Image: MomJunction Design Team
Mom shorts from the 90s have made quite a comeback; thanks to their practicality as well as style factor. We have curated a list of the best mom shorts out there to suit various body types. Mom shorts are denim or cotton shorts with a high waist fit and loose legs. They are perfect for summertimes, providing great comfort and style at the same time.
If you’re trying to decide on the perfect pair of mom shorts, check out this list as we recommend some best-selling and tried-and-tested products. Bring home some cool mom shorts and pair them with your favorite casual wear to create the chic 90s look.
Top Picks
11 Best Mom Shorts To Look Stylish In Summer 2024
1. Best Adjustable: Hanes Women’s Jersey Shorts
The mom jersey shorts from Hanes are designed with soft and stretchable fabric, making them easy for you to put on and take off. The drawstring closure gives extra support to the shorts and makes them easily adjustable.
Moreover, the women’s jersey shorts feature a seven-inch inseam, and wide-ribbed waistband. The decorative stitching accents give them a chic look and make them ideal casual wear. These shorts are available in four different shades. Here’s a detailed review video of this tried-and-tested product.
Pros
- Cotton-based
- Elastic waistband with drawstrings
- Has two pockets
- Comfortable
- Suitable for machine wash
- Affordable price
Cons
- May be short for some
- Picking the right size may be tricky
"These shorts felt large, but they offered me the right fit after a few washes. They contour my shape and are great for casual wear. They come with pockets and are suitable for different activities."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 48,841 fine reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Stretchable: luvamia Women’s Ripped Denim Jean Shorts
Luvamia mom shorts for summer are made with premium and ripped denim. Featuring stretchable material, folded hem detailing, and zipper and button closure, these time-tested shorts boast both comfort and style. The machine-washable ripped mom shorts look perfect with bell-sleeve blouses or T-shirts.
Pros
- High-waist
- Has five pockets for ample pocket space
- Can be paired with a wide range of tops
- Appropriate length
- Mom shorts with rolled hem
- Suitable for machine wash
Cons
- May not be true to size
- Some may sense an odor in the fabric
"These ripped shorts are super comfy, soft, and stretchy. They are of the right length, not revealing. They could be an ideal addition to your summer collection."
Quick tip3. Best Machine-Washable: Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts
Made with 100% cotton, Levi’s 501 shorts for women are extremely durable. These comfortable shorts are slightly stretchable but have enough room for free movement. They feature a button closure, making them easy to wear, and have a raw hem. The vintage mom shorts are machine-washable, and the color does not fade. Learn more about this time-tested product in this video.
Pros
- High-rise
- Waist-defining cut
- Sustainable
- Detailed measuring guide available
- Durable
- Suitable for machine wash
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely curvy bodies
- Some may find them small
"I love these Levi's shorts with no zipper and a large waist area. They make me feel fashionable with their unique cut and high waist design."
4. Best Skin-Friendly: Dokotoo Womens Shorts
This pair of denim mom shorts by Dokotoo features a drawstring, which gives it a chic casual look. The aesthetic and skin-friendly fabric, which is a blend of polyester and spandex, is super comfortable to wear, and the wide fit provides a full range of motion. The elegant design can be matched with any blouse. These wide-leg mom shorts are perfect for casual outings, clubs, and the beaches in summer.
Pros
- Wide legs
- Has side and back pockets
- Comes with an elastic and drawstring waistband
- Suitable for machine wash
- Mom shorts with a slouchy silhouette
Cons
- Some may find the fit awkward
- Fabric may be a bit stiff
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 10,921 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
5. Best Breathable: Amazon Essentials Women’s Shorts
Amazon Essentials women’s shorts are made of breathable and extremely soft fabric, making them comfortable to wear and a perfect addition to your wardrobe. The mid-waist shorts have button closure with belt holders around the waist, and the rear pockets give them a stylish look. These cropped mom shorts are easy to wear and fit perfectly at the waist and thighs, making it a trusted choice of new moms. Moreover, they are available in different shades.
Pros
- Cotton-based
- Two side pockets
- Durable
- Machine-washable
- Fitted silhouette
Cons
- No elastic waistband
- Some may find them tight around the thighs
"I adore these high-rise Chino shorts with stretchy fabric—they make me appear stylish and flattering. They are ideal for wear daily or for special occasions. These are easy to wash and do not fade."
6. Best 100% Cotton: Plaid&Plain Women’s Jean Shorts
Look flattering in this pair of women’s jean shorts by Plaid&Plain. Easy to wear and has a chic look. The pair of baggy mom shorts is high-waisted and has the perfect length for a cute look. These mom shorts with a relaxed fit also features a cuffed hem and A-line fit, which not only looks trendy but also provides enough room for movement. The 100% cotton shorts for women come with two pockets at the back for convenience. These medium wash shorts are also available in dark and light washes.
Pros
- Two-button closure with elastic band
- Loose fit for freedom of movement
- Thick fabric
- Comfortable
Cons
- Finding the right size may be tricky
- Few might find the crotch area bulgy
"I have worn these denim shorts, and I can vouch for their comfort. They are stretchable and withstand multiple washes without losing their appeal."
Style tip7. Best Ripped: Silver Jeans Co. Women’s Boyfriend Shorts
Designed with a blend of cotton, viscos, polyester, and spandex, Silver Jeans Co. shorts for moms are super stretchable. Further, it features REPREVE recycled polyester made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles. The classic blue wash in ripped finish gives them a stylish look.
These boyfriend-style mom shorts fold at the sleeves and can be paired with short blouses, T-shirts, and more for a casual look. You can also wear this adorable pair of shorts for parties by pairing them with wedges and sandals. The mom shorts with classic wash come with zipper closure, five pockets, and a four-inch inseam.
Pros
- Sustainable
- Mid-rise
- Ideal for baggy-look lovers
- Cuffed hem
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Chart for size reference may not be precise
"These Silver Jeans shorts caught my attention, and I'm delighted I purchased them. They are comfortable and offer a snug fit. The fabulous shorts are stretchable, and I would recommend them to anyone."
8. Best Casual Wear: Unionbay Women’s Shorts
Unionbay shorts for summer are perfect casual wear, thanks to their cotton and spandex blend. The machine-washable pair of shorts features a fly-zipper with button closure, a five-inch inseam, and deep pockets on the front and the back to keep small accessories. Further, the Darcy solid shorts feature a five-inch inseam to allow freedom of movement.
Pros
- Stretchable
- Easy maintenance
- Full butt coverage
- Comfortable
- Suitable for machine wash
- Available in different color options
- Affordable pair of shorts
Cons
- May be low-waist
"These stretchable shorts blend style and comfort. They offer a flattering fit and can also withstand frequent washing. The standard-size pockets are add-ons."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,051 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
9. Best With Non-Hemmed Sleeves: Lee Women’s Chino Shorts
These mom shorts by Lee have superior construction with the fabric made of 98% cotton and 2% spandex. The slant pockets on the front and welt pockets on the back add style and functionality to the jean shorts. These stretch denim shorts have button closure with a fly-zipper and the non-hemmed sleeves add class and style to the look. Further, the chino shorts for women are available in various shades.
Pros
- Mid-rise
- Easy to maintain
- Has belt loops to adjust fitting
- Appropriate length
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Measurement chart available
Cons
- Some may find the fabric thin
"These mid-rise shorts are ideal for daily wear. They are made of quality material that is stretchable and define my figure well."
10. Best Lightweight: Roskiki Womens Summer Casual Shorts
This pair of shorts by Roskiki is crafted for casual wear and features a wide elastic waistband with a drawstring closure. Made with cotton and spandex, it is lightweight and makes perfect casual wear for summers. The mom-fit shorts with deep front pockets not only look chic but are also functional. Further, they come with side and rear pockets.
Pros
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable fit
- Color range available
- Does not shrink
Cons
- Some may find the drawstrings too long
- May be bigger than expected
"I feel relaxed wearing these soft and comfortable shorts. They are ideal for lounging. I would recommend them for their style and comfort."
Point to consider11. Best Faded: Sidefeel Denim Ripped Short Jeans
The Sidefeel denim shorts offer good stretchability as they are made with a blend of polyester and elastane. The ripped-style shorts feature the regular five-pockets and a fly-zipper with bronze button closure. These mom shorts with a distressed hem come with a detachable sash belt to enhance the look of your sexy long legs.
Pros
- Ideal for faded-look lovers
- Chic style
- Comfortable
- Hassle-free maintenance
- Mom shorts with a mid-rise waist
- Button-front mom shorts
- Available in multiple color options
- Can be matched with a wide range of tops
Cons
- Finding the perfect size might be tricky
"These shorts fit more like junior sizes, which I find comfortable. They ride up a little, but I still love the fit."
How To Choose The Right Mom Shorts?
Here are a few points you should consider before choosing the right mom shorts.
- Fit: Keep your body type in mind when picking a pair of mom shorts. The right fit can make the mom shorts look flattering. The high-waisted shorts should hug the tummy right at the natural waist, and the legs of the shorts should be loose for comfort and maximum movement. You can also consider belted mom shorts for a snug fit.
- Style: There is no definite style for mom’s shorts. Their length can either be long or short. You may choose ripped shorts and pair them with stylish tops for a chic look or go with paper-bag waist mom shorts for a cinched waist that accentuates your curves.
- Material: High-quality denim shorts are a universal choice as they are both stylish and comfortable to wear. Cotton shorts are equally comfortable to wear as they come in baggy fit to allow ease of movement. Recycled polyester shorts are a good option if you want to make an environmentally conscious choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I size down in mom shorts?
Generally, mom shorts are loose around the legs. So, you can go down a size if you don’t like the loose fit around the legs.
2. Why are mom shorts called so?
Mom shorts are known for being comfortable and are called so because moms from the 1980s and 90s often wore these kinds of shorts.
3. What is another term for mom shorts?
Mom shorts are also called Bermuda shorts.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a keen product writer and reviewer who covers fashion, beauty, and other related areas and loves giving fashion advice to her readers. After reviewing various product reviews and scouring different trusted websites, she has compiled this list of the best mom shorts. These shorts are stylish, comfortable, and made from denim, cotton, or other breathable materials. To help you pick the right best-selling option that suits your personal style, she has also included a buying guide consisting of all the factors you need to consider before making a purchase.
Bring back the 90s vibe and look chic in summer by getting your hands on these best mom shorts that marry comfort and style. And when buying one, ensure it is the right fit and complements your overall outfit. You may also choose between denim shorts and cotton shorts and go for ripped, faded, or solid-colored shorts based on your preference. Further, ensure the pair of shorts you choose is breathable, stretchable, machine-washable, and comes with deep pockets and durable zippers.
Infographic: Tips To Choose Perfect Shorts For A Stylish Summer Look
Having children or a baby at home requires you to move freely and be comfortable in your clothing. So, if you want to buy some shorts to wear at home or for casual wear yet look stylish, the infographic below gives some tips to help you buy the best.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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