Made with a flexible blend of cotton and polyester. Cut in a way that allows for maximum movement. Shorts can be worn rolled with a 4-inch inseam or unrolled with a 6-inch inseam. Considered universally flattering.

Cons

Waist is cut a bit narrow, so size up. Some reports that inseam is shorter than 4 inches.

Best Bang for the Buck

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label

Mid-Rise Bermuda Shorts

Most Versatile

Best option if you prefer long-cut shorts that won't look frumpy or bulky.

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Most Versatile

Bottom Line

Best option if you prefer long-cut shorts that won't look frumpy or bulky.

Pros

Constructed with premium super-stretch denim featuring elastane in the blend. Design creates a smooth, flattering silhouette. All pockets are fully functional. Belt loops are large to accommodate wider belts. Available in 4 washes.

Cons

Material stretches out and gets to be too loose later in the day. Not as soft as they could be.

Levi's

501 Original Shorts

Classic Design

Wearers love the classic 501-cut for shorts, especially with its high cut and super-short inseam.

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Classic Design

Bottom Line

Wearers love the classic 501-cut for shorts, especially with its high cut and super-short inseam.

Pros

Classic and simple, this design is a perennial favorite for its versatility and simplicity. The waist smooths the belly and hips into a flattering silhouette without digging into your sides. One of the best-constructed pairs around, these 501s hold up well with plenty of wear and subsequent washing.

Cons

With an inseam of 3 inches, many wearers feel they're cut too short for everyday wear.

Levi's

Global Classic Shorts

Relaxed Fit

An updated design featuring a better, more flexible material blend.

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Relaxed Fit

Bottom Line

An updated design featuring a better, more flexible material blend.

Pros

Emerges as an essential mid-rise pair that remains one of the most comfortable options. Relaxed fit makes this pair ideal for recreation or travel wear. Material blend is soft and gets progressively softer with washing. Rolled hem stays put.

Cons

Levi's loyalists found this pair too stretchy for their taste. Not true to size.

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label

Mid-Rise Cut Off Shorts

Essential Cut-Offs

Wearers are big fans of this style, which is one of few cut-off shorts with a mid-rise waist.

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Essential Cut-Offs

Bottom Line

Wearers are big fans of this style, which is one of few cut-off shorts with a mid-rise waist.

Pros

Made with a soft cotton, polyester, and elastane blend. Fit is boxy and relaxed, especially in the waistband and seat area. Stretch holds up well through frequent washing. Frayed detail is designed in such a way that it won't continuously unravel.

Cons

Overall sizing seems to run big, and leg holes are unusually large.

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First Reviewed

August 31, 2020

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