Fashion Edit and Words: Claire Warren

I have long debated the question of whether I am too old for denim shorts. I have girlfriends (mainly in London - who have no need for a daily short staple) who can’t quite fathom the denim short over 40 years old, but for me they are a bit like a pair of jeans and a living-in-the-tropics wardrobe essential. Perhaps it is just the style we pick, or how we wear them that needs to change from our carefree 20s and 30s?

If looking for a pair to wear for smarter occasions, look to shorts with more structure or detailing, such as a paper-bag waist or belt tie to accentuate your waist. My Sea NY ones have been on repeat for a while now but I also love the Isabel Marant Titea. Longer leg lengths are good to adopt but keep these from looking frumpy by ensuring the legs aren’t too baggy and that tops are more fitted and streamlined. For a casual weekend vibe I love Agolde Parker shorts - have worn them for years - and whilst their traditional hemline is no longer sufficient I can now thankfully buy the Parker long with a slightly longer leg!

the best casual denim shorts

Agolde Long Parker Denim Shorts

Mango Ripped Bermuda Denim Shorts

Frame Le Brigitte Frayed Denim Shorts

Agolde Parker Distressed Denim Shorts

the best stylish denim shorts

Mango Paperbag Shorts with Belt

Isabel Marant Titea Fluid Denim Shorts

Veronica Beard Ellis Denim Shorts

The Frankie Shop Magnolia Denim Shorts

THE BEST BERMUDA DENIM SHORTS

Aje Outland Bermuda Shorts

Zara TRF Low Rise Denim Bermuda Shorts

Toteme Denim Bermuda Shorts

The Frankie Shop Kyra Denim Shorts

tips for finding denim shorts that will suit you

Finding the perfect pair of denim shorts that suits your figure can be a bit tricky. If you are not much of a short wearer, then start by thinking through what kind of skirts you like to wear and make you feel good - gathered waist? mid-length? short? pleats? chances are the shorts that suit you will largely follow on from the style of skirts that you are already wearing and loving. Below are a couple of general tips to help you decode what style might suit you. Everybody’s body shape is different and these aren’t hard and fast rules - just a little guide to help you along the way…

If you have a smaller waist and curvy figure…look for styles that are high waisted and fit snugly at your waist and taper out over your bottom and hips. In terms of length, consider something that hits mid-thigh - too short and they may look like they are bunching. If you are lucky enough to have curves you don’t need to add any sense of curves to the style of shorts, so go for flat fronted options with no gathering or pleats.
For a boyish more straight figure…consider a lower slung pair that sits somewhere between your belly button and your hips. The Bermuda style of shorts and shorts with a pleat or gathered paperbag waist will also be a good option as you can afford to have a little more fabric to give the illusion of shape. If choosing a pair with a gathered or pleated waist, tuck your tops in to give the outfit an in / out shape at your waist. A loose top over the top of gathered or pleated shorts will make you look bulky in the middle, so get tucking!
A simple equation : leg length = the shorts length. While this isn’t always true, it’s a good guess at what length will suit you. Shorter legs? Look for a shorter length of shorts so that you can show more leg. Longer legs? You can afford to wear a longer style (…or a short style…or probably any style - such is the gift of long legs!) Just make sure the inseam is long enough, otherwise you’ll have the feeling that you don’t have much covering you.
A universally flattering pair…will generally have a loose wider end to the short (anything that is super tight against your legs is more likely to be uncomfortable and unflattering).
How much stretch…don’t forget to consider the amount of stretch in demin shorts. A rigid style will loosen with a few wears so don’t size up too much. Think of it like buying jeans, you want them to be snug when they’re not worn in otherwise they’ll be too baggy once they’ve softened and worn it.

If you have a favourite pair of jeans, consider finding a pair of shorts in a similar denim to replicate the jeans look (a good tip in Singapore when we rarely get to actually wear our jeans).

Lastly, do a little sit-down test before you purchase to make sure the shorts are covering you when you sit down…! A too short pair of shorts will have you sitting on your butt cheeks. Each to their own, but I’m all for my butt cheeks being covered - standing up or sitting down!