Looking for denim shorts that'll be a foundational part of your wardrobe for many years to come? For that, you'll need to understand fit and how it influences the look and overall experience of wearing denim shorts. The key to finding the best denim shorts for you is to find the right balance between rise, length, and leg opening. These refer to:
- Rise or Waist: Where the shorts sit on your body.
- Length: The length of the shorts.
- Leg opening: The width of the shorts.
In this article, we'll run through everything you need to know about choosing the right fit for your denim shorts, ensuring that you know the difference between low rise denim shorts, mid rise and high rise denim shorts.
Understanding different rises and waist fits in denim shorts
An easy way to think about the rise of denim shorts is to think about where they sit on your waist. Or, to put it more simply, how far they rise up your body. Our low rise denim shorts sit on the hips, below the waistline. Mid rise denim shorts sit around the natural waist point, while high rise denim shorts sit higher, around the navel.
Low rise (or low waist) denim shorts
Looking for a laid-back yet edgy aesthetic? One Teaspoon’s low rise denim shorts could be just the ticket. They were popular around Y2K and have experienced a surge in popularity recently, providing a look that shows off the torso and hips. At One Teaspoon, our low-rise styles capture that effortless grunge aesthetic the brand is known for. They work well with cropped tops for a relaxed summer look, but you can also wear them with layers and boots during the shoulder seasons — and especially brave souls can even wear them during winter.
Mid waist denim shorts
Mid waist denim shorts are considered 'standard' due to their positioning near the natural waistline. They're the most versatile of all denim shorts, providing plenty of comfort while also offering plenty of wiggle room when it comes to styling. You can wear them with just about anything, from cardigans for coffee runs to slightly more glitzy tops for nights on the town.
High rise (or high waist) denim shorts
High rise denim shorts sit higher, around the navel, helping to create an hourglass look that accentuates the legs. As with other rises, there's plenty of flexibility when it comes to styling high rise denim shorts. Look at pairing with a partially tucked-in sweater or an overflowing top for a head-turning aesthetic.
Choosing the right length for your denim shorts
The length of your denim shorts impacts both style and comfort, and can really set the tone for the outfit. Our short length denim shorts sit high on the thigh; mid length hit around mid-thigh; long denim shorts extend closer to the knee or beyond. One Teaspoon offers all these lengths to suit different preferences and occasions.
Short length denim shorts
Short length denim shorts are, yep, short — and for that reason, can be a whole lotta fun. You'll typically find short length denim shorts at festivals and on fun summer outings. If you're looking for the ultimate in short styles, check out our micro shorts collection for the most daring cuts. You can comfortably combine short denim shorts with a bikini top and some sandals for an effortless summer-ready aesthetic, or you can rock an oversized shirt with sneakers when you're zipping around town. They're great, and we love them; the only downside is that they're so casual that they're not appropriate for all occasions.
Mid length denim shorts
Mid length denim shorts offer the perfect balance between comfort, coverage, and style. They'll hit your mid-thigh, more or less, making them perfect for everyday wear. Mid length denim shorts can be worn to the beach or to a laid-back office, and they'll look right at home. They're the ideal option for people who want more coverage than short denim shorts yet more flexibility than long denim shorts.
Long denim shorts
Long denim shorts can run all the way to the knee or beyond, providing significantly more coverage than short denim shorts. They're warmer, too, making them a great option for spring and fall. They're known for holding elevated, modest appeal, and can look great when paired with heels for a sleek and modern outfit or with sneakers for a more casual, everyday aesthetic. So long as you style them with intention, long denim shorts will always look great.
How leg opening affects fit and shape
It's easy to overlook the leg opening when choosing denim shorts, but it plays a big role in how comfortable you feel wearing them and how the denim shorts work with your body's proportions. Leg opening refers to the width of the base of the shorts, and is calculated by measuring the circumference of the shorts at the opening of each leg (where your feet pop out when you put on shorts).
Wider leg openings
Wider cuts can visually slim the thigh, and are great when some additional comfort is required — they won't hug the leg, while the additional airflow can be highly appreciated on warm days. Choose a fitted or tucked-in top and sandals or sneakers to achieve a perfectly balanced aesthetic.
Straight cut
Straight cut denim jeans fall uniformly (in other words: straight!), providing a structured and clean silhouette. They work great with tank tops, tucked-in sweaters, and are flexible enough to be worn on daily outings as well as for slightly more formal occasions.
Slim fit
Looking for a look that's sleek, modern, and accentuates your natural leg shape? Then slim fit denim shorts, which follow the contours of your legs for a fitted silhouette, should be in your wardrobe. Slim fit denim shorts with sneakers and a cropped sweatshirt is a classic streetwear outfit, and with good reason — it's an awesome look.
Explore One Teaspoon women's denim shorts to find your perfect fit
Ready to find your ideal pair? Browse our complete range of women's denim shorts to discover the perfect fit for your style. For a complete denim wardrobe, explore our women's denim jeans collection, or create head-to-toe denim looks with our denim jumpsuits and denim shirts. Don't forget to check out our denim outlet section for great deals on quality denim.