Raise your hand if you’re still recovering from Free People’s now infamous Instagram declaration that “we are wearing micro shorts this season.” To quote one of countless comments that made me laugh until tears rolled down my face “As an ass owner, I have questions.” Free People, we didn’t ask for micro shorts and we’ll never ask for micro shorts. But thank you for reminding us that nothing brings women together like a collective enemy. And friends, jundies such as these are one of them.

As it is, shorts are a garment that after about the age of 12, we kind of just put up with. After all, it’s hard to find comfortable shorts for women that don’t ride up, threatening PH levels and making you do that duck-walk to inconspicuously dislodge them. (Spoiler alert: It’s not inconspicuous.) Also, nothing blesses you with a righteous case of thigh chafe quite like a pair of ill-fitting shorts. So now that summer temps rival the surface of the sun, what’s a fashion (and temperature) conscious woman to do? Well, a bit of research, that’s what. Don’t have time? I’ve got you. (And if you’re rocking a bump, check out these maternity shorts instead!) 

From my favorite personal recs to top suggestions from internet shoppers, I’ve rounded up a selection of stylish and comfortable shorts that make a solid addition to your summer wardrobe. From summer vacations to backyard BBQs, these styles will keep you cool and looking fresh, no duck-walking required.

Most comfortable shorts for women

Spanx Stretch Twill Shorts

Spanx

$78

Stretch Twill Shorts

If you’re just learning that Spanx offers more than underwear and leggings, welcome! Now you never have to wear pants with buttons again! These comfortable but classy pull-on shorts are made from a butter-soft stretchy twill with a smooth, flat front that doesn’t bag out after you sit down for too long. (No thank you on that wrinkly crotch look.) They’re garment dyed which means the color is slightly faded and will wear over time, so wash them inside out to preserve the look you love!

Inseam length: 4 inches

Available in sizes XS-XL

Athleta Brooklyn Short

Athleta

$59

Brooklyn Short

The stylish and versatile Brooklyn Short from Athleta can go anywhere the wind takes you. Sure, they’re made from a quick-dry fabric that you can pull on over your damp suit, but the casual, cool cut looks good even when you’re not poolside. They’ve got a wide, flat waistband that doesn’t roll down and even have pockets for your essentials. From hikes to tennis to cheering on your kids’ soccer practice, they’re a spring and summer staple!

Inseam length: 4 inches Regular/Plus, 5 inches Tall

Available in sizes 0-26
Duer Live Light Utility Short

Duer

$79

Live Free Utility Short

You may not be headed out on safari, but with these shorts you can be ready for any adventurous plans that crop up. (Brunch mimosas count.) The longer inseam feels sophisticated without being frumpy while a looser fit through the butt and thighs keeps them from riding up. Made from Duer’s proprietary Live Lite fabric–a blend of cotton and eucalyptus-derived TENCEL, they’re not only super breathable, they’re also naturally odor-neutralizing and moisture-resistant as well. Shorts that don’t feel swampy by noon? Yes please.

Inseam length: 5 inch

Available in sizes 24-33 in

Quince Linen Shorts

Quince

$29.90

Linen Shorts

Listen, when it’s as hot as the surface of the sun, linen is the way to go. And if you want a pair of shorts you can fall in love with and then purchase in every color, these are it. From the impressively sustainable and oh-so-affordable Quince, these comfy shorts are soft and lightweight and perfect for travel. They available in five neutral colors and look great with anything from sneakers and tees to button downs and strappy sandals.

Inseam length: 3.25 inches

Available in sizes XS-XL
Gap 5

Gap

$35

5" Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts

Gap does denim right and if I had to pick a favorite this season, these would be it. The whisper fade and just-right level of destruction brings all the vintage lived-in vibes while the relaxed fit doesn’t squeeze your thighs or ride up. Prepare to live in them all summer long. (And every summer because after sixty years, it’s probably safe to say this timeless style isn’t going anywhere.)

Inseam length: 5 inches

Available in sizes 24-35

Carve Designs Oahu 6 Twill Short

Carve Designs

$78

Oahu Twill Short

Carve Designs makes some of our favorite actually-butt-covering bathing suits, so it’s no surprise to find we’re fans of their blissfully relaxed shorts as well. The laid-back Oahu shorts come in 4, 6 and 10 inch inseams and are great for beach days, barbecues, and anything in between. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and keeps its shape throughout the day and washes great as well.

Inseam length: 4, 6 or 10 inches

Available in sizes 0-16

A New Day Women's High-Rise Tailored Shorts

A New Day

$17.50

Women's High-Rise Tailored Shorts

A wallet-friendly Target home run, the High-Rise Tailored Shorts from A New Day are a stylish way to add a fun color pop to your shorts collection. The tailored cut pairs perfectly with the summer loafers we’re ready to wear on repeat but works equally well with strappy sandals. They’re available in springy colors like pastel yellow, lilac and pink that look fantastic with tees and layered button downs. And when you’re feeling a little more refined? No problem. They come in black too.

Inseam length: 4 inches

Available in sizes 0-26

Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Jean Shorts

Old Navy

$18

High-Waisted Wow Jean Shorts

Another brightly hued option we’re eyeing is the High-Waisted Wow Jean Shorts from Old Navy. The classic jean short cut easily makes them an everyday go-to and considering the price and array of colors, it’s likely we’ll own multiples before the temps even start to climb. They’re made from a blend of cotton and polyester with a tiny bit of stretch and reviewers rave about the fit which is comfy and flattering.

Inseam length: 3 inches

Available in sizes 0-30

Vuori Villa Short

Vuori

$64

Villa Short

From their cult-favorite joggers to their Halo skirt I just wore the hell out of on vacation, Vuori is my travel wardrobe of choice. Another style that absolutely needs to be in your suitcase? The ultra-lightweight Villa Short. They’re sporty but still kind of fashion-y and even if they end up on the bottom of your bag while you take a dip, they don’t come out a wrinkled mess.

Inseam length: Not specified

Available in sizes XXS-XXL

Outerknown Seventy Seven Cord Shorts

Outerknown

$88

Seventyseven Stretch Cord Shorts

I may have been born too late (and too uncoordinated) to be a 70’s California surfer girl, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dress like one. The retro-inspired Seventyseven Stretch Cord Shorts from surf-loving brand Outerknown are the perfect pair for laid-back beach days with a flattering rise that’s not too high or too low.

Inseam length: 3 inches

Available in sizes 24-34

A version of this story was published July 1, 2021. It has been updated.