How to recognise it
The top is like jeans: a belted waistband, a J-stitch beside the zip and front pockets. The legs end above mid-thigh, with a frayed, hemmed or rolled edge.
Where it comes from
In the 1950s and 1960s young people cut down old jeans themselves for summer, hence the name cut-offs. Very short denim shorts are also called daisy dukes after a character in the 1979–1985 series The Dukes of Hazzard.
Who and when it suits
The core summer shorts: they work for festivals, travel, the beach and town. With a loose shirt or blazer they look neater; with a T-shirt and sneakers they look relaxed.
Variations and look-alikes
Denim shorts come high or low rise, cut with a frayed edge, hemmed, rolled, light or dark, distressed with rips, in white and black. They differ from jorts in being short, and from loose mom shorts in their narrower legs and shorter length.
How to style it
- A high waist makes the legs look longer.
- Secure a frayed hem with a stitch before washing.
- With a loose linen shirt and sandals.
- Wash inside out to stop fading.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01How do you make denim shorts from jeans?
Try them on, mark the length 2 cm longer in chalk, cut and wash them: the edge will fray on its own.
02What length should denim shorts be?
Usually an 8–12 cm inseam; petite people suit shorter ones, tall people longer.
03What do you wear with denim shorts?
T-shirts, blouses, linen shirts, a knit in the evening, and sneakers or sandals.
04How do denim shorts differ from jorts?
Jorts are long, loose denim shorts to the knee; classic denim shorts are short.