Common Denim Shorts Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced denim enthusiasts make mistakes with their shorts from time to time. From buying errors to care missteps, small mistakes can lead to unflattering fits, premature wear, and wasted money. The good news is that most denim mistakes are easily avoided once you know what to watch for.
This guide covers the most common errors people make when buying, wearing, and caring for denim shorts, along with practical solutions to help you get more value and enjoyment from your denim wardrobe.
Buying Mistakes
Mistake #1: Choosing Size Over Fit
Many people focus obsessively on the number on the label rather than how the shorts actually fit. The truth is that sizing varies dramatically between brands—a size 32 in one brand might fit like a 30 or 34 in another. Chasing a specific number leads to poorly fitting shorts worn uncomfortably or not at all.
The fix: Ignore the number. Focus entirely on how the shorts fit your body. Try multiple sizes in each style and choose whichever feels and looks best, regardless of what the label says.
Mistake #2: Not Sitting Down in the Fitting Room
Shorts that look great while standing can become torture devices when you sit. The rise can suddenly feel too short, the waistband can dig in, or the fabric can bunch uncomfortably. Many people skip the sitting test and only discover problems after purchase.
The fix: Always sit down, cross your legs, and bend over when trying on denim shorts. If they're uncomfortable during these movements in the fitting room, they'll be uncomfortable in real life.
Beyond sitting, try squatting, walking, and reaching toward the ground. Quality denim in the right fit should allow all these movements without restriction or riding up.
Mistake #3: Buying Based on Trend Alone
Ultra-low rise was trendy once. So was extremely oversized everything. Following trends without considering whether a style actually suits you leads to shorts that hang in your closet unworn. Trends pass quickly; well-fitting classics remain wearable for years.
The fix: Choose styles that genuinely flatter your body and align with your personal comfort level. It's fine to experiment with trends, but ensure the core fit works for you rather than just looking good in advertisements.
Mistake #4: Prioritising Price Over Quality
Cheap denim shorts often seem economical but frequently cost more over time. Low-quality construction means faster wear, more frequent replacement, and less satisfying wearing experience. The cost-per-wear of a $30 pair that lasts one season exceeds a $100 pair worn for five years.
The fix: Invest in quality construction from reputable brands. Check stitching, hardware, and fabric quality before purchasing. View denim shorts as multi-year investments rather than disposable seasonal items.
Wearing Mistakes
Mistake #5: Wrong Inseam for the Occasion
Wearing very short shorts to contexts that call for more coverage—or bermuda lengths to beach volleyball—shows a disconnect between outfit and occasion. Different inseams suit different situations, and matching them appropriately matters for both comfort and appropriateness.
The fix: Consider context when getting dressed. Keep a range of inseam lengths available so you can match the occasion, or stick to versatile mid-lengths that work across most casual situations.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Underwear Lines
Visible underwear lines—particularly with lighter washes or tighter fits—detract from the clean look denim shorts can provide. The wrong underwear choice can make well-fitting shorts look awkward.
The fix: Choose seamless underwear or styles designed to minimise visible lines. With lighter wash denim, consider nude or colour-matched options that won't show through.
The most common wearing mistakes come from not thinking about the complete outfit and context. Consider how your shorts work with the rest of your clothes, the occasion, and practical factors like underwear choice.
Mistake #7: Wearing Inappropriate Footwear
Denim shorts paired with heavy boots can look unbalanced (unless specifically going for that aesthetic). Conversely, very formal shoes with casual shorts creates an odd mismatch. Footwear can make or break a denim shorts outfit.
The fix: Match shoe formality to your overall look. Casual shorts work with sandals, sneakers, and boat shoes. Dressier denim styling can incorporate loafers or low-profile leather shoes. Consider the visual weight and balance of the complete outfit.
Care Mistakes
Mistake #8: Washing Too Frequently
Many people wash denim shorts after every wear, as they would underwear or gym clothes. This accelerates fade, stresses fabric, and can cause shrinkage. Most denim shorts don't need washing anywhere near this frequently.
The fix: Unless visibly dirty or genuinely odorous, wear denim shorts multiple times between washes. Air them out after wearing, and consider spot-cleaning minor marks rather than full washing.
Mistake #9: Using Hot Water and Heat Drying
Hot water releases more dye, accelerates fading, and can cause significant shrinkage. High-heat tumble drying compounds these effects and can also degrade stretch fibres over time. These practices dramatically shorten denim lifespan.
The fix: Always wash denim in cold water. Air dry whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove while slightly damp.
Never use chlorine bleach on denim. It damages cotton fibres irreparably and creates harsh, uneven discolouration. Even "colour-safe" bleach alternatives should be used sparingly if at all.
Mistake #10: Improper Storage
Leaving denim shorts crumpled on the floor or jammed into overstuffed drawers creates permanent creases in unwanted places and can stress fabric at fold points. Poor storage ages denim prematurely.
The fix: Fold denim shorts neatly or hang by the waistband. Allow adequate space in drawers to prevent excessive compression. For long-term storage, keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Mindset Mistakes
Mistake #11: Expecting Instant Perfection
Quality raw or minimally washed denim often feels stiff initially. Some people give up on good denim because it doesn't feel soft immediately, missing the break-in period that creates the personalised comfort and fade patterns denim enthusiasts prize.
The fix: Give new denim time. Expect a break-in period of at least a few wears for the fabric to soften and mould to your body. The initial stiffness is temporary; the comfort that develops is lasting.
Mistake #12: Discarding Repairable Denim
Many people throw away denim shorts at the first sign of wear—a small hole, a loose button, minor fraying. These issues are easily and inexpensively repaired, often adding character rather than detracting from appearance.
The fix: Learn basic denim repair or find a local tailor. Replacing buttons, reinforcing weak spots, and patching holes extends garment life significantly. Visible mending has even become fashionable, turning repairs into design features.
Moving Forward
Avoiding these mistakes doesn't require expertise—just awareness and intentionality. By approaching denim shorts purchases thoughtfully, wearing them appropriately, and caring for them properly, you'll get more wear, more satisfaction, and better value from every pair you own.
Start by evaluating your current denim shorts. Are any fitting issues the result of buying mistakes? Is premature wear a care problem? Understanding past mistakes helps prevent future ones and guides smarter choices going forward.
Quality denim shorts, well-chosen and properly maintained, can serve you for years. The effort to avoid these common mistakes pays dividends in both wardrobe satisfaction and long-term value.