How to Choose the Right Women's Shorts for You

The first step in buying shorts is finding the right fit. Look for fit, style, rise, and inseam length when shopping for the perfect pair.

Finding the Right Fit

How should women's shorts fit? Explore the three common styles to find the right fit for you:

Slim: This is the closest fitting style, and gives your outfit a sleek, polished look. When you're shopping for slim-fitting shorts, look for fabrics like spandex/denim blends that have a little stretch to keep you comfortable.

Regular: The classic fit falling between slim and relaxed, a regular fit has a little more give without looking visibly loose.

Relaxed: This style is a bit looser fitting, with room through the upper thigh and leg.

Rises for Ladies’ Shorts

Once you’ve settled on the perfect fit, it’s time to find shorts with just the right rise and style. The three classic rise types are:

Mid-rise: These sit just below your navel and are a comfortable and stylish choice for every body type.

High-rise: Sitting just at or above your navel, high rise shorts have made a comeback in a big way. Mom shorts are cool again, not to mention ultra-flattering.

Types of Shorts for Women

Fall in love with a classic denim look, or branch out with a few other popular types of shorts:

Cargo: Pockets for days. Well, there’s a little more to it than that – cargo shorts usually have a loose, baggy fit and often come in khaki, navy, or green hues.

Chino: Similar to cargos, chinos are made of cotton twill and usually come in khaki, although other colors are available. They feature a looser fit and often have pockets at the top and sides (although this isn’t a requirement).

Skort: Why not have it all? A skort is a skirt that has built-in shorts, making it a perfect choice for athletic activities. Skorts can come in all types of materials and are great when you want the style of the skirt with a little more security.

Walk shorts: The perfect in-between length, walk shorts have an inseam of about 7 inches and fall somewhere around the middle of your thigh. The simple, versatile nature of this style makes it a great look for everyone, with plenty of outfit options for a variety of occasions.

Bermuda: The longest style of shorts, Bermudas usually have an inseam between 8 and 10 inches and fall just above your knees. Modern trends have created a slimmer and more tailored Bermuda short, making it the new favorite for when you want shorts with just a little more coverage.

Dungaree: This workwear-inspired silhouette offers a masculine vibe perfect for everyday outfits. For an authentic look that borrows from retro Lee® work uniforms, the high-waisted women’s denim shorts feature a side utility pocket and painter’s loop. Keep them rolled up for a playful summertime look or unroll the hem for a bit more coverage.

Dad: With a loose, baggy fit through the leg and an 8” inseam, this silhouette offers a stylish take on dad shorts for women. For a chic, trendsetting look, pair these with a statement belt and a flowy blouse tucked into the waistband. Or keep things casual by wearing your dad shorts with all your favorite t-shirts and hoodies.

Cut-off: Back in the day, your wore your Lee jeans until you turned them into shorts. It was practical, sustainable, and in the late ’70s, cut-offs were undeniably sexy. Our High Rise Cut Off Short has same iconic fit as our high rise jean, but with all the raw fray you’d expect from a cut off.

Shorty Short: 3” inseam and below: Comfy as they are trendy. The shorty shorts offer our shortest inseam yet to let you move freely all summer long. Grab a pair in your favorite denim wash for a daily go-to you’ll be reaching for any time the weather is warm.

When to Wear Women's Shorts

How to Choose the Right Men's Shorts for You

If there’s one warm weather staple that never goes out of style, it’s the perfect pair of shorts. From classic fits to new looks, our men’s shorts guide helps you find shorts that are just right. Discover popular styles, fabrics, tips for buying shorts, and a helpful fit guide. Once you’re all set with the right fit, browse inspiring outfit ideas that are perfect for every occasion.

How Should Shorts Fit?

Relaxed Fit Shorts: For a laidback look that presents a relaxed and comfy vibe, our relaxed fit shorts offer the perfect solution. Relaxed fit shorts are made with extra fabric through the seat and provide more room in the legs and thighs.

Loose Fit Shorts: Loose fit shorts are designed to let you move comfortably throughout your day. A classic favorite, loose fit shorts sit a bit lower on the hips and have a loose thigh and seat for a super-relaxed feel.

Regular Fit Shorts: One of the most popular fits, regular fit shorts are made to fit similarly to traditional jeans. They rest lightly against the seat in the back and provide a little bit of wiggle room in the crotch. These shorts ensure a fit that’s not too tight and not too loose, so they look flattering on a variety of body types.

Straight Fit Shorts: Straight fit shorts deliver standout style and constant comfort throughout every daily adventure. These shorts are a wardrobe staple because they offer the perfect blend of style and classic tailoring for a universally appealing look.

Styles and Types of Shorts for Men

A variety of styles fall under the category of casual shorts, such as flat-front, Chinos, carpenter, cargo, denim for men. Whether you prefer a classic, preppy style to wear on summer date nights or a crisp, tailored appearance to wear to casual restaurants, you’ll find a large selection of casual shorts to choose from:

Denim Shorts: These casual shorts for men look as good as they feel. 5-pocket shorts are relaxed and roomy and feature a subtly oversized style that sits just above the knees.

Cargo Shorts: Designed with deep pockets, this popular men’s shorts style provides plenty of space to store essentials like your keys, smartphone, and wallet. Cargo shorts are as trendy as they are functional, and their pockets are often flapped on the sides of the leg.

Carpenter Shorts: Made for work and play, carpenter shorts sit naturally at the waist and have a loose and comfortable fit. They sit lower on the hips and have a relaxed thigh and seat. Their workwear styling often includes a side pocket, a hammer loop, and a plier pocket.

Performance Shorts: Our performance shorts combine the benefits of athletic features and style to accommodate everything from golf outings to running errands. Look for details like four-way fabric that lets you move without restriction, flexible waistbands for increased comfort, and moisture-wicking technology that stays dry even during the most rigorous activities.

Chino Shorts: For times when you want to wear shorts without sacrificing professionalism, these versatile bottoms offer a practical solution. Chino shorts can be easily dressed up or down to accommodate an array of activities.

Flat-Front: These flat front shorts offer a polished style with the flexibility you need to get through any day feeling great. With a straight fit, these men’s casual shorts offer a classic look that can be dressed up or dressed down for the weekend.