This is Part 2 of my Denim Short shorts series. Be sure to read Part 1 as it lays the groundwork for what we will be discussing here.
Lets continue with types of denim shorts.
Raw Hem / Cut-off Shorts
Fray hem shorts are shorts (usually denim) that are characterized by unfinished, frayed, or ragged edges at the hems. Instead of neatly rolled or hemmed hems, the material is intentionally left open so that the threads of the denim hang freely, creating a distressed and loose look.
This style is very popular and gives the shorts a casual, distressed, or slightly rocker look. Often, they are simply old jeans that have been cut off and then the hems intentionally frayed (or left to fray naturally after a few washes).
We often use the terms “fray hem shorts” and “raw hem” interchangeably, but in practice, “fray hem” is a specific type of “raw hem”.
Distressed / Ripped Shorts
These have intentional abrasions, holes or fraying, giving them character and a grunge feel.
Cuffed Shorts
These shorts have the legs are neatly rolled up, often creating a cuff. They add a neat or casual look depending on the width of the roll-up.
Embroidered / Embellished Shorts (with embroidery/decorations)
Shorts decorated with embroidery, patches, beads, lace or other applications.
Seam front shorts
This is a type of short that is distinguished by a visible seam or seams running down the front of each leg.
Why such a seam?
- Aesthetics: It adds a unique stylistic element to the shorts, making them more interesting than plain, simple shorts.
- Visual slimming/elongation: Vertical seam lines can optically lengthen the legs and slim the silhouette.
- Structure: It gives the shorts a more “composed” and polished look, distinguishing them from very loose and casual styles.
- Modern: It introduces a modern design element to classic denim shorts.
Pleat front shorts
Pleat front shorts are shorts that are characterized by the presence of pleats (pleats) on the front of the legs, usually around the waist and hips. These pleats add volume and freedom to the top of the shorts, while allowing them to drape nicely down the leg.
Characteristics of pleat front shorts:
- Pleats (pleats): This is their most recognizable feature. They can be one, two, or even three pleats on each side of the front, running from the waistband down. The pleats can be inward (forward pleats) or outward (reverse pleats).
- More volume in the hips: Thanks to the pleats, these shorts are usually looser around the hips and thighs, which provides more comfort and freedom of movement.
- Elegant/formal look: Pleats often give the shorts a more “tailored” and elegant look, distinguishing them from very casual, plain shorts. They are often seen in shorts made from materials such as linen, cotton, wool, and suiting blends, but they also appear in denim versions.
- High or mid-rise: Pleat-front shorts usually have a high or mid-rise, because this is where the pleats show off best.
- Structure and style: They add structure and sophistication to a style, often echoing the classic pleated suit trouser.
Why are they popular and how to style them?
Pleat-front shorts are popular because they combine the comfort of a loose fit with elegance. They are a great alternative to very tight shorts, while offering a more sophisticated look than typical sports or beach shorts.
You can style them in a variety of ways:
- Dressy: With a smart shirt (tucked in to show off the pleats), a blazer, and heeled sandals or loafers.
- Smart Casual: With a fitted T-shirt or a top that is tucked into shorts, which highlights the waist and pleats. • Classy Casual: With a linen shirt or a casual sweater and elegant sandals or espadrilles.
Girlfriend shorts
They are a style of denim shorts that can be described as a more fitted and feminine version of boyfriend shorts.
Key features:
- Fit: Unlike the very loose boyfriend shorts, girlfriend shorts are usually more fitted through the waist and hips, often having a higher rise.
- Leg cut: The legs are still relaxed through the thigh but are usually a bit narrower and more tapered towards the bottom than boyfriend shorts. They can also be shorter.
- High/midrise: They often feature a high or midrise, which accentuates the waist and makes them more flattering to the figure.
- Finish: Like boyfriend shorts, they can have frayed edges (raw hem) or slight distressing (distressing), which adds a casual, nonchalant feel. They can also have neatly rolled or hemmed legs.
- Comfort: They still offer a high level of comfort thanks to a looser fit through the thighs, but without the “baggy” effect that some boyfriend shorts have.
Girlfriend shorts are the perfect choice for those who want the ease and comfort of boyfriend shorts but prefer a more feminine, fitted cut that accentuates the waist.
High loose shorts
- High Rise: This means that the shorts hit high on the waist, often above the belly button. This is a classic design that visually lengthens the legs and accentuates the waist.
- Loose Fit: The legs are loose and free, not hugging the thighs or hips. This allows for great freedom of movement and breathability, making them ideal for warmer weather.
Key features
- 90s inspired style: This style often refers to the fashion of the 90s, where looser and higher-waisted trousers dominated.
- Versatile: They are very versatile and fit many body types, as the high waistband nicely emphasizes the waist, and the loose legs do not hug the thighs.
- Different lengths: They can come in different lengths, from shorter (mid-thigh) to longer, similar to Bermuda shorts, but always with a loose cut and high waist.
- Finish: They often have frayed edges (raw hem) or are intentionally distressed, which gives them a casual and vintage character.
High loose shorts are a great choice for people who are looking for fashionable, comfortable and airy shorts for summer, which at the same time emphasize the waist and offer a casual style.
Soft jog shorts
They are a type of shorts that combine the comfort and ease of sports shorts (joggers) with the softness and tactile feel of materials typically used for homewear or casual wear. They are ideal shorts for relaxation, low-intensity physical activity, or just for everyday, very comfortable wear.
Key features:
- Material: This is their most distinguishing feature. They are made from soft, often stretchy fabrics such as:
- French terry (looped knit): A very popular choice, soft on the inside, smooth on the outside.
- Cotton blends with elastane/polyester: Provides elasticity and durability.
- Modal, lyocell, viscose: Materials that are incredibly soft, flowing, and pleasant to the skin.
- Fine sweatshirt fabric: Lighter than a traditional tracksuit, ideal for summer.
- Jogger-inspired cut: They often have an elastic waistband with a drawstring (often with an additional drawstring for adjustment), and the legs can be slightly tapered or straight and loose. They are rarely very tight.
- Comfort: They are designed for maximum comfort. They are breathable, do not restrict movement and are pleasant to the skin.
- Casual style: This is a typical casual wardrobe item, perfect for wearing at home, for a walk, to the gym (if no special outfit is required) or for weekends out.
- Pockets: They usually have practical pockets, often on the side and sometimes back.
- Length: They can have different lengths – from short to those reaching mid-thigh.
What to wear soft jog shorts with?
Soft jog shorts are extremely versatile in casual stylings:
- Everyday: With a simple T-shirt, sweatshirt, tank top or casual polo shirt.
- For relaxation: Perfect for wearing at home with your favourite top or sweatshirt.
- For activity: Great for a light walk, stretching, yoga, or going to the gym.
- For travel: They are comfortable for travel and easy to pack.
That brings us to the end of the 1st part of this series.
In the next part, I’ll touch upon more styles and their applications. Also, to wrap it up I’ll talk about the Key to Styling Skinny Shorts. Stay Tuned!
Levi’s 501 shorts
This iconic denim shorts style is a direct evolution of the legendary Levi’s 501 jeans. They feature the same classic, timeless style and details that made the original 501 so popular.
Levi’s 501 shorts key features:
- Button Fly: This is one of the most recognizable features of the 501. Instead of a zipper, they have a classic button fly.
- High Rise: Most modern 501 shorts have a high rise that accentuates the waist and visually lengthens the legs. This gives a trendy, vintage look.
- Straight Fit: They run straight through the hips and thighs, providing comfort and a classic look that is neither too tight nor too loose (although they can be a bit looser in the thighs than other styles, such as skinny jeans).
- Characteristic finish: They often come with frayed (raw hem) or cuffed (cuffed) legs, which gives them a casual and slightly rebellious character. They can also be found with distressing.
- Traditional 5-pocket: Like all classic Levi’s jeans, they have five pockets – two in the front, one small coin pocket and two in the back.
- Versatile: They are extremely versatile and fit many styles – from casual to those with a touch of elegance. They are a summer must-have.
Tying it all together
And now a quick summary that will tell you what shorts will most likely be best for you, looking at the shape of your figure.
Think about the shape of your figure (e.g. the letter S, Y, I, T, O, A, H) and choose the style that best emphasizes it.
- Figure X, S, E: High waist
- Figure A: Darker colors at the bottom.
- Figure H, O: High waist
- Very slim legs figure T, Y, I: Avoid very tight dark jeans
That was a lot to take in. But at the end of the day, you need to feel like YOU in whatever you choose to wear.
I hope that you find this 2 part series useful.
How have you been weaing denim shorts? What styles have you got in your wardrode? Any styling options and combinations that you would like to share? Please do so in the comments.
See you next time!
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