The short answer: If you only own one pair, choose blue: light blue for the classic summer look, mid blue for the easiest everyday pair. Add khaki or sand for a softer, neutral outfit, black or grey for evenings and city days, and white when you want something fresh. Pick the length first (short shorts, everyday, Bermuda or jorts), then the colour. Size most FITJEANS shorts by your waist, and our low waisted jorts by your hip.
The cut of your shorts decides how they fit. The colour decides what you can wear them with. Get both right and you'll reach for the same pair all summer.
This guide is about colour. For choosing a length and fit for your body, read How to Choose Jean Shorts and Jorts for Your Body Type.
Which colour jean shorts are the most versatile?
| Colour | Vibe | Easiest tops | Works best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light blue | Classic summer | White tee, stripes, pastels | Beach, festivals, weekends |
| Mid blue | Everyday | Almost anything | Your one do-it-all pair |
| Dark blue | Polished | White shirt, black tank | Dinner, city trips |
| Black | Edgy, sleek | Black, white, grey | Evenings, all-black outfits |
| Grey | Soft, muted | Black, cream, denim | City days, neutral outfits |
| Khaki and sand | Warm neutral | White, cream, brown, olive | Holidays, linen outfits |
| White | Fresh, clean | Navy, black, tan, pastels | Summer evenings, tonal looks |
| Pink and brown | Playful or earthy | White, cream, denim | Something different |
Mid blue is the safest choice because it sits in the middle: it isn't as casual as light blue or as dressy as dark blue.
Which FITJEANS shorts come in which colours?
| Style | Length | Colours | Size by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorts | Short shorts, high waisted | Arctic Light Blue, Vintage Blue, Azure Blue, Grey | Waist |
| Ripped Shorts | Short shorts, distressed | Vintage Blue, Arctic Light Blue, 80s Blue, Grey, Black | Waist |
| Pastel Shorts | Short shorts | White, Pink, Sand, Dark Brown | See Pastel guide |
| Pastel Ripped Shorts | Short shorts, distressed | Khaki, Sand, White | See Pastel guide |
| Studded Shorts | Short shorts, studs on the seams | White | Waist, check its size guide |
| Everyday Denim Shorts | Mid length | Mid Blue, Dark Blue | See product page |
| Bermuda Shorts | Longer, towards the knee | Mid Blue | See product page |
| Jorts | Long, baggy | Mid Blue | Waist |
| Low Waisted Jorts | Long, sits on the hips | Mid Blue | Hip |
Not every colour is sold in every market, and some sell out in sizes. Check the product page for your country. Browse all of them in our shorts collection.
How do I wear khaki jean shorts?
Khaki and sand are the warm neutrals of the shorts world. They look softer than blue and less stark than white. Our khaki shorts are denim, so they keep the shape and stretch of a jean short, and they come in our Pastel colours.
- Holiday: khaki shorts, white linen shirt half-tucked, leather sandals.
- Earthy: sand shorts, brown tank, gold jewellery.
- Tonal: khaki shorts with a cream knit on a cooler evening.
Khaki pairs best with white, cream, brown, olive and soft blue. Avoid khaki with a top in exactly the same shade, which can look flat.
How do I wear blue jean shorts?
Blue is the classic for a reason. It goes with almost everything.
- Light blue (Arctic Light Blue, Vintage Blue): white tee, a striped shirt, trainers. The most summery option. Shop blue shorts.
- Mid blue (Everyday, Bermuda, Jorts): a tucked tee and sneakers, or a blazer for a city day. Bermudas and jorts in mid blue look current and relaxed.
- Dark blue (Everyday Denim Shorts): the dressiest denim short. Try a crisp white shirt or a black tank with sandals.
A denim-on-denim tip: if you wear a denim shirt with blue shorts, choose two clearly different shades, like a light shirt with dark shorts.
How do I wear black and grey jean shorts?
Black and grey shorts take you from day to night.
- Black: an all-black outfit with a fitted tank and boots, or a white tee for contrast. Our Ripped Shorts come in Black. See black shorts.
- Grey: a softer alternative to black. Pair with cream, white or black, and a denim jacket. See grey shorts.
How do I wear white jean shorts?
White shorts look fresh and clean, and they're easier than they look.
- Navy and white: a striped top and sandals.
- Tonal neutrals: cream, beige or tan.
- Evening: a black bodysuit and heeled sandals.
Wear seamless, skin-tone underwear with white, and wash white shorts with other whites, cold and inside out. Our stain removal guide helps with spills.
How many pairs do I need? A 3-colour summer capsule
If you're packing for a holiday or building a summer wardrobe, three colours cover almost everything:
| Pair | Colour | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Everyday | Mid or light blue | Beach, sightseeing, lazy days |
| 2. Neutral | Khaki, sand or white | Linen shirts, dinners out, photos |
| 3. Evening | Black or dark blue | Nights out, cooler evenings, city trips |
Mix lengths as well as colours. A pair of short shorts, an Everyday or Bermuda short and a pair of jorts give you three very different looks with the same tops. Keep your tops in white, cream, black and one or two colours, and every pair goes with every top.
How do I size FITJEANS shorts?
- Shorts, Ripped Shorts and Studded Shorts: size by your waist on the shorts size guide.
- Pastel Shorts and Pastel Ripped Shorts: Pastel is different, so check the size guide or email help@fitjeans.com.
- Jorts: size by your waist on the jorts size guide.
- Low Waisted Jorts: size by your hip, measured where they'll sit.
- Everyday and Bermuda shorts: open the size guide linked on the product page, or email help@fitjeans.com with your waist measurement.
Between sizes? Size up in black, because black fabric is always stiffer, and size down in the lightest washes, which are softer.
How do I keep the colour of my jean shorts?
- Wash at max 30°C / 86°F, inside out, with similar colours.
- Skip the fabric softener.
- Never tumble dry. Air dry out of strong direct sun.
The full routine is in our Denim Care Guide.
FAQ
What colour jean shorts are the most versatile?
Mid blue. It's dressier than light blue and more casual than dark blue, so it works with almost any top.
What goes with khaki shorts?
White, cream, brown, olive and soft blue. A white linen shirt and sandals is the easiest outfit.
Are white jean shorts see-through?
It depends on the fabric. Wear seamless, skin-tone underwear with white shorts to be safe.
What should I wear with black jean shorts?
An all-black outfit with boots, or a white tee for contrast. Grey and denim also work well.
Do FITJEANS shorts come in khaki?
Yes. Our Pastel Ripped Shorts come in Khaki, and our Pastel colours also include Sand. Availability varies by market.
How should I size jean shorts?
Size most FITJEANS shorts by your waist, and our Low Waisted Jorts by your hip. For Pastel, check the size guide or email help@fitjeans.com.
Pick your colour. Shop our shorts in blue, black, grey, white and Pastel colours, from short shorts to Bermudas and jorts, made to fit your waist. New here? Sign up to our newsletter for 10% off your first order.