The Best Summer Shorts for Women, Tested By a Style Writer

Reported by Women's Health Magazine.

After months of testing everything from tailored mid-rises to oversized linen blends, one truth emerges: the right shorts can do almost all the work for you. According to Women's Health Magazine, a tested selection of styles proves that summer dressing doesn't require sacrificing comfort or versatility—and yes, there's a pair for literally every body type and occasion.

The polish players tend to pull double duty. Abercrombie's mid-rise tailored short earned top marks for its ability to transition seamlessly from brunch to evening without a belt or a wrinkle. The elastic waistband and deep pockets keep things practical, while the 3-inch inseam creates an illusion of length regardless of your actual height. It runs from size 23 to 37. Banana Republic's Soho takes the office-pant approach, swapping trousers for breathable linen with double front pleats and a snatched high waist—pair with a crisp tee and blazer for that effortless-but-elevated thing that actually feels effortless.

The relaxed rebels

Then there's everything else. A khaki short from Amazon nails the baggy-shorts revival with soft, breathable cotton and a price tag that won't hurt; sizing up creates the slouchy fit everyone's after without looking sloppy. Levi's 501 remains the best-selling denim short for a reason—stretch fabric that feels soft immediately, a fitted waist, and looser legs that move with you rather than against you. Old Navy's linen-blend short delivers on versatility with its 55% linen composition (the rayon blend cuts down on wrinkles, a legitimate win) and comes in endless shades; wear it to a beach vacation or a summer night in the city. Patagonia's Baggies appeal to the outdoor-leaning crowd with quick-dry nylon and a water-repellent finish, but they work equally well as a black, minimalist errand-running uniform. For the athletically inclined, Alo's Match Point short features side pleats and built-in briefs that prevent riding up, with invisible pockets and genuinely impressive moisture-wicking.

Whether you're shopping for something structured or something that feels like loungewear (Aritzia's sweatfleece mini short exists for this reason), the sizing ranges are finally inclusive—most span from 0 to 20 or beyond, with petite and plus-size options available. The only real rule: try before committing, because fit matters, and what's slouchy on one body is snug on another. Find the shorts that actually make you want to get dressed, and suddenly summer stops feeling like a styling problem.

Read the original at Women's Health Magazine.