The 25 Best Shorts for Women Over 30, According to a Stylist
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In your 20s, when the weather was too hot to handle, it seemed like no big deal to toss on a pair of denim shorts and call it a day. Nowadays, shorts are suddenly the hardest piece of clothing to wear, let alone find. (Um, when did they get so short?) Fret not, because these pairs below just so happen to be the ideal combination of appropriate length and on-trend style—suitable for vacation or when you’d rather not alarm everyone at the grocery store.
Be let's be real: When you’re over 30, your choice of shorts probably aren't the same as they were when you were in your 20s. You may be focusing more on comfort, freedom to move and classic style than you did before, when any old pair would get the job done. That said, you still want them—and your bottom half—to look good. After testing quite a few pairs from some of our favorite brands, our editors have done it—we've found the best shorts for women over 30 that promise to do all of the above, and more.
The Best Shorts for Women Over 30 at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Katie Schuppler is a personal style consultant and owner of KS Style Consulting in Chicago. She received her bachelors of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandise Management and Business Administration from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, WI, and has been named one of the city's best stylists by CBS Chicago.
How to Style Shorts When You're Over 30
For the trendiest look, consider denim and, more specifically, mid-thigh denim, suggests Schuppler. “The style right now is very ‘90s, so we are seeing higher-waisted shorts with a lot of distressing and stiffer fabric rather than stretchy fabrics we have gotten used to,” she says.
What should you avoid? Schuppler says for this age group, try to steer clear of the “very low-waisted styles of shorts” along with “short shorts that you may have worn in your late teens and early 20s.” Leave those styles for the TikTok generation.
So what classifies a “good” pair of shorts for women over 30 nowadays? First, keep in mind that shorter hems and dark washes will highlight your legs, so if that's not something you're looking to do, a lighter wash or a longer cut will be your BFF. No matter your body type, high-waisted shorts will flatter and hide problem areas. If you are set on shorter shorts, pair them with a looser-fitting, flowing linen blouse or oversized top so the look is complemented.
At the end of the day, the most important factor in finding the right shorts over 30 is to wear what works for you. Whether you have short or long legs, you’re skinnier or heavier, in the end, what’s most important is that you wear what makes you feel beautiful and confident—a truly ageless concept.
How We Chose the Best Shorts for Women Over 30
We tried to include as many different options as possible with various sizes, including plus-sized options, and designs to suit various body types, keeping Schuppler's recommendations top of mind. We then looked at customer reviews to find the best of the best. In some cases, we used our own personal experience, including a few of our favorite shorts to wear for everything from working out to relaxing at home.
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How to Wear Shorts Like a Royal This Summer
1. Abercrombie & Fitch Dad Shorts
This pair has got everything that’s trendy in jorts: the high-rise waist, comfortable length and plenty of wash options. They’re flattering for any body type while the 100 percent cotton denim will keep you cool and relaxed. "If you’re like me and don't want to splurge on $148 Agolde jean shorts, these have a similar distressed look and longer inseam without the hefty price tag,” says Pamela Masin, PureWow director of affiliate strategy.
2. Agolde Stella Short
Fewer materials make you feel more carefree than linen. Get comfortable with these easy, breezy a-line shorts. These relaxed fit cuties are great for relaxing in, but feature a fitted waist that also make them great for going out in.
3. Levi’s 501 High-Rise Denim Shorts
It's illegal not to have at least one pair of super comfy, easy-to-thrown-on Levi's in your denim collection (we don't make the rules). There's a reason these 100 percent cotton, frayed cutoff beauties are a classic—they're comfortable and flattering, all in one.
4. Madewell Paperbag Shorts
Made with modal fibers are derived from sustainable wood sources, this sophisticated style is both guilt-free and cute. Also, the drawstring and machine-washable details are an added bonus we think you'll love.
5. Athleta Women's Fallaron Short
Lightweight and breezy, AKA perfect for your upcoming beach trip. We're also living for the monochromatic green on green colors that give you an oomph of color, while still having an overall laid-back, minimal look.
6. Luvamia Ripped Shorts
Want the denim look without the denim material? This pair has cuffs at the bottom of each leg and is made from stretchy material so you get the look of distressed denim with the comfort of a cotton, polyester and spandex blend. They’re high-waisted for some tummy-tucking action and have five pockets for holding essentials, from your keys to your ID, cash and cellphone.
7. Everlane Easy Short
The color is subdued, and the structured fit makes these age-appropriate (so cute when paired with a button-down). Lightweight and easy to throw on, these will take you into the summer.
8. Agolde Long Short
For something a bit longer and more conservative, these long shorts might fit the bill. They don’t come cheap, but you’re paying for 100 percent cotton material, 5-pocket styling and the attractive frayed raw cut hem alongside the light whiskering and destroyed detail. At 13 inches in length, they’re great for a bit more coverage, especially if you’re tall or have long legs.
9. Madewell Relaxed Denim Shorts
The vibe is slouchy and relaxed with these white denim shorts. Sitting lower on the hips for a laid-back feel, if you're not into your denim stretching throughout the day, you will love the non-stretch cotton these are made out of. If you're between sizes, you may want to size up, as some say this style runs small.
10. Banana Republic Utility Tie Waist Short
If you’re running after kids or pets, these no-frills shorts will hide any traces of playground dirt. But don't be fooled by their versatility, the buttoned front flap and slanted patch pockets will keep you looking together, even on the craziest of days. BTW, the fabric belt with metal D-ring is included.
11. Abercrombie High Rise Dad Short
As long as Pedro Pascal is around, we're not mad at the dad outfitting trend. But we're especially not mad at a two-toned, mixed fabric pair of dad shorts. We love that these give a relaxed fit throughout the thigh for comfortability and that they're equipped with plenty of functional pockets, too.
12. Glenleck Jean Shorts
No one can deny the crossover jean trend is ultra-flattering. These high-waisted bad boys have five pockets, easy zipper fly-button closure in front and a trendy crossover waist design. Plus, they're machine washable (which is always a plus).
13. SweatyRocks High-Waist Shorts
We love that these shorts are not only denim and high-waisted, but they also aren’t too short. Made of 100 percent denim with a zipper closure, it’s non-stretch material so you’ll want to ensure you get the right size that isn’t too tight. It’s a regular fit with a straight leg, ideal for pairing with a crop top or tank for a perfectly casual look.
14. Rails Foster Denim Paperbag Shorts
Made from cotton and tencel, these washed shorts are the perfect lightweight staple in your closet. They come with a tie belt for the days you feel like a little cinch-of-the-waist, a button-zip fly and plenty of comfort to match.
15. Spanx Perfect A-Line Shorts
What’s dressier than leather? The shorts are the ideal option for a night out on the town when you aren’t in the mood for a dress or mini skirt and it’s too hot for full-length pants. Structured yet delicate, these leather beauties are super lightweight, which means you won’t be dying to peel them off by the end of the night.
16. Efan Sweat Shorts
Both stretchy and non-deforming, these shorties are perfect for a day indoors or a day out and filled with activities. Made with good sweat absorption and breathability, versatile is the name of the game with these shorts.
17. Bella Dahl Freyed Shorts
The easy drawstring waist and feathery frayed finish on these make these a great choice if you're going for the effortlessly chic look. These cuties are mad with Tencel lyocell, which is a is a sustainably produced fiber made with closed-loop processing. Guilt-free and fabulous? Yes, please.
18. Sidefeel Ripped Denim Shorts
Distressed, ripped denim shorts bring the perfect edgy, yet casual touch to any outfit—all while staying super comfy. The rolled cuffs give it a unique touch so you can look your best whilst living your early 200os dream.
19. La Blanca Cover-Up Shorts
Gone are the days in which you need to ditch your emotional-support Chapstick at the beach or pool—these cover-ups have got you covered with side pockets. Perfect for poolside or beach lounging, these lightweight shorts are made from a cool, soft fabric blend that will keep you feeling airy while staying covered all day long.
20. GAP Patchwork Denim Shorts
Add a little '90s-inspired style to your weekly rotation with these trendy, two-toned beauties. Plus, if you're not into your denim stretching throughout the day, you will love the non-stretch material these are made out of.
21. DL1961 Karlie Denim Shorts
We love the contrast stitching and silver-toned hardware on these classic blue denim shorts. Slightly faded and whiskered, these are ever-so-slightly distressed, giving your casual outfit the perfect amount of edge without being too sharp.
22. Banana Republic Bermuda Shorts
Unpopular opinion: Bermuda shorts get a bad rap. The key is fit: Tailor these closer to your legs so they don't read sloppy. These beauties were crafted using fabric from Italy's Marzotto mill (one of the oldest mills in Italy), giving them a nice heft and structure. Pair these Italian wool babies with heels, flats or flip flops (you'll feel fabulous no matter how you style them).
23. Topshop Pleated Denim Shorts
Throw these pleated babies on for those days you want to look put together but you can't muster the energy (we've all been there). Slightly tailored with a little leg room, these are a no-brainer for staying comfortable and feeling on point on a busy day.
24. Citizens of Humanity
Marlow Shorts
Sometimes, more is more. Give yourself some extra legroom with these these wide-leg cut shorts on those days you aim to be extra comfortable. Plus, these accentuate the waist, and are made from faded rigid denim, so they won't lose their fun shape over time.
25. Plaid & Plain Ruched Jean Shorts
Although these shorts snatch your waist, they're made with an elastic waistband, so you don't have to worry about unbuttoning after your next meal (we've been there). A super comfortable option for transitional weather or summertime, too.
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Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
