The Search For The Best Levi's Shorts
Let’s talk denim shorts…
What I learned after ordering 8 different pairs of Levi’s shorts from Zappos.
I have been on the hunt for the best Levi’s shorts for years now. Don’t get me wrong I like my old pair, I made them myself many years ago out of a pair of old Levi’s, but they are low-waisted and make me feel a bit schlumpy. So, even though I would much rather find a super cool pair of high-waisted vintage jean shorts, I am facing the fact that my magic thrifting touch is not going to save me this time. A night of researching and reading reviews left me with 8 pairs of shorts delivered to my door in a few days. Here is what I learned:
1) Order the Premium Levi’s. Yes, they are more expensive. But, all of the others had too much stretch and some felt kind of cheap. The Premium styles are made with a high cotton content. You will need to break them in, but it will be worth it.
2) Consider going up a size. High-waisted denim shorts are just not as comfortable as low rise. They feel and look better looser. I am usually a 27, I went up to size 28 in most of these. I recognize that they will stretch out after you wear them a bit, but I think you will welcome a looser look and feel.
3) Button-fly is a pain to button, but boy does it flatter the tummy. All that structure, keeps the fabric from pooching out.
4) Be careful about raw hems and distressing. One of the pairs had a hole waaaay too close to my crotch. You might think “it isn’t that bad,” but the holes will get bigger and the shorts will get shorter (if they are not finished with a hem) as you wash them. Buy lightly distressed denim and wash them only when necessary. Tip: If you do have a lot of distressing in your denim, you can treat holes and raw hems with liquid seam sealant for extra protection.
5) Since we are talking about distressing, I think I am starting to get a bit tired of it. Maybe it is because I am older, maybe I have just seen it too much. I am really starting to like longer shorts with a rolled hem. This is all personal taste, but my feeling is that if you want to look ahead of the trends in denim shorts, wear them longer, looser and less distressed. Think more menswear inspired and less Daisy Duke.
Here are the pairs I ordered below with details, links (click photo) and my reviews.
FYI, I am not affiliated with Zappos in any way.
The winners? Levi's® Premium 501 Long Shorts in Highways & Biways! I purchased them in my true size and they are breaking in nicely.
Why did I choose them? The number one reason I bought these shorts is because I had “high-rise denim shorts” on my spring/summer shopping list that I created last year. I knew this was a hole in my wardrobe. To verify my need, I pulled out my spring and summer clothes and quickly matched these shorts with most of my summer tops. These will be heavy hitters in my casual spring/summer wardrobe.
Not sure what you need in your spring/summer wardrobe? Contact me about a Wardrobe Edit, in which I create a create a prioritized shopping list for your specific wardrobe needs.
Thanks for shopping with me!
Love,
Lisa