The Reinvention of Jorts: Long, Longer, and Longest Inseams

As long-time Buck Mason fans, editors at TQE were thrilled that the brand launched denim for women earlier this year. These high-waisted Rider shorts are in keeping with the (much-appreciated) longer length trend and clock in at 5-inch inseam. Pair with one of the brand’s buttersoft tanks or slub tees and your summer uniform is good to go. The shorts are also available in black denim.

If you’re used to a one-inch inseam (shoutout to my youth of BDG Urban Outfitters jorts), these are a great pair to make the transition to a longer length. With a three-inch inseam you’re still safely in not-micro-shorts territory, but neither are you treading into basketball shorts land.

No inseam length will go unexplored in this guide — four-inches is a great style to experiment with if you’re not sure about the longer short trend. These high rise shorts are just what you’d expect from the GAP: no frills, dark wash, plenty of size options (petite, regular, and tall).

These shorts channel mom jeans in the best way — it’s as if you took scissors to your favorite high-waisted pair (the raw hem helps enhance the effect). The five-inch inseam and flared fit is the perfect riff on bell bottoms for summer.

I love that this off-white color is called “fortune cookie.” And I love how much room these 5-inch inseam shorts have in the thigh.

These are far from a cheeky cut, but my new acquaintance with longer styles makes these 3-inch inseam shorts feel dangerously thigh-grazing. This pair is close to the cutoffs of my youth but elevated in a way that feels 30s-friendly.

If raw hems are not your thing, you’ll love the tailored crispness of these 5.5-inch inseam shorts.

With a six-inch inseam, these Levi’s remind me of the Bermuda shorts popular in my middle school days. You can choose between stretch or non-stretch fabric and seven washes.

It’s time to ease into the longer of the picks with these mid-thigh cutoffs. Style them with a billowy white button down for clean girl aesthetic or go in the opposite direction and opt for a Joe Dirt-chic look.

The darting on these 9-inch inseam extra-long shorts makes for perfect menswear inspired fits — elegant and gamine.

Taking it just a bit farther to a 9.5-inch inseam, this pair has a more relaxed fit than the previous pressed look. They have an easy-breezy sensibility that I’d pair with a flat sandal and a sheer, blousy top.

These are advanced shorts (I almost want to classify them as culottes but they’re not quite wide-legged enough). If you can pull off the denim basketball shorts look, I urge you to!

We’re venturing into serious longline mode with this pick — a 15-inch inseam but we’re still calling them shorts. A bold statement for those unafraid to transcend capris.