Happy Monday, Friends!
I hope everybody had a wonderful weekend with the people that you love.
I got the sweetest handwritten cards from all 4 of my boys (yes, the dogs too), we went to church and lunch, and then I got to see both my mom and mother-in-law. It was a sweet little weekend.
But today, today we’ve got some important business to attend to.
Do you remember how a couple of weeks ago I told you I was starting to question my identity? Okay, maybe I didn’t say it exactly that way, but I was starting to question if my BELOVED must have shorts were too short for me. #itfeltlikeanidentitycrisis
SIGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I just looked in the mirror on the way out the door one day (when I was wearing my must have shorts), and I kind of raised an eyebrow. And tilted my head to one side. And scrunched up my forehead.
I don’t know why exactly, but all of a sudden the shorts felt too short.
It was then that I knew I was going to go on a quest to find a longer pair of denim shorts. And I of course knew I wanted to take y’all on the journey with me. Today I’m reviewing 8 pairs of denim shorts of different lengths, styles, and washes. There is for sure to be at least 1 pair that’s going to peak your interest. UNLESS OF COURSE YOU’RE YOUNG AND FABULOUS AND STILL FEEL COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE ROCKING THE 3″ DENIM SHORTS. If that’s you, I SALUTE YOU. Truly.
Here are all of the shorts we will be talking about today. For size reference, I’m almost 5’4″, but have long legs for my height. #andvirtuallynotorso I’m typically a size 4.
We’re kicking off today with the infamous must have shorts. These are the shorts that ignited my quest, but I felt like I needed to show them for reference. Plus, they really are great shorts (if you are looking for some on the shorter side).
Threadbare abrasions and shadow creases add lived-in charm to stretch-denim shorts cut with a loose boyfriend fit and casually cuffed hems.
- 3″ inseam; 24″ leg opening; 9 1/2″ front rise; 13″ back rise (size 29)
- Zip fly with button closure
- Five-pocket style
- 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex
They’ve got some good stretch, they are aggressively distressed (without any totally open holes though), and they are cuffed and tacked up on the sides. For size reference, I have these shorts in both a 27 and a 28 (both fit), but I find myself reaching for the 28s more often. I like the more relaxed fit.
I’ve been wearing them for around 4 years now, and to be honest, I still LOVE THEM. And full disclosure, I know myself, so I know I will still wear them, but it’s going to be great to have some longer options.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / must have shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
All of today’s shorts are from Nordstrom, except these that are from Amazon! And they are a whole 2″ longer than the must have shorts above, but they don’t make me feel too old. 🙂 And they’ve got Ab-Solution technology!
- Mid rise 5″ Short
- Inseam: 7″ Cuffed to 5″
- 54% Cotton, 25% Rayon, 19% Polyester, 2% Spandex
You’ll see on the model online that these shorts are cuffed twice, but I prefer this pair cuffed once, although the versatility is nice. They are so soft, so comfy, very stretchy, and did I mention comfy? For size reference, I’m wearing my regular size 4.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
These soft-washed shorts are cut to enhance your shape with Ab-solution technology that slims, shapes and lifts in all the right places.
- 5″ inseam; 22″ leg opening; 9″ front rise; 14″ back rise (size 8)
- Zip fly with button closure
- Five-pocket style
- Partially lined
- 83% cotton, 16% polyester, 1% spandex
If you’ll check out these roll cuff denim shorts in the picture below, I have them turned up 2 hems on the left and 1 time on the right. I like both lengths. These are very similar to the shorts I highlighted in the picture above, but the wash on these is just a bit darker and don’t have quite a much give in the waist. For size reference, I’m wearing my regular size 4.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / roll cuff denim shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
These frayed hem denim shorts are only 1 of 2 pairs I’m highlighting today that you don’t cuff. I love the frayed hem.
I’m finding that a 5″ inseam appears to be the sweet spot for me.
A faded medium wash and raw hems add a casual look to these shorts that flatter with ‘Ab’solution powermesh panels to shape and lift in all the right places.
- 5″ inseam; 22 1/2″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; 14 1/2″ back rise
- Zip fly with button closure
- 63% cotton, 36% polyester, 1% spandex
Also stretchy, also comfy, also with Ab-Solution technology. I’m wearing my regular size 4.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / frayed hem denim shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
I went out on a limb with these, but I’m actually totally digging these long denim shorts.
Keep it kicked back in delicately destructed denim shorts done in a comfy longer length and designed with the brand’s slimming system built right in.
- 19″ inseam; 10″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; 15″ back rise
- 83% cotton, 16% polyester, 1% spandex
These are soooooooooo long that they actually hit just right above my knee. And I’ve gotta say, these were the biggest surprise of the haul for me. I thought I wasn’t going to like them on me at all, but I think they’re so cool. I see them styled with a basic tee, converse, and a hat. Wouldn’t that be so cute? I’m wearing my regular size 4.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / long denim shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
These big pocket medium wash shorts have a bit of a retro vibe, and I think they are so fun.
Heavy fading and raw hems add a casual look to these shorts that flatter with ‘Ab’-solution powermesh panels to shape and lift in all the right places.
- 4 1/2″ inseam; 22 1/2″ leg opening; 10″ front rise; 15″ back rise
- 83% cotton, 16% polyester, 1% spandex
The 4 1/2″ inseam on these is obviously just a bit shy of the 5″ sweet spot I talked about, but I still think they are plenty long on me. I’m wearing my regular size 4 here, but I’ve ordered the size 6 to try. My tummy is definitely my area that’s the hardest to fit, and the wide waistband on these shorts was a bit uncomfortable. I think the 6s will give me the extra room I need for some comfort.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / medium wash shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
These are the same shorts as the ones above, just in a lighter wash. Again, I’m going to size up in these.
Fading and fraying cuffed hems add a casual look to these shorts that flatter with ‘Ab’-solution powermesh panels to shape and lift in all the right places.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / light wash shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
Okay, so these aren’t longer, but I still wanted to show them. These are actually the 3″ must have shorts, but in white. I do feel like these aren’t quite as stretchy, so whatever size you have in the regular denim must have shorts, you might consider buying a size up in these.
Threadbare abrasions and shadow creases add lived-in charm to stretch-denim shorts cut with a loose boyfriend fit and casually cuffed hems.
- 3″ inseam; 24″ leg opening; 9 1/2″ front rise; 13″ back rise (size 29)
- Zip fly with button closure
- Five-pocket style
- 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / white shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
And wrapping up today’s post with these Ab-Solution Cut Off Denim Shorts. They are perfect if you want a pair of white shorts, but you are searching for a longer pair.
Keep it comfy for white-shorts season in this cuffed pair designed to mold and hold.
- 5″ inseam; 21″ leg opening; 8 1/2″ front rise; 14″ back rise (size 4)
- 51% cotton, 24% polyester, 22% lyocell, 3% spandex
Very stretchy, very comfy, and cute as can be. I’m wearing my regular size 4.
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / Ab-Solution Cut Off Denim Shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
So there you have it, lots of longer denim short options for y’all! I hope you saw a pair or two that you want to try for yourself!
In addition to the denim, PLEASE GET THIS RUFFLE SLEEVE TEE. It’s DARLING. It’s ADORABLE. And it comes in 6 colors. And I’m telling you, it’s not “just a tee”. It’s so feminine and lovely, the ruffles are PERFECTION, and it can easily be dressed up or down. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.
And did you notice the sandals, y’all? I GOT MY FIRST PAIR OF TORY BURCH SANDALS! Alllllllllllll these years, and I’ve never purchased a pair of TB Miller sandals, but when they launched the “soft sandal” option, I could no longer resist. #iwaspowerless
I can’t really compare them to the original, but I did a facebook post HERE and lots of ladies sounded off about their love for the new soft option. You can find them on Nordstrom HERE and on Amazon HERE. I went with my regular size, but it seems some are sizing up a 1/2. The reviews are mixed on these. It seems that people either LOVE them or HATE them. I happen to love them!
ruffle sleeve tee / earrings / necklace / Ab-Solution Cut Off Denim Shorts / gold bead bracelets / TB Miller soft sandals (also on Amazon HERE)
That’s all for today, y’all! I hope today’s post was helpful!
Shay Shull says
What a GREAT round up of shorts!! I’m so happy you had a wonderful Mother’s Day, friend!
Erika Slaughter says
Review posts like this are some of my favorite!!
sandi says
Thanks for taking us on this journey of the perfect jean shorts. I am 54 and a few years ago had the same epiphany while getting dressed… are these too short? Who am I that I am wanting longer shorts? Do I need a skirted bathing suit now?
🙂
These look like some great options and I am hoping to find one that works for me too!
Brooke says
I was going to order shorts this weekend but then I remembered your post was coming and decided to wait. I’m glad I did because your feedback changed what I wanted. Thank you!
Sheaffer says
So happy it was helpful, Brooke! xoxo
Sarah says
I knew I could count on you! Thanks for the great roundup- off to shop!
For what its worth you look fabulous in any length of short, but I SO appreciate you putting in the work to find a few longer pairs- there is a time and a place for the shorty shorts, glad to have some other looks in rotation
Next up- some none denim options?
Sheaffer says
I totally agree, Sarah! YES, a time and a place!!!! And thank you for the sweet words. I will definitely start looking for non-denim options as well! xoxo
Nichole says
JCrew is my go to for longer non denim shorts. They have a 5” chino. It’s not available in as many colors as the shorter version, but at 40 with a teenager of my own (and another not far behind!) the short short wasn’t working for me anymore.
Sheaffer says
I’m going to check these out too! Thanks, Nichole! xoxo
Shelley says
I am obsessed with the wit & wisdom frayed cuff shorts. I bought them when you first posted a few weeks ago & they soon became my favorite. Medium wash is perfect & wit & wisdom absolution is my favorite part. I am 5’3 & actually sized down from my normal size & they fit perfectly.
I truly have lived in these shorts since they came in. They do stretch just a tiny bit but not enough where you are having to adjust & pull up. I’m so happy you told us about these shorts. Stylish & cute addition to my spring, summer, & vacation wardrobe! Thank you!
Sheaffer says
So happy to hear this, Shelley! Yay! xoxo
Kate says
I read that Melanie Shankle took the cuff out of the must have shorts. I did the same and that half an inch really made a difference for me. Sounds crazy, but it’s true!
Sheaffer says
Good tip! I’ll try it! Thanks, Kate! xoxo