Jean Shorts Are A Young Woman's Game. Can I Pull Them Off At 43?
With real try on photos - for better or for worse.
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by Carolyn Firestone
I cannot tell you the series of events in life that have led me to trying on jean shorts in front of the internet.
Me?? The person who hid under a huge sweater every day of high school even in 90 degree heat? The person who won’t try on clothes in a store where the mirror is outside the dressing room … even when said store is completely empty?
But here I am. And the reason (I think) is this. I don’t see a lot of jean shorts being tried on by other 40+ women on the internet. And while maybe that should have been a warning to me not to attempt it, I thought of it instead as a question to be answered.
Are denim shorts still made for ladies like me? Should we really just stop wearing one of the most comfortable, classic, versatile things a person can wear in the sticky heat of summer?
Now, I’m not here to set off some big debate about whether or not people should age out of clothes. Everyone should wear whatever they want. Life is short and none of this is really remotely important.
That said … does anything wreak of youth more than a pair of denim shorts?
Most of the ones we see in the wild are Daisy Duke in nature, worn by tweens, and barely passing for a boy short. And the ones that are made for women old enough to remember who Daisy Duke is are often very long and schlumpy and sad.
So I decided, in a move that’s either a new low in my masochism or an inventive form of exposure therapy, to do a try-on for you in hopes it might guide you to your own perfect pair of denim shorts. Welcome. I already feel like we know each other better.
For reference, I am 43-years-old, 5’ 8” and size 4/6 or 27/28.
And now, to do God’s work and tell you my exact, real honest thoughts about 6 pairs of popular denim shorts. Though let’s face it, there are photos, so you’re probably going to decide for yourself.
1. The Classic California Girl Short
WHAT: Madewell The Essex Short*
Pros: Madewell consistently knocks it out of the park with jean shorts. The A-line shape of this pair makes them extremely flattering on legs. They’re long enough to cover the thick of your thighs and bottom of your backside, but short enough to make your legs look 2 inches longer. They also have nice, big back pockets, which is critical to making your butt not look sad. Almost all of Madewell’s most popular shorts styles also come in curvy, including these*.
Cons: Though very spacious and comfy, there’s no stretch to the denim, which not everyone loves, but it didn’t bother me because the fit is particularly flattering. They’re also a little lower slung on the waist, so if you’re someone who’s more of an apple shape or who just prefers lots of stretch and a high-waist, these may not be your favorite option.
Here’s a sideview so you can see those very nice leg holes:
And a backview I’m currently breathing into a paper bag to be bold enough to show you:
Price: $88
2. The Stretchy And Smoothing Pair
WHAT: Risen Keira High Rise Raw Hem Shorts*
Pros: The high rise and stretch make these shorts feel marvelous on a thicker belly. Risen is a small brand that makes denim that feels like loungewear, so comfort is an enormous plus with these. Also, if you want your shorts to not read granny tourist, a raw hem is critical.
Cons: None really, apart from the fact that they’re not a long short. They cover what matters but if you’re just not a short(ish) shorts person, you might skip.
Here’s a sideview where you can see I tucked in a whole damn cardigan and they still look pretty smooth:
And a backview (still requiring oxygen over here):
Price: $69
3. The Ones With More Butt Coverage
WHAT: Free People We The Free Tippi Denim Shorts*
Pros: Everyone thinks Free People is for kids, but I’m increasingly convinced their bottoms are specially created for women 40-plus. Everything just fits. Everything feels … accommodated: bellies, hips, thighs, butts. These shorts are sculpting and flattering without feeling constrictive. They have that slightly flared shape so they get away with being longer and not looking frumpy. And they leave zero belly pooch, which is great for the pear shapes among us.
Cons: Some reviews say they run a little tight on the waist, which I found to be true. I’m typically a 27 in Free People and these are 28 and fit fairly snuggly, though still comfortably.
Sideview (with the tag still on because I hadn’t made up my mind whether to keep or return as of photoshoot time - maybe you can help):
Backview where you can see that blessèd extra length (yeah, I think I’m keeping these):
Price: $68
4. The Best pair For ALL Curves
WHAT: Nuuds 3" A-Line Vintage Cut-Off Short*
Pros: These shorts are brilliantly offered in two fits: classic for more hourglass shapes, and V-fit for women who carry more weight in their midsection and therefore, find jeans to be annoyingly hellish to button. They also come in a slightly longer 5” version that I’m kicking myself for not getting. These are the first pair I’ll be recommending to all my pear-shaped friends based on the A-line cut and generous leg holes. That said, they’re also bliss on bellies. They’re 100% soft, Italian cotton so they feel great, but they also just hold everything in in a way that makes you feel very comfortable out in the world … in shorts.
Cons: I honestly can’t think of any. I’ll update if any come to mind.
Sideview:
Backview (Am I getting used to this now? Though you’ll notice I’m still keeping my own personal “no-kissing-on-the-mouth” rule of not showing my face):
Price: $98
5. The Bermudas (you Knew They Were Coming)
WHAT: AGOLDE Indra Shorts*
Pros: I actually love these. The roominess is addictive. Plus, it feels like I could have some fun with styling (note the heels that may or may not work). My rule with bermuda-type shorts is buy a really chic pair, hence me spending more on these than any other shorts on the list. But frankly, I’m sold.
Cons: Look, they’re bermuda shorts. Some of you are simply gonna hate that. Also, to be fair, they size large. I’m tempted to keep my size 28s and channel some inner 90s skater girl I never actually was, but resizing to 27 is probably the smarter move.
Sideview:
And just when I thought I was getting comfortable with a backview … this one is not my best moment. The pocket placement is actually good, but the shorts are just a wee bit too baggy in this size:
Price: $188
6. The Ones That Are Great for Bellies
WHAT: Risen Jamie High Rise Shorts*
Pros: Stretch for days and a high waist that makes you feel supported. The shape is really slimming overall and feels great to move around in.
Cons: The back pocket placement isn’t perfect. If you’re muscular or have a butt that pops (feel like there’s no way else to say it) these shorts will look great. If you’re wider or more flat, you’ll want bigger, lower pockets. but this is me nitpicking as someone in the latter category. Also, like I said, Risen is a small brand that everyone seems to have worked out is excellent, so this style can often sell out. If they have your size, you may want to move quickly.
Once more, here’s a sideview:
And one last time, from the back ( Sidenote: Ok fine, I did actually show my face in an article once. It was about how badly I used to do my makeup, and it lives HERE in case you’re up for a rabbit hole):
Price: $69
Carolyn is the Managing Editor of The Candidly. Her favorite thing to do is to write about her favorite things, especially when they have even the slightest chance of making someone else’s something (mood, relationship, travel plans, or toiletry kit) a little better. You can find more of her articles here.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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