The short answer: The best jean shorts for your body type come down to two things: a waist that fits without gaping, and a length that suits your legs and how much you want to show. High waisted short shorts lengthen the leg and show your waist, Bermudas and jorts give more coverage and a relaxed, current look, and low waisted jorts give a Y2K hip line. Size most FITJEANS shorts by your waist, and low waisted jorts by your hip.
Jean shorts should be the easiest thing in your summer wardrobe. Instead, they're often the hardest: too tight on the thighs, gaping at the back, riding up when you walk, or so short you're tugging at them all day.
The good news is that there's now a lot more than one kind of denim short. Here's how the main lengths compare, which one suits your shape and height, and how to size FITJEANS shorts and jorts.
What types of jean shorts are there?
| Type | Length | Look | FITJEANS options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short shorts | Very short inseam | Leg-lengthening, classic summer | Shorts, Ripped Shorts, Pastel Shorts, Studded Shorts |
| Everyday shorts | Mid length | Relaxed, easy | Everyday Denim Shorts |
| Bermuda shorts | Longer, toward the knee | Polished, relaxed everyday | Bermuda Shorts |
| Jorts | Long, knee area | Baggy, streetwear, current | Denim Jorts |
| Low waisted jorts | Long, sits on the hips | Y2K, hip-line | Denim Low Waisted Jorts |
If you'd rather a skirt, our Miniskirt comes in denim too.
Which jean shorts suit my body type?
There are no rules here, only ideas. Choose the shape that makes you feel good.
Hourglass (small waist, fuller hips and bust)
- High waisted short shorts show your waist and hug your hips.
- Jorts or Bermudas work well with a tucked or cropped top so your waist stays visible.
- Watch for the classic back gap. Size by your waist and choose stretch.
Pear (fuller hips and thighs)
- A slightly longer leg, like Everyday shorts or Bermudas, skims the thigh rather than cutting across its widest part.
- High waisted styles define the waist and balance the hips.
- Stretch denim stops the hem from riding up between the thighs.
Athletic or gym-girl build (muscular thighs and glutes)
- Stretch is everything. Rigid shorts that fit your thighs usually gap at the waist.
- Jorts and Bermudas give room through the leg; short shorts in stretch denim show off the work you've put in.
- Gym girls have been our biggest fans since day one, and the same waist-first fit logic from our jeans applies to shorts.
Straight or rectangle (waist and hips fairly similar)
- Low waisted jorts give a cool Y2K line.
- Short shorts with a belt create shape at the waist.
- Baggy-feel jorts add volume and an easy, relaxed vibe.
Apple or fuller middle
- High waisted styles with a comfortable stretch waistband feel secure.
- Bermudas or jorts with a flowy or open top look easy and balanced.
Which jean shorts suit petite or tall women?
- Petite: shorter lengths show more leg, which makes your legs look longer. If you love jorts, a fitted top and a shoe with a bit of height keep the proportions balanced.
- Tall: you can wear any length. Short shorts can feel very short on long legs, so Everyday shorts, Bermudas and jorts are worth a try.
How should jean shorts fit?
- Waist: snug, no gap at the back when you sit.
- Seat: covers your bum without pulling the front pockets open.
- Thighs: you can pinch a little fabric. If the hem cuts in, size or style is off.
- Hem: stays put when you walk. Shorts that ride up are usually too tight in the thigh.
- Front pockets: sit flat, not poking out below the hem.
How do I size FITJEANS shorts and jorts?
Shorts (including Ripped, Pastel and Studded): size by your waist. The length grows slightly with each size:
| Size | Waist | Length |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 55–60 cm / 21.5–23.5" | 6 cm / 2.4" |
| XS | 60–65 cm / 23.5–25.5" | 6 cm / 2.4" |
| S | 65–70 cm / 25.5–27.5" | 6 cm / 2.4" |
| M | 70–75 cm / 27.5–29.5" | 7 cm / 2.8" |
| L | 75–80 cm / 29.5–31.5" | 8 cm / 3.2" |
| XL | 80–85 cm / 31.5–33.5" | 9 cm / 3.6" |
Jorts: size by your waist. Sizes run XXS (60–65 cm / 23.6–25.5") to XL (85–90 cm / 33.5–35.4"), so check the jorts size guide rather than assuming your shorts size.
Low waisted jorts: size by your hip, measured where they'll sit. Sizes run XXS (70–80 cm) to XL (110–115 cm) on the low waisted jorts size guide.
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. Pastel is different, so check the Pastel size guide or email help@fitjeans.com.
What are FITJEANS shorts made of?
From our product descriptions:
| Style | Fabric | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shorts | 98% cotton, 2% elastane | High waisted, super stretchy, thick denim |
| Ripped Shorts | 98.5% cotton, 1.5% elastane | Distressed look, thick denim |
| Pastel Shorts | 98.5% cotton, 1.5% elastane | Soft pastel colours |
| Studded Shorts | 98% cotton, 2% elastane | Silver studs along the outer seams and front pockets; hand wash is best |
| Everyday Denim Shorts, Bermuda, Jorts, Low Waisted Jorts | 82% cotton, 16% polyester, 2% elastane | Thick, stretchy denim, relaxed look |
Care is the same as our jeans: wash at max 30°C / 86°F, no fabric softener, no tumble dryer. See our Denim Care Guide.
How do I style jean shorts and jorts?
- Short shorts: oversized shirt half-tucked, a fitted tank, sandals or trainers.
- Bermudas: tucked tee, loafers or sneakers, a blazer for city days.
- Jorts: fitted baby tee or tank, chunky trainers, a cap. Keep the top close so the volume reads as intentional, the same rule as styling baggy jeans.
- Low waisted jorts: a cropped top and a hip belt. Our guide to low waisted jeans explains how the hip-first fit works.
FAQ
What are the most flattering jean shorts?
The ones with a waist that fits and a length you feel comfortable in. High waisted shorts lengthen the leg and show the waist; Bermudas and jorts give more coverage and a relaxed look.
What's the difference between jorts and Bermuda shorts?
Both are longer than classic shorts. Jorts have a baggier, streetwear feel, while Bermudas look a little more polished and everyday.
How do I stop jean shorts from riding up?
Choose stretch denim and a size that isn't tight in the thigh. A slightly longer length, like Everyday shorts or Bermudas, also helps.
Do FITJEANS shorts have pockets?
Yes, our shorts have pockets. The Studded Shorts even have silver studs along the front pockets.
Should I size jean shorts by my waist or hips?
Size FITJEANS shorts and jorts by your waist. Low waisted jorts are the exception: use your hip measurement.
Are high waisted shorts good for curvy women?
Yes. A high waist sits at your narrowest point, and stretch denim follows your hips without a gap.
Find your summer length. Measure your waist (or hips for low waisted jorts), check our size guides and shop shorts and jorts. New here? Sign up to our newsletter for 10% off your first order.