Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Summer Shorts For Women | Stop Buying Baggy Shorts

Check Price on Amazon

The ATHVOTAR biker shorts solve the two biggest complaints about this category: the fabric is thick enough to be completely non-see-through, and the side pockets actually fit an iPhone Pro Max. At an 8-inch inseam, they provide full thigh coverage for the gym or lounging, while the 5-inch option serves those who want less fabric. Multiple reviewers confirm the high waist does not slip down during workouts, which is the silent dealbreaker most buyers only discover after the first squat set.

The tummy control panel is not a gimmick here — the compression is gentle enough for postpartum wear yet effective enough to hold everything in place during a run. The hidden waist pocket is a small detail that makes a big difference for anyone who carries keys or cards without wanting a bulge at the hips. The fabric resists pilling after repeated washes, a longevity point that separates this from budget athletic shorts.

At this price tier, the ATHVOTAR shorts compete directly with major athleisure brands but undercut them on pocket depth and inseam variety. The only real trade-off is the limited color range compared to trend-focused options, but the core black, navy, and gray perform better as wardrobe staples.

Check Price on Amazon

These Bermuda shorts from luvamia hit the sweet spot between dressy casual and actual comfort. The knee-length cut with an elasticized back waist and belt loops delivers the polished look of chinos with the forgiveness of pull-on shorts. Multiple buyers reported buying additional colors after the first pair, which is the strongest signal you can get for a mid-range wardrobe staple — people only re-buy what they actually wear.

The medium-weight cotton fabric holds its shape throughout the day without bagging at the knees, a common failure in other Bermuda-length options. Side and back pockets are fully functional, and the stretch content means sitting cross-legged or driving for hours does not end with a wrinkled waistband. The leg opening is wide enough to avoid clinging to heavy thighs but not so wide that it flares out in an unflattering bell shape.

One structural note: some buyers with slimmer legs found the leg opening too wide, creating a disproportionate look between the fitted waist and the loose thigh area. For anyone with a straight or pear-shaped build, this is a non-issue. The true-to-size fit runs standard, but the size-inclusive range up to 18 accommodates a broad spectrum of body types.

Check Price on Amazon

Linen shorts live and die by their drape, and the ANRABESS pair gets it right. The high-waisted cut with an elastic drawstring creates a defined waistline without squeezing, while the wide leg provides an airy silhouette that feels like wearing a skirt without the commitment. Buyers consistently note that these shorts did not shrink in the dryer — a major win for a natural fiber that typically requires delicate handling.

The fabric weight is light enough for 90-degree beach days but structured enough to look intentional when paired with a tucked-in blouse. The pockets (yes, functional pockets in linen) add a practical layer that most breezy shorts skip entirely. The 4.5/5 star average from nearly 400 ratings reflects real-world durability, though the natural linen wrinkling is unavoidable and part of the aesthetic.

Curvy reviewers specifically called out the fit as flattering without being baggy in the back, which is the common failure of elastic-waist linen shorts. The trade-off is that the high waistband sits very high — near the natural waist — which may not suit those who prefer mid-rise cuts. For beach vacations, farmer’s market runs, or dressing up an otherwise casual weekend outfit, these are the pick.

Check Price on Amazon

The Lepunuo butterfly skort is the category-defining answer for anyone who wants the silhouette of a mini skirt without the anxiety of sitting down in a breeze. The outer ruffle tier looks like a flared dress, while the inner shorts layer provides actual coverage. A reviewer at 5’9″ and 270 pounds confirms the 4X fits properly, and the high-rise waist is adjustable via drawstring — a critical feature for plus-size fit that many skorts ignore.

The fabric is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, meaning it packs flat for travel and looks crisp pulled out of a suitcase. The floral and tie-dye patterns are the headline colors, but the solid shades perform better as everyday summer staples. The lack of pockets is a clear trade-off — the flowy design simply cannot support them without ruining the drape — so plan around that if you need to carry a phone.

One minor construction issue: the inner shorts layer is slightly longer than the outer skirt in some colorways, causing the lining to peek below the hem. This is visible in the darker mocha floral but less noticeable in solid prints. For casual wear, swimsuit cover-ups, or brunch outfits where you want to look put-together without feeling restricted, this skort delivers a unique silhouette no other short in this guide can match.

Check Price on Amazon

The PINSV crossover shorts solve the “back gap” problem that plagues high-waisted denim. The crossover front panel eliminates the need for a traditional button fly, creating a smooth front that lies flat against the stomach without bulging. The stretch denim is substantial enough to hold its shape but flexible enough that you can sit and bend without the waistband digging in — a direct result of the higher spandex content in the blend.

Multiple reviewers praise the length as “perfect for petite frames,” with the raw hem hitting at a flattering point above the knee. The crossover design naturally creates a V-shaped waistline that lengthens the torso, a subtle optical trick that straight-cut shorts cannot replicate. The fabric does not roll up at the thigh, a common complaint with shorter shorts, and the thick material prevents any show-through.

Sizing is where you need to be careful: these run stretchy enough that you can pull them off without unbuttoning, so many buyers recommend sizing down one. The distressed details are moderate enough to look intentional without crossing into “destroyed” territory. For anyone who wants the structure of denim without the rigidity, this crossover cut is the upgrade you have been looking for.

Check Price on Amazon

Cargo shorts are making a legitimate comeback, and the IWD bermuda cut does the trend right. The elastic waistband with a functional drawstring provides the slip-on convenience that button-and-zipper shorts lack, while the six-pocket layout (two front, two back, two cargo) means you can leave the bag at home. The knee-length cut offers full coverage, and buyers note the cool, airy fabric — surprising for denim — with multiple pairs ordered after the first fit test.

The stretch waistband handles post-meal bloating and all-day sitting without requiring adjustment. Buyers specifically called out the correct rise-to-waist proportion, a fit detail that rarely works for off-the-rack cargo shorts. The denim is mid-weight with some flexibility, and a machine wash and dry cycle did not cause shrinkage — a key indicator of pre-washed quality.

The fit is divisive: some reviewers report an awkward, baggy crotch that creates a parachute effect, while others say the cut is perfectly proportional for their build. The difference seems to correlate with hip-to-waist ratio — curvier fits report the bagginess issue more frequently. If you have a straighter frame, the fit is likely spot-on. Otherwise, the elastic waist helps but cannot fix the overall crotch geometry.

Check Price on Amazon

The luvamia denim shorts are the classic high-waisted, ripped-hem cut done right at an accessible price point. The cotton blend includes enough stretch to move with you but keeps enough structure to avoid the dreaded bagged-out look by afternoon. Buyers specifically praised the deep front pockets — not the decorative kind that barely fit a thumb — as genuinely usable for phones and wallets.

The distressed detailing is moderate: some raw edges and fraying at the hem, but not the extreme shredding that looks dated. The length sits mid-thigh, avoiding the “diaper butt” problem that short shorts create when the back rise is too short. Reviewers at 5’2″ confirm the cropped length flatters shorter legs without making them look stunted.

Two cautionary notes: the denim may shrink slightly upon first wash, even with hang drying, so sizing up is recommended for anyone between standard sizes. The crotch seam can be bothersome on longer wears, and some distressed threads started unraveling after a single use. For the price, these offer the best balance of stretch, pocket utility, and classic cut among the denim options, but the smaller size range (up to 18) limits inclusion compared to the IWD or PINSV options.