The best summer shorts for women, from affordable linen to stretchy faux denim

Quince is known for creating basics in high-quality fabrics for a fraction of traditional retain prices. In our Quince review, we were impressed with the brand's cashmere and washable silk offerings, and after trying the brand's linen, I was equally pleased. 

These 100% linen shorts look as good as they feel (especially when paired with the matching linen square-neck tank) thanks to the high-waisted, slightly oversized design. The generous elastic waistband makes them about as comfortable as a pair of sweat shorts. I love that the waistband is ruched, so it looks cute when pulled over a fitted, tucked-in tank. I was impressed that the light beige Sand colorway wasn't see-through at all when I wore a seamless nude thong underneath (there are six additional hues and patterns to choose from). They fit perfectly true to size.

Let me count the ways I love Rag & Bone's Miramar line, a collection of terry cotton sweats that are doppelgangers for jeans. The joggers have quickly become my most-loved work-from-home pants, and multiple Insider Reviews editors can vouch for the comfort and style of the wide-leg sweatpant jeans. So when I got the opportunity to test the brand's comfy dupe of denim shorts, I couldn't wait to try them. 

These faux denim shorts have it all: stretchy mid-rise waistband, comfy terry cotton fabric, realistic-looking denim print complete with faux distressing, and the perfect four-inch inseam that was long enough to keep me well-covered, but not overly so. They'd make an excellent choice for beach attire since they're way more comfortable than real denim, but can still pass as daisy dukes.

"Patagonia's Baggies Shorts are a staple of my summer wardrobe," says Ellen Hoffman, former Editor-in-Chief of Insider Reviews. "I bought a couple of pairs last year and honestly might buy another color just for the added variety. Their relaxed fit makes them perfect for any and all casual activities, and I often wear them when I'm working from home because they're so comfortable. In a pinch, I've worn them to work out, too, since they're super lightweight and they repel water and sweat. I'm a size 28 in jeans, so I could have gone for a Small, according to Patagonia's size chart, but I sized up to a medium for a looser fit."

Read more in our full Patagonia Baggies Shorts review.

"Tailored shorts are a smart wardrobe investment — as I quickly found out, they're foundational to a lot of outfits. This pair is remarkably comfortable, despite how polished they look. The material is forgiving around the belly, in case you're like me and prone to bloating. I like to wear them with a ribbed tank and loafers for an off-duty look, or you can pair them with a Love, Bonito vest as a matching set." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor

It's tough to find stylish denim shorts that are super comfortable, especially since so many pairs have teeny silhouettes or constricting fits. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Abercrombie & Fitch's loose-fit jean shorts, which have a generous 10-inch inseam. Part of Abercrombie's Curve Love line (which makes some of the best plus-size jeans for women with its wide size range and additional room through the hip and thigh), these bottoms fit my pear-shaped body very comfortably.

Due to my silhouette, a lot of bottoms that market themselves as "loose-fit" actually end up hugging my thighs, but these offered ample space for a breeze to pass through. I love that they can be dressed down with sneakers and a cropped tee or dressed up with a silky top and heeled mules.

"Lululemon is known for its focus on fabrics and the Speed Up Shorts deliver to that end. The liner inside of the shorts is made of a stretchy, sweat-wicking, quick-drying material. There's even a touch of Lycra to help the liner keep its shape and prevent it from stretching out. The shorts themselves are made of Lululemon's Swift fabric, a lightweight but durable woven material that's sweat-wicking and water-repellent. I love the way the fabrics feel — the liner is really soft and the outer Swift fabric can withstand the elements really well," writes former commerce reporter Remi Rosmarin in her Speed Up Shorts review.

"What I love most about these shorts though is the fit. The opening of the shorts is wider than many other athletic shorts I've tried. This makes the shorts more flattering and comfortable. They also don't ride up as much when I run compared to pairs like the Nike Tempo Running Shorts, which I have a feeling has to do with the V-shaped construction on the sides."

"Thanks to the lightweight compression, the shorts hug your figure without feeling too tight. They're also super high-waisted, so I would feel comfortable wearing a crop top or a sports bra with these shorts because I wouldn't be showing off my stomach," writes lifestyle reporter Celia Fernandez in her review of Everlane's Perform Bike Short.  

"The best part? The shorts didn't ride up while I was walking. The first day I tried them on, I forgot I was wearing them when I took my dog for a walk. I was outside for about 30 minutes and not once did I find myself pulling them down."

I love Free People's penchant for making ultra-comfortable oversized fits look elevated and fashion-forward, thanks to unexpected elegant details in the designs. Such is the case with these loose-fitting Tess shorts, which get a chic upgrade from the lacy patchwork design. Though some parts of the knee-length shorts are see-through due to the lace, they're fully lined with short shorts underneath, so the top half isn't see-through at all. The slouchy bottoms almost look like a skirt when my legs are together, and I can't wait to try them with knee-high boots in the fall, as pictured above.

"These silk shorts have traveled with me up and down the coast this summer. I've worn them from the beach to bedtime, they're that soft. The stretchy elastic waistband and wide legs makes them easy to slip on and go, and they've now gone through several cycles in the washing machine without looking the worse for wear. Plus, they've got spacious pockets and can roll up into a tidy little bundle for easy packing." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor

"Shorts at the office can be a tough look to pull off — they need to be comfortable enough to sit in all day, but still look polished and professional. White shorts especially can be a risk, but these are completely opaque. The pintuck detail on these shorts emphasizes the clean lines of their silhouette, so I pair these with a crisp button down for an easy summer workwear look.

When the weekend arrives, I'll wear them with a crop top and can still feel covered thanks to their stretchy high-rise waistband. I recommend sizing down if you want a more fitted look. You won't feel squeezed in either way, because the fabric is soft and flexible." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor