BASICS

Looking for The Best Summer Denim? These Are My Favorite Summer Jeans (and Jean Shorts)

Favorite Summer Jeans

Anyone else love denim? Denim jeans, denim shorts, denim skirts, denim dresses…I’m all in! Living in Colorado, I can wear jeans year-round. I know that people in other parts of the country might not be able to, but that’s what denim shorts are for. Plus, there are tons of lightweight jeans out there to choose from that keep you cooler in the hot summer months. Below, you can find all of my favorite summer jeans and jean shorts!

White Denim Shorts

1) White Denim Shorts

Before I get to the jeans, let’s talk about jean shorts. I share everything you need to know about wearing denim shorts over 40 in this post. It’s a must-read! Finding white shorts over 40 is even harder than finding regular denim shorts. But this pair by Agolde is great! They’re super high rise (11”) so you feel secure and the inseam is 4 5/8”, which is longer than most shorts. They’re comfortable, don’t ride up, and pair beautifully with any tee, top, or blouse. I’ve taken these on a few trips…if you want to see more vacation outfit ideas, make sure you check out this post next.
Shop more by Agolde here.

Moussy Vintage Packard Shorts Favorite Summer Jeans Moussy

2) Moussy Vintage Packard Shorts

I LOVE Moussy Vintage jeans and have quite a few pairs. So when I saw that they had denim shorts a few years ago, I knew I had to try them. And…I love them! They’re comfortable but the denim is stiff enough to make you feel secure. The length (3” inseam) and high rise (10”) are great. And I love the distressing and raw hem. They also have plenty of room around the leg so that they have that looser-looking fit. I take these on almost every family trip we take…they are THAT good!
Shop more by Moussy here.

Agolde Denim Shorts Favorite Summer Jeans Agolde Denim Shorts

3) Agolde Denim Shorts

These were my go-to denim shorts a few summers ago until I found the Moussy shorts (#2). This brand, Agolde, is by the same designer as 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity…both amazing denim brands! These shorts give me a 90s vibe I love, but with a twist. I love the minimal distressing, raw hem, and high waist. These are not your average high waist shorts…they have a 12.25” rise! So you feel very secure and tucked in. The inseam is 4” so they’re not too short and completely cover your bum.

More AGOLDE shorts here.
Shop more denim shorts here.

Moussy Vintage Tapered Jeans

#4) Moussy Vintage Tapered Jeans

Now for some jeans…first up is this pair of tapered-leg jeans by Moussy Vintage. If you’re not a huge fan of the baggy or wide-leg jeans trend, these are perfect for you. The denim is super lightweight, the fit is great, and I love the minimal distressing and lighter mid-wash.

White Wide-Leg Jeans

#5) White Wide-Leg Jeans

Next up is this pair of white Pistola jeans that have been a best seller for the past few months. The wide-leg silhouette combined with the super high 13” rise makes these jeans incredibly flattering. The fit is a little baggier and relaxed but not too baggy. The fabric has a bit of stretch, but you still feel secure, and the fabric isn’t see-through…an important factor in finding the perfect white jeans! There are no front pockets, so you don’t need to worry about pocket linings showing through or extra fabric budging around the hips. I also love that the smooth front adds to the flattering fit. They have a 27” inseam, which is perfect on me (I’m 5”4’) and I can wear these jeans with heels and flats…a big win.

White Flare Jeans | Favorite Summer Jeans

#6) White Flare Jeans

If you’re looking for a dressier-looking pair of white jeans, this pair of ultra-chic flared Joe’s Jeans is SO flattering. The higher rise accentuates the waistline and adds length to the legs. They aren’t see-through and the denim feels very high-quality.

Ultra-Baggy Jeans

#7) Ultra-Baggy Jeans

If you’re into the baggy jeans trend and looking for a pair you can wear all summer that won’t make you hot, this pair by Mother is perfect! They’re super baggy and cool, I love the elongating center seam down the front, and the ultra-flared leg is SO flattering. They have a raw hem so you can cut them yourself if they’re too long, but they worked with a pair of heels for me at 5’4”. They have limited stock so if you don’t see your size, check here too.

Wondering how to look slimmer & taller in baggy jeans? Check out this post!

Cuffed Jeans

#8) Cuffed Jeans

Next up is another big jean trend…cuffed jeans! These Citizens of Humanity jeans have a cool cuffed detail that you can also uncuff or adjust to make the cuff bigger or smaller. The denim is very high quality and secure but still lightweight. And I love the lighter wash for summer!

White Wide-Leg Jeans

#9) White Wide-Leg Jeans

This is another quality pair of jeans by Mother, but these have a wider leg. I love that they are fitted through the hips but baggier through the legs, a very on-trend denim silhouette at the moment. These have a 29.5” inseam so on me, they go almost to the floor and require a small heel or platform. I’m wearing them with a pair of platform sneakers, and you can see that they hit about 1-2” off the ground. Since these have a raw hem, you can cut them yourself if that length doesn’t work for you and/or if you want to wear them with flats. These are meant to be “petite” jeans so the rise is a bit shorter – FYI.

Cropped Bootcut White Jeans

#10) Cropped Bootcut White Jeans

If you’re looking for a pair of white jeans with a less baggy and more streamlined fit, consider a pair of bootcut jeans. This pair by Mother has been one of my favorite pairs of white jeans for years. I actually own this Hustler style in multiple colors…that’s how good they are! They have a raw hem, flattering high rise (11”), and are not see-through. The denim is very high-quality and has a good amount of stretch. These also have a 27” inseam, which is such a nice length for petites – even if you are extra petite.

What pair of shorts or jeans are your favorite? Do you have a holy grail pair of jeans or shorts for summer?? Please share that in the comments below.

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12 thoughts on “Looking for The Best Summer Denim? These Are My Favorite Summer Jeans (and Jean Shorts)

  1. nice and useful tips for denim, as always you look very out of the ordinary, greetings Erin
    Best wishes
    Norma

  2. Can you please tell us where the shoes are from in #9) White Wide-Leg Jeans photo?
    (Or similar sneakers?) they are so cute! Thank you!

  3. It would be nice to see some ecru options in a white jean post. I would guess that roughly half of us look better in warm tones. Same comment goes for many posts. Thanks!!

  4. Could you tell us exactly which brown leather double D belt Erin is wearing in many of these photos? Is it something still available? I’ve searched high and low and the link takes me to a Nordstrom option that is not the same. Thanks!!

    1. Hi Kate! This belt that Erin is wearing is the “Marisa Jean Belt” from Evereve. Unfortunately not available currently…but hopefully they bring it back! It’s a great one. Since it’s unavailable, we’ve included that great alternative from Nordstrom instead. Thanks for reading! ~Team Busbee

  5. Hi Erin!
    Have you tried liverpool jeans? I got a pair of their BOYFRIEND trousers in my first fabfitfun box and didn’t think i WOuld like but thEm, but are sooo comfortable! i decided i had to have a pair of jeans with a similar cut. The first Pair i ordered didn’t woRk so i sent them an email and asked Which Style would be similar to the trouser i got in my fff box. The rep recommended the Peyton Slim boyfriend; she said the first pair were 100% cotton so no stretch. I got them yeSterday and am wearing them today. They are exactly what i was looking for! The price pOint is around $80, So they are a nice jeans W/o breaking the bank! Happy Friday! After watching your video and Angie’s i am PROBABLY PLACING my Nordstrom order today. I know that Mural white blazer isn on sale, but i am thinking of GETTING ot anyWay. I got it in black a month or so ago and love the fit!

    1. I have not… but I need to try them now. Thanks for the tip, Lynn!! What do you think of the white blazer?

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