Mom Fashion

Look No Further: These Are Our Favorite Mom-Friendly Shorts for Summer

written by JESSICA WELSH & GIANNA ALDANA

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best shorts for moms"
best shorts for moms
Source: @jcrew
Source: @jcrew

Love it or hate it, but we can’t deny it: Shorts season is upon us. For moms, the hunt for the best shorts that fit well, don’t ride up, and are comfortable is a long and ongoing one. Like clockwork, every summer I decide that I hate every pair I own and need new ones for the season.

While there are definitely days when we just want to throw on a summer dress or a pair of summer pants, sometimes you just need a great pair of shorts. So we scoured the internet for all of the best shorts from some of our (and your) favorite budget-friendly stores—like Target, H&M, and Old Navy. We also gathered some tried-and-true investment options from Madewell, Abercrombie, and J.Crew.

We found the best of the best, no matter what style you’re looking for. Pull-on shorts are perfect for running errands or a beach trip. Denim shorts are ideal for looking a little more put-together and casual family outings. Lastly, lounge and athletic shorts are a great fit for workouts and chill days at home. Check out the best shorts for moms to wear this summer below.

Best Pull-On & Utility Shorts for Moms

When you feel like putting minimal effort into your outfit but don’t want to sacrifice looks or comfort, pull-on and utility shorts are your best bet. Consider these shorts the ultimate fashion hack to beat the summer heat in while remaining stylish and chic. They’re functional, great to slide on when you’re in a pinch for time, and can be dressed up or down. The best part? They are guaranteed to complement any summer ‘fit. Go on, scroll through some of our favorite pull-on and utility short picks below!

Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts
H&M
Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts

5 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4XL

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High-Waisted Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts
Old Navy
High-Waisted Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts

10+ colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X

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Extra High-Waisted Utility Shorts
Old Navy
Extra High-Waisted Utility Shorts

5 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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Pull-On Paperbag Shorts
Madewell
Pull-On Paperbag Shorts

3 colors available
sizes 23 – 33

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Cargo Utility Shorts
Old Navy
Cargo Utility Shorts

8 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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Pull-On Cargo Shorts
Madewell
Pull-On Cargo Shorts

3 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

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Crinkle Cotton Dolphin-Hem Shorts
Madewell
Crinkle Cotton Dolphin-Hem Shorts

5 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XXL

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Belted Pull-On Shorts
H&M
Belted Pull-On Shorts

3 colors available
sizes XS – XXL

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Linen-Blend Embroidered Pull-On Short
Abercrombie & Fitch
Linen-Blend Embroidered Pull-On Short

10 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XXL

Shop now
The Perfect Vintage Fatigue Short
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Fatigue Short

3 colors available
sizes 23 – 35

Shop now
Tropez Short
J.Crew
Tropez Short

10 colors available
sizes XXXS – 3XL

Shop now
Linen Pull-On Shorts
Target | Universal Thread
Linen Pull-On Shorts

10+ colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X

Shop now
Dreamy Drape Linen-Blend Carpenter Short
Aerie
Dreamy Drape Linen-Blend Carpenter Short

4 colors available
sizes 000 – 20

Shop now
Utility Tie-Waist Short
Banana Republic Factory
Utility Tie-Waist Short

3 colors available
sizes 0 – 20

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Vintage Ripstop Utility Short
Vuori
Vintage Ripstop Utility Short

4 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

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Babewatch High-Waisted Pull-On Short
Aerie
Babewatch High-Waisted Pull-On Short

5 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

Shop now

Best Denim Shorts for Moms

Ah, denim. You either love or hate them, but with our selection of denim shorts—you’ll want to add one (or a few) to your cart. After all, is it really summer if your wardrobe doesn’t have at least one pair of these bottoms? Whether you prefer a baggier fit, a longer length, or one that hugs you in all the right places, we’ve got you covered with the best denim shorts that will be in your weekly rotation.

Curve Love High Rise Mom Short
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love High Rise Mom Short

6 colors available
sizes 23 – 37

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High Rise 4" Mom Short
Abercrombie & Fitch
High Rise 4″ Mom Short

4 colors available
sizes 23 – 37

Shop now
Curve Love High Rise Dad Short
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love High Rise Dad Short

10 colors available
sizes 23 – 37

Shop now
The Curvy '90s Mid-Length Jean Short
Madewell
The Curvy ’90s Mid-Length Jean Short

sizes 23 – 33

Shop now
Denim Pull-On Paperbag Shorts
Madewell
Denim Pull-On Paperbag Shorts

sizes 23 – 33

Shop now
High-Waisted Baggy Jean Shorts
Old Navy
High-Waisted Baggy Jean Shorts

2 colors available
sizes 0 – 30

Shop now
OG Jean Shorts
Old Navy
OG Jean Shorts

8 colors available
sizes 0 – 30

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Patch-Pocket Short
J.Crew
Patch-Pocket Short

sizes 00 – 24

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High-Rise Denim Short
J.Crew
High-Rise Denim Short

sizes 23 – 37

Shop now
Denim Shorts
H&M
Denim Shorts

3 colors available
sizes 0 – 20

Shop now
High Waist Denim Short
H&M
High Waist Denim Short

3 colors available
sizes 0 – 20

Shop now
Ribcage Bermuda Shorts
Free People | Levi’s
Ribcage Bermuda Shorts

2 colors available
sizes 24 – 32

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Mirage Long Shorts
Free People | Rolla’s
Mirage Long Shorts

4 colors available
sizes 24 – 34

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Mid-Rise 90's Baggy Jean Shorts
Target | Universal Thread
Mid-Rise 90’s Baggy Jean Shorts

5 colors available
sizes 00 – 30

Shop now

Best Lounge & Athletic Shorts

If you want to ditch the denim this summer, lounge and athletic shorts will be your best bet. Perfect for days by the pool, chilling at home, or when you’re out and about, these shorts are lightweight, breathable, and ideal for keeping up with your little ones. With a variety of styles to choose from, you’ll practically be living in these shorts every day. Plus, we love that these options can be worn for summer and beyond.

Vintage Sunday Short
Abercrombie & Fitch
Vintage Sunday Short

8 colors available
sizes XXS – XL

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Flex Woven High-Rise Shorts
Target | All In Motion
Flex Woven High-Rise Shorts

8 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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The Way Home Shorts
Free People
The Way Home Shorts

8 colors available
sizes XS – XL

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Scuba High-Rise Short
Lululemon
Scuba High-Rise Short

6 colors available
sizes 0 – 20

Shop now
Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts
Target | All In Motion
Everyday Soft Ultra High-Rise Bike Shorts

4 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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End-On-Cotton Boxer Short
J.Crew
End-On-Cotton Boxer Short

2 colors available
sizes XXS – 3X

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Wunder Train High-Rise Short
Lululemon
Wunder Train High-Rise Short

4 colors available
sizes 0 – 20

Shop now
Mid-Rise Fleece Shorts
Target | Universal Thread
Mid-Rise Fleece Shorts

10+ colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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Inner Glow High-Rise Short
Lululemon
Inner Glow High-Rise Short

4 colors available
sizes 0 – 20

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Extra High-Waisted Run Shorts
Old Navy
Extra High-Waisted Run Shorts

7 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

Shop now
Lounge Short
Old Navy
Lounge Short

6 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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Take It Easy Short
Aerie
Take It Easy Short

6 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

Shop now