I tried 7 denim shorts to find the perfect pair for summer that aren't too revealing – a £15 Primark buy was a winner
Abigail Wilson, Senior Digital Writer
Published: Invalid Date,
WITH warmer days on the horizon and summer right around the corner, if you're looking for the perfect pair of denim shorts, then you've come to the right place.
There's nothing more annoying than finding a gorgeous pair of shorts, only to try them on and realise they reveal too much (you know what I mean), but equally a pair that are too long are never a good look in my book.
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I've been wearing the same pair of denims for the past few years, so with spring in full swing, I went on a mission to find a new pair of shorts that are the right length and aren't too revealing.
Here, I Abby Wilson, a size 12 fashion fan, share my honest thoughts on seven pairs of denim shorts that are brand new on the high-street.
So if you don't have the time to scroll through thousands of options online, you'll need to pay attention to find out which pair I'd leave on the shelf and the popular buy you need to nab fast.
M&S Mom High Waisted Shorts
If you're searching for a pair of denim shorts that are somewhat different to the standard options you see on the market, these Mom High Waisted Shorts from M&S are worth trying.
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They're a slightly boxy shape, which may not be to everyone's taste, but they impressed me.
They're a nice colour, good length and you're sure to stay ahead of the style curve with these chic shorts.
They're a raw gem for a laid-back look, but compared to other denims out there, the material is much thinner than I would have hoped.
There's two colours to choose from - medium indigo and soft white - and sizes range from a size 6 to a size 24, making them suitable for a variety of different body shapes.
Yes, they're versatile, but at £25, they're definitely not cheap.
My rating: 3.5/5
Shoppers run to Primark for new 'cool girl' summer shorts in colour of the season
New Look A-Line Denim Shorts
For those looking for a longer pair of shorts, these A-Line Denim Shorts are a great length.
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BUY HERE
Not only are they a flattering style, but they're surprisingly stretchy too.
I didn't think I would be, but I'm a fan of the pale denim and the relaxed A-line shape.
These New Look shorts are incredibly versatile, although they're slightly too boring for my liking.
There's three colours to choose from, so you're sure to find a style that suits you, but having said that, at £27.99 (although they have now been reduced down to £20.99), I do think they are quite expensive, particularly for New Look 's standards.
My rating: 2.5/5
New Look Blue Frayed Hem Denim Shorts
Unlike every other pair I've tried on for this haul, these Blue Frayed Hem Denim Shorts are far too short for me.
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Whilst they're pretty comfortable, they are much too revealing.
The frayed detail gets a thumbs up and for less than £20, they're reasonably priced, but I don't fancy showing off my bum cheeks in these.
New Look bosses hail these denims 'an essential for the summer and holidays season', but I can't say I agree.
Hottest fashion trends of 2025
Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.
The East/West Bag
Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.
In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.
They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too.
Powder pink
Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.
Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.
If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.
The shell jacket
The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.
We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.
Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'.
Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!
The turn-up jeans
While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different.
This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.
For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold.
Peep-toe shoe
Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.
After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.
From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.
Sheer blouses
See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now.
Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.
Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.
They were once priced at £19.99 and have since been slashed down to £14.99, so if you're on a budget, you'll be pleased to know that they won't break the bank.
But if you want to protect your pride, I'd say avoid.
My rating: 1/5
F&F Bermuda Shorts
I had no clue what ' Bermuda Shorts ' were prior to this test, but it appears that they are very on trend.
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Such styles are slightly longer than traditional denim shorts, so if you're after something that won't show off what you ate for lunch, these may just be the pair for you.
Unfortunately, these Bermuda Shorts from F&F are an absolute no from me.
The skater style is definitely not my vibe and to be honest, I couldn't get them off quick enough (and can't believe there's now a photo of me wearing them online for the world to see).
Yes, they're reasonably priced at just £19.50 and come in an impressive size range, but within a second of looking at them, I quickly realised the ' jorts ' trend (jean shorts that end at or just below the knee), is not one for me
While I like the lightwash colour of these cotton rich denims, I can safely say these longline shorts are getting returned. Immediately.
My rating: 0/5
F&F Linen Blend Pleated Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts aren't a style that I'd normally reach for, but I may just be convinced thanks to this F&F pair.
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BUY HERE
These Linen Blend Pleated Tailored Shorts, which are priced at £22.50, are a gorgeous navy colour.
As well as being cotton-rich and versatile, they have fashionable pleated details, belt loops and side pockets, making them sure to turn heads (for all the right reasons).
I'm sure they'll be a stylish addition to your shorts collection this summer, and will look super chic when paired with a shirt or blouse for dressed-up plans.
Is supermarket fashion the new high street?
DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in:
The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family.
Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a 'strong growth in clothing' and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street.
Asda's clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury's clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year.
So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful?
Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it's good quality too - with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative.
A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year.
Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.
Having said that, the smart shorts do come up quite big, which I often find with trousers from F&F.
While they're not as purse-friendly as some of the other high-street offerings, they are definitely worth it for the quality - just make sure you get a size down.
My rating: 3/5
Primark Bermuda Shorts
Much shorter than the Bermuda Shorts I tried, this pair from Primark are much more my vibe.
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They're from Paula Echevarría 's new range and are an elegant, relaxed cut.
These dark denim Bermuda Shorts are super on-trend for those looking for a longer length, more cultivated-looking style.
They're sure to be a winner for those wanting a smart, chic pair of shorts, but they're slightly boxy for me.
Having said that, they do look sophisticated (as denims go) and the pure cotton fabric is structured yet breathable.
The functional slip and patch pockets lend a practical finishing touch, but they are somewhat shapeless and unfortunately, made my bum look even flatter than it already is.
Having said that, at £13, they're a brilliant price for the quality, and shoppers will be pleased to know that there are five colours to choose from, all of which available to order via Click & Collect.
My rating: 3.5/5
Primark Rope Tie Denim Bermuda Shorts
Last, but very not least, are my favourite pair of the lot.
I can't say I had high hopes when I first got my hands on these Rope Tie Denim Bermuda Shorts, which are part of Paula Echevarría 's new collection, but I immediately fell in love with these unique shorts as soon as I put them on.
I was so surprised by these shorts, which have an elasticated waist and come complete with a drawstring belt and lovely pockets.
Not only will you not need to buy a belt with these thanks to their two-in-one design, but they're spot on for an off-duty chic look.
Top Primark summer buys
IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place.
Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark.
Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear.
If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts.
The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer.
If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag.
There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10.
And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags.
If you ask me, they're the perfect blend between stretchy and comfy and smart and classic.
They're an easy-to-wear pair I'm sure I'll be wearing on repeat this summer and will look perfect paired with a relaxed tee and trainers.
As well as being the perfect length, they're a great colour too - and if that wasn't enough, there's also three others to choose from.
They can be ordered via Primark's Click & Collect service and are a fail-safe warm weather buy that's perfect for soaking up the sun whilst looking stylish this season.
And if that wasn't enough, for just £15, I think they're a real steal.
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