Top Denim Short Brands: A Stylish Wardrobe Staple

Denim shorts are a timeless staple in wardrobes worldwide, effortlessly combining comfort and style for various occasions. With a multitude of brands offering a wide array of designs, it's essential to find those that stand out for their quality and style. Whether you're looking for a classic fit or something more contemporary, the best brands have something unique to offer every denim enthusiast. Curious to discover which brands top the list for denim shorts? Keep reading to find out more.

Illustration of denim shorts

Best brands of denim shorts in 2025

Levi's

Levi's is renowned as one of the top producers of denim shorts, with a brand recognition of around 90% among premium fashion consumers and nearly 3/5th of American customers owning a Levi's item. In 2023, Levi's net sales worldwide were approximately $6.179 billion, with the Americas generating the highest revenue at $3.086.9 million. The company's men's products, including denim shorts, accounted for about 65% of total net revenues in Q1 2024. Levi's strong market presence is further highlighted by its global market share, with the brand being the No. 1 denim brand globally, growing market share faster than any other denim brand for the second year in a row in FY22. The iconic Levi's 501 fit saw a nearly 30% growth in FY22, demonstrating solid momentum.

Wrangler

Wrangler, a renowned brand under Kontoor Brands, stands out as a leading producer of denim shorts, boasting a global revenue of $1.75 billion in 2023, with growth supported by categories such as outdoor and non-denim bottoms. The brand saw a 9% increase in its U.S. direct-to-consumer sales, and a 23% increase in China, driven by gains in both DTC and wholesale channels. Wrangler's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its diverse product lines, including denim shorts that cater to evolving consumer trends. The brand's international revenue, though slightly down in some regions, still reflects strong performance in digital and owned retail channels. With a rich history dating back to 1947, Wrangler continues to be a staple in the denim industry.

True Religion

True Religion is revitalizing its position as a leading producer of denim shorts, particularly with its focus on boosting women's apparel, which currently accounts for 35% of its business. The company aims to achieve parity between its men's and women's segments, targeting $220 million in women's apparel sales over the next three years. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, True Religion has seen a resurgence in interest due to the Y2K fashion trend, helping it garner $260 million in sales in 2023. The brand has diversified its product line to include activewear and other lifestyle items, making it more accessible with price points reduced from $200+ to $100-$200. With a strong e-commerce presence, 80% of True Religion's e-commerce sales come from mobile, and the brand expects its new app to account for 10% of total e-commerce sales in 2023.

AGOLDE

AGOLDE is a renowned denim brand, launched in 2014 by the co-founder of 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity, known for its innovative and sustainable approach to denim. AGOLDE denim shorts, such as the Parker and Dee styles, are made from 100% organic cotton, ensuring a natural fit that stretches and molds to the body over time. These shorts are characterized by their midweight denim, high-waisted designs, and classic lengths, offering a flattering and comfortable fit. AGOLDE's commitment to sustainability is evident through the use of advanced methods like laser technology and ozone machines to minimize environmental impact. The brand's attention to detail and rigorous testing ensure high-quality, long-lasting denim products.

Madewell

Madewell is renowned for its high-quality denim shorts, catering to a diverse range of body types and styles. The brand's fall denim collection, launched on August 8, 2024, features trend-forward styles like the Darted Barrel Leg Jean, which drove over 30% of sales in the category in the five weeks following its launch. Madewell's denim is a year-round focus, with customers who shop denim having a higher lifetime value. The brand amplifies its campaigns digitally on platforms like Vogue.com and through influencer partnerships, targeting the "modern millennial" demographic. Madewell's commitment to offering both classic and fashion-forward denim ensures it remains a go-to brand for those seeking stylish and comfortable options. Discover their Perfect Vintage Jean Shorts to find your ideal fit.

Paige

Paige is renowned as one of the best producers of denim shorts, offering high-quality, luxurious pieces that combine comfort, style, and durability. Founded in 2005 by Paige Adams-Geller, the brand is known for its technical fabrics, innovative denim blends, and meticulous design process, ensuring garments that retain their shape and provide unparalleled softness. Paige denim is crafted using high percentages of technical fabrics to deliver stretch retention and shape recovery. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its partnership with the finest wash-houses in Los Angeles, accounting for 90% of the premium denim in the United States. With a wide range of styles, including the popular Cindy, Leenah, and Anessa designs, Paige denim is a staple for any wardrobe. Discover more about their luxurious offerings by exploring designer denim shorts online.

Frame

Frame is a renowned American fashion-retail company, celebrated for its high-end denim shorts that combine form, fit, and function. Founded in 2012 by Swedish entrepreneurs Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede, Frame has gained popularity among models and celebrities, including Miranda Kerr and Karlie Kloss. The brand is known for its sustainable methods in crafting denim and has achieved significant revenue, earning over $130 million in 2018. Frame's denim shorts are versatile, comfortable, and easy to style, making them a favorite for casual events. With a strong presence in both online and offline markets, Frame continues to shape the global fashion industry.

Free People

Free People is renowned for its trendy and high-quality denim shorts, catering to the creative spirit with a wide range of styles. The brand has been a favorite among fashion enthusiasts, particularly for its boho-chic clothing. However, recent releases like the 'micro shorts' have garnered mixed reactions, with some consumers mocking the design on social media. Despite this, Free People remains a popular choice, offering free worldwide shipping and a 30-day return policy. The brand's commitment to fashion innovation continues to attract a loyal customer base.

Everlane

Everlane is renowned for producing high-quality denim shorts, particularly the A-Line Denim Shorts made from 100% organic rigid cotton denim, which offers a soft and smooth texture while providing excellent midsection support. These shorts feature a 5.5'' inseam and a high rise, making them a flattering choice for various body types. Despite facing challenges in recent years, including a 3% sales drop in 2022, Everlane has stabilized its sales and achieved its most profitable year in 2023 with nearly $8 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization on over $200 million in sales. The brand's commitment to sustainability, such as using organic materials and aiming for no virgin plastic in their supply chain by 2021, further enhances its appeal. Everlane's focus on radical transparency and ethical manufacturing practices also sets it apart in the fashion industry.

American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has cemented its position as a leading producer of denim shorts, particularly resonating with the Gen Z demographic. The brand achieved a company record of over $4 billion in net revenue and surpassed $1 billion in jeans sales in 2018, underscoring its robust market presence. AEO's success is driven by its inclusive size range, spanning from 00 to 24, and innovative collaborations, such as the AE x Young Money collection. The brand demonstrated remarkable growth with 16 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales as of Q4 2018. Furthermore, AEO's dedication to sustainability is exemplified by its eco-conscious denim line, AE77, launched in 2021. For more information on why AEO is a top denim brand, check out their feature on top denim brands.