Denim is used to make a variety of garments, only one of which is jeans. Another common garment made of denim are shorts. Featuring the same cotton warp-faced fabric, they offer the perfect balance of strength, durability, comfort and style. And with spring fast approaching, there’s no better time than now to invest in a pair of denim shorts. With that said, there are a few things to consider when choosing a pair of denim shorts.
#1) Color
Like jeans, denim shorts are available in a wide range of colors. Some of the most popular colors in which denim shorts are made include light blue and indigo (dark blue), both of which are excellent choices. However, you’ll find denim shorts available in other colors like white and black as well. Consider when and how you plan to wear the shorts and choose the color that’s most appropriate for the occasion.
#2) Print
While most denim shorts are designed with a single color, some are designed with a print for an added touch of aesthetics. Camouflage, for example, is a popular print in which denim shorts are made. Camo denim shorts offer a unique style that’s simply not found elsewhere. Furthermore, they are easy to match with other garments and accessories. Regardless of your personal style, you should have little to no problem putting together a cohesive outfit with a pair of camo denim shorts.
#3) Material
You should also consider the material used in the denim short’s construction. I know what you’re probably thinking: aren’t all denim shorts made of denim? Well, denim shorts are defined by their denim construction, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they only contain denim. In recent years, manufacturers have begun to experiment with other fabrics. Therefore, a pair of denim shorts may contain both denim as well as other fabrics like polyester. So, before buying a new pair of denim shorts, check to see what materials were used in their construction. You might be surprised to learn just how many denim shorts contain other fabrics.
#4) Dry or Washed Denim
Denim is typically classified as either dry or washed, depending on whether it was washed during production. Like other fabrics, it’s not uncommon for denim to fade over time. This is especially true when the material is exposed to sunlight. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays bleach the dye used in its production, turning the denim a lighter tone. To protect against fading such as this, some manufacturers wash their denim shorts after dyeing them. This helps to set the dye while also protecting against shrinkage. In comparison, dry denim shorts are not washed during production. Both dry and washed denim feature the same type of cotton-based material. The only difference is that dry denim isn’t washed during protection, whereas washed denim is.
#5) Fading Patterns
Denim shorts often feature featuring patterns. While these patterns typically occur naturally when the denim material fades, some manufacturers artificially create them to achieve a unique style. Honeycombs, for example, live up to their namesake by featuring a honeycomb-like design. They are usually found behind the knees, where the lack of sun exposure creates a contrasting color with the rest of the fabric. Whiskers are another common fading pattern found in denim shorts. They feature faded streaks that usually form around the middle of the shorts. Stacks are a fading pattern featuring irregular bans around the bottom of the shorts. And train tracks are fading patterns created by worn out seams.
So, should you choose denim shorts with a fading pattern, and if so, which pattern looks best? Ultimately, fading patterns are strictly aesthetic, meaning they won’t affect the structural integrity, strength or physical properties of the shorts. They will, however, affect the appearance of the shorts.
#6) Length
Of course, you should also consider the length when choosing a pair of denim shorts. Typically measured along the inseam, different denim shorts feature different lengths. Generally speaking, though, denim shorts designed for men are longer than those made for women. A standard pair of men’s denim shorts may measure 7 inches to 8 inches long, whereas women’s denim shorts are often 5 inches to 6 inches long. These are just basic length measurements, however. Because no two people are the exact height, the length of your denim shorts may vary.
#7) Off the Rack or Made to Measure
If you’re struggling to find a pair of denim shorts in your size, consider ordering a made-to-measure pair. As the name suggests, made-to-measure denim shorts are designed specifically according to your body measurements. This is in stark contrast to off-the-rack denim shorts, which are made and sold in fixed measurements. Here are MakeYourOwnJeans, we offer a wide selection of made-to-measure denim products, including shorts and jeans.
#8) The Bottom
Pay attention to the bottom when choosing a pair of denim shorts. Sometimes the bottom part of the fabric is hemmed to create a clear appearance, whereas other times it features frayed fabric for a more rugged appearance. Again, this isn’t going to affect the physical properties of the denim shorts, but it will affect their appearance. Some people prefer the clean look of hemmed denim shorts, while other people prefer the rugged look of frayed denim shorts. Either way, you should check the bottom of the shorts to determine how they were designed.
#9) Ease of Maintenance
Finally, consider how easy, or difficult, the denim shorts are to maintain. To determine this information, check the care label. Most denim shorts feature a care label with specific instructions on how to clean and maintain them inside the waistband. Here, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintaining the shorts.
These are just a few tips to help you choose the right pair of denim shorts for your needs. Most importantly, though, choose a style that matches your personality. After all, you probably won’t wear a new pair of denim shorts unless it’s a style that you’re familiar with.
