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Whether you’re looking for a pair of shorts you can wear for casual outings, athletic activities or dressier occasions, there are a ton of options to consider. From classic denim shorts with various washes and cuts to tailored, high-waisted options, here are some highly-rated pieces you can wear all summer long.
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The best shorts for women
Best dressy: Reformation Mason Short
Why buy: These shorts from Reformation are high rise and designed to be fitted at the waist, with a relaxed fit everywhere else. Their features include belt loops, side pockets, a finished hem, a pleated front and a zipper fly. They’re made with a lightweight woven suiting fabric that is made sustainably in Los Angeles.
Price: $188
Where to buy: Reformation
Sizes: 0 – 12
Colours: Black, brown, green, white
Best Bermuda: Gap 10″ High Rise Stride Denim Bermuda Shorts
Why buy: These high-rise, A-line shorts are snug on the waist, fitted at the hips and relaxed through the leg. They can be dressed up or down easily depending on the occasion. They’re responsibly made with Gap’s water-saving Washwell program. They don’t have any stretch to them, so they’ll keep their structure over time.
Price: $79.95
Where to buy: Gap
Sizes: 24 – 35, regular, tall, petite
Colours: Black, blue
Best denim: AGOLDE Parker Long Short

Why buy: These high-rise AGOLDE shorts are made with 100 per cent cotton. They feature a button fly, raw-cut hem and frayed detail. Reviewers love the length — they’re not daisy dukes or Bermudas, but right in the middle. They appreciate that they provide full coverage and say they don’t ride up, either.
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Price: $209.86
Where to buy: Revolve
Sizes: 23 – 34
Colours: Blue
Best high rise: Everlane The Way-High Twill Short

Why buy: These ultra high-rise shorts from Everlane are made of light, breathable cotton canvas with a touch of stretch, so sitting down in them is actually an option. They feature a double-button closure with a zip fly and side and back pockets. Reviewers say the material is thick — meaning you won’t have to worry about them being see-through, even if you go with one of the lighter colours.
Price: $74 (originally $106)
Where to buy: Everlane
Sizes: 00 – 16
Colours: Black, beige, white
Best bike shorts: lululemon Align High-Rise Short

Why buy: These high-rise lululemon shorts are so soft, they’ll feel like a second skin. Reviewers say they’re super comfortable and that they’ll save you from chaffing this summer, too. You can wear them to yoga, around the house, under dresses, on errands — you name it. They have a hidden waistband pocket that’ll fit a card or a key, too.
Price: $64
Where to buy: lululemon
Sizes: 0 – 20 and four lengths
Colours: Black, blue, grey and 10 more colours.