great, and I feel comfortable in them. Maybe it seems silly to get so excited over a pair of shorts, but this is the impact that more inclusive clothing (both in terms of actual sizes and fits for different bodies) can have on people, and I hope to see this continue." —MACKENZIEK8
Get them from Madewell for $69.50 (available in sizes 23–33 and 22W).
12. A classic Riders by Lee Indigo double-rolled cuff denim short you might as well clear out an entire drawer for now because you'll probably want to buy these gems in bulk.
Promising review: "For the price, these couldn't be beat. They are perfect. I ordered a 16W. I normally wear a 16 or 16W, and these are a perfect fit. The zipper is heavy duty and I really hope it will hold up. The best part? The pockets. They are large and they aren't a goofy shape. Hall-e-freakin'-lu-jah! Right? They may only come in two colors, but I'm ordering about 10 pairs of these. BUY THESE!" —None
Get them from Amazon for $26.35+ (available in sizes 16–26 and two colors).
13. A trendy pair of high-rise Free People jean shorts boasting an ~edgy~ distressed hem and deliberate rips just radiating relaxed, beachy vibes. 🌴
Ppromising review: "They are literally my favorite shorts ever. I have gotten them in some many different colors and I love all of them so much. These are perfect to wear out because they aren't too short but they aren't too long either. Every time I wear these I get so many compliments on them. I 1,000% recommend these shorts." —daniellebaum
Get them from Free People for $68 (available in sizes 24–32 and 11 colors).
14. A pair of mid-length Levi's shorts reviewers say are so comfortable they've opted to sleep in them instead of changing into sweats. Unreal, I know.
Promising review: "These are hands-down the most comfortable shorts I’ve ever owned. They fit perfectly, length is great (not too long and definitely not too short), and the crotch is comfy. I’m throwing that in the review because some shorts really aren’t comfortable in that area. These shorts are so comfy I literally didn’t change out of them to go to bed. I can wear them all day and they don’t start to fit loose or saggy in the butt. Perfect to go out or hang out in the house in." —Carla Sprenger
Get them from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in standard sizes 24–34, plus sizes 35–40, and 12 colors).
15. An eco-friendly pair of high-rise PacSun denim shorts touting a stylish butterfly print that'll make your heart flutter. These are created using 100% sustainably-sourced cotton, less water, and safer chemicals to make 'em ~butter~ for the environment...pretty ~fly~ if you ask me. 🦋
16. A pair of Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. mid-rise jean shorts featuring a cuffed hem that might just outshine the rest of your everyday shorts. Reviewers say they basically live in these things when it's warm and the sun is out!
Note: Some reviewers suggest sizing down.
Promising review: "It’s usually hard for me to find jean shorts that are both the right length and the right fit. LOVE the length on my thighs and they sit right below the belly button for me, which feels comfortable. They are super stretchy, so I sized down from a 14 to 12 and LOVE the fit and feel! I have been searching for jean shorts for my whole life that I feel comfortable in and these are finally it!!!" —Athena
Get them from Amazon for $17.30+ (available in standard sizes 2–14, plus sizes 16–28, and three colors).
17. A pair of Lucky Brand mid-rise boy shorts decked out with floral embroidery trailing down each side just begging to be worn on a trip to a botanical garden.
With plenty of stretch and a stylish relaxed fit, these are practically guaranteed to be the first pair of shorts you pull out of seasonal storage every year!
Get them from Lucky Brand for $39.75 (available in sizes 24–32 and two colors).
18. A pair of Jen7 by 7 For All Mankind high-rise Bermuda denim shorts to whip out of your closet on days when it's too hot for jeans but too chilly for short shorts. These meet in the middle for a Goldilocks-approved length that's juuust right.
19. A trusty pair of super high-rise American Eagle mom shorts you definitely don't need to be a parent to rock. This lil 'number boasts a trendy relaxed fit that promises to never lose its shape!
20. A high-rise BDG jean short for anyone who can't get enough of the ~distressed denim~ look. Not only do these feature a frayed hem, but you'll also find its waist following the same stylish trend.
21. A comfortable pair of Lee Bermuda shorts designed with stretchy denim and a relaxed fit that'll keep up with you and all your day-to-day activities.
Note: Some reviewers suggest sizing down.
Promising review: "I loove these shorts! I'm quite happy with these! I've worn them almost daily since they arrived! 😄 Other reviews said to order a full size down, which I did, and I'm glad I did so! They fit perfect and are so comfortable –no digging in at the waist or too tight thighs. There's nothing fancy about these shorts, but I'm very thankful to have found them. :) I'm normally a curvy size 20, and the 18 in these are perfect for me." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $27.62+ (available in plus sizes 16–26 and three colors).
And if you're looking for a lil' height boost, these platform sandals will do the trick while keeping your feet cool!
22. A pair of mid-rise Lucky Brand denim shorts crafted with organic cotton to effortlessly add a *pop* of color to your otherwise all-blue denim collection.
These vacay-ready shorts showcase a relaxed fit and a comfy amount of stretch so you'll always look forward to slipping into 'em!
Get them from Lucky Brand for $41.70 (available in sizes 24–32 and three colors).
23. A pair of Amazon Essentials jean shorts that are truly ~essential~ in every way, from their stretchy material, easy-on-easy-off fit, and the classic cuffed hems, these are destined to have you falling in love at first sight.
Promising review: "The price was right for these shorts so I decided to give them a try. I don’t like Bermuda shorts, but don’t like them too short either. They relaxed a bit after washing, but are holding their shape incredibly well, unlike my other denim jeans/shorts that are usually saggy around the butt and hips by the end of the day. I have worn these three days in a row without washing to see if/when they’d sag, and they STILL haven’t! I have ran errands, done yard work, walked my dogs, and more in these and they still fit very well! I’ll definitely be buying another pair!" —Amanda
Get them from Amazon for $21.80 (available in sizes 0–20 and four colors).
24. A versatile pair of off-white high-rise Madewell shorts with the ability to match (virtually) anything. You could even wear these with a crisp white top since they're off-white and won't clash!
Promising review: "Wow, wow, wow. I think I will be living in these shorts the rest of summer. The color is absolutely dreamy and now I want to buy every item Madewell makes in this wash. I think it's the perfect relaxed fit for shorts. I love tucking in a fitted tee, so the fit is spot on." —Amt409
Get them from Madewell for $49.99 (originally $74.50; available in sizes 27–33).
25. And an adorable pair of Altar'd State high-waisted denim shorts embroidered with an array of tiny daisies that'll have you humming , 🎶 "I once was poison ivy, but now I'm your daisy" 🎶 all day long.
Promising review: "Cute shorts with a flower accent. They are not too short or too long. There are numerous ways to dress them up or go with a more casual look. I highly recommend these cute shorts as they are an asset to any wardrobe." —K***w
Get them from Altar'd State for $59.95 (available in sizes XS–L).
When your S.O. asks when you got new shorts – and, lucky for them, you bought in bulk and might let them borrow one:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.