I Didn't Expect This Divisive Denim Trend to Flatter My 5-Foot Frame—but I Stand Corrected

It gives major cool-girl energy.

As the weather shifts, my dressing philosophy does too. In the summer, I tend to leave behind stuffy fashion statements for reliable comfort and ease, whether it's a breezy maxi skirt or a basic white tank top. A warm weather staple like denim shorts, however, has always left me conflicted, because their rigidity makes me feel constricted. Plus, I’m not always game to sport a super short hem.

So, this season, I decided to take the polarizing baggy jorts trend for a spin—but not without hesitation. I’m only 5 feet tall, so I had assumptions that the longer, looser fit would overwhelm my frame, and I was concerned the denim fabric would feel too thick and uncomfortable under the beating sun.

Whenever I’m on the fence about taking a fashion leap, I lean on brands I already trust and love like Levi’s, which has introduced so many new baggy jorts silhouettes into its collection. Thankfully, I’ve found my go-to shorts of the summer in the Premium Baggy Dad Jorts, and not only are they surprisingly short-friendly, but they’re also easier to style than I expected.

Levi's Premium Baggy Dad Jorts

$70

The vintage-inspired jorts are designed to feel roomy and look lived-in, with an above-knee hem and a mid-rise waist. While Levi’s jeans are available in varying lengths, the brand’s shorts are not, so when I ordered my typical pants size, I was naturally skeptical about where they would fall. I was shocked that the hem sits at the same spot it does on the model, offering total thigh coverage with just a bit of exposure above the knee.

As for the baggy element, the non-stretch denim is soft, lightweight, and loose, so the silhouette doesn’t overpower in volume, but rather provides a very relaxed fit. It strikes a perfect balance as the waist and hips are more form-fitting, allowing for a flattering shape that doesn’t constrict my curves.

I had yet to try on my Levi’s jorts until I needed a solution for an in-between weather day. I was headed off to an evening baseball game, and I couldn’t decide between wearing jeans or shorts, since the forecast was warm but breezy. My Levi’s jorts ended up being the ideal solution and, despite sitting for hours at a time, they felt more comfortable as the night went on.

For us petites, the key to styling jorts is by creating balanced proportions. For that baseball game, I embraced the dad-like look by pairing the jorts with a baggy bomber jacket and ballcap, and I wore low-profile sneakers to help elongate my legs. On a night out, I elevated the jorts with a fitted top and open-toe kitten heels, which resulted in a laidback, cool-girl vibe.

A petite Levi’s shopper similarly raved that the Baggy Dad Jorts are “the perfect mix of comfort and style,” while others agreed they “sit nicely on the hips,” are fun to dress up or down, and “still look flattering while being baggy.” Another noted that the style offers “generous room” through the legs “without bagging in the seat,” bringing their long search for wide-thigh-friendly shorts to an end.

Ride the jorts bandwagon with me and snag a pair of Levi’s Baggy Dad Jorts in four wash options. Plus, shop more long Levi’s shorts below to stock up for summer.