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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Long shorts for women solve one very specific summer problem: the chafe. When your inner thighs rub together on a hot walk, a 3-inch cut-off short does nothing to help. The shorts that actually work are the ones with a real inseam — a 7-inch or 15-inch leg that runs down past the rub zone instead of stopping above it. That single number, the inseam, is what separates a short you can wear all day from one you change out of by noon.
This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
I broke the list into denim, active, and hiking styles so you can match the fabric to your day, not just the length. Below you’ll find the inseam, fabric, and pocket setup that actually matter when you’re shopping for the long shorts for women.
Top Picks
How To Choose The Best Long Shorts for Women
The word “long” means nothing on a product page until you find the inseam printed somewhere in the listing. That measurement — the distance from the crotch seam straight down the inside of the leg — is the only reliable guide to where the hem will land on you. Get it wrong and you’re back to the chafe you were trying to escape.
Start with the inseam, then work backward
Your inseam (the length from crotch to hem) decides how much thigh a short covers. A 5-inch inseam is a true athletic short — it covers the top of the thigh and nothing more. A 7-inch cut reaches toward the knee and is the everyday balance for most women. A 15-inch leg is a full Bermuda that finishes at or near the knee. On a shorter frame, that 15-inch short can read as a short capri instead, which is exactly what some buyers want. Measure a pair of shorts you already like before you order anything.
Match the fabric to the day you’ll wear it
Stretch denim holds its shape and hides lumps, but it doesn’t breathe like cotton. Soft cotton chino is lighter and dressier but wrinkles in a hot dryer. Quick-dry hiking fabric wicks sweat and stretches, which makes it the pick for trails and travel days. None of these is better in the abstract — the fabric has to fit where you’re going.
Check the waistband and the pockets
A high-rise cut sits at or above your natural waist and tends to stay put when you bend or sit. A half-elastic waistband in the back gives a little flex through the day. Zippered pockets matter more than they sound — they keep a phone or keys from sliding out while you walk or swing a club. Look at where the pockets sit and how deep they run before you commit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Best For | Inseam | Rise / Waist | Fabric / Key Feature | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| luvamia Jean Shorts High Waisted★ Best Overall | Everyday denim with a fold hem | 7 inch | High rise | Slightly stretchy denim | Amazon |
| Viodia 15″ Hiking Cargo BermudaLongest Coverage | Trails, travel, and sun coverage | 15 inch | Not specified | Quick-dry stretch fabric | Amazon |
| Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Bermuda | Work and class in stretch denim | Bermuda length | Natural waistline | Slight taper, five pockets | Amazon |
| CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts | Workouts and gym days | 5 inch | High waist | 86% Polyester / 14% Elastane | Amazon |
| baleaf 7 Inch Zipper Pocket Bermuda | Dressy summer wear and golf | 7 inch | High waist | Lightweight resilient fabric | Amazon |
| luvamia Bermuda Knee Length Chino | Modest office and event wear | Above the knee | High waisted, half elastic | Soft cotton | Amazon |
| Levi’s 94 Baggy Shorts | Baggy relaxed denim style | Not specified | Mid rise | Rigid baggy denim | Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
1. luvamia Jean Shorts 7 Inch
Our pick — 4.0+★ from 1,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Denim that lands mid-thigh and stays there — the fold hem keeps the cuffed look locked in place.
A 7-inch inseam is the number that makes these work as true long shorts. That leg length reaches toward the knee instead of stopping at the top of the thigh, so you get real coverage on a hot walk without wearing capris. The high-rise cut pulls the waist up over your stomach and flatters a range of body types, and the denim carries just enough stretch to move with you rather than pinch at the hip.
Fit is what wins people over on this pair — it’s the point reviewers return to most, ahead of the denim weight and the fold hem. The denim reads thick rather than papery, the fold hem delivers that cuffed, modern look, and the shorts don’t ride up when you sit or bend. Buyers wear them from casual days into concerts and trips, and the washed black shown in the listing pairs easily with a plain tee and sneakers.
Watch the sizing: the brand builds these to standard US sizes (small fits 4-6, medium 8-10, large 12-14, X-Large 16-18, XX-Large 20-22), but enough people find them running small that you should lean toward the larger of two sizes if you’re between them. Some also find the leg hits around eight inches above the knee rather than at it — still a proper long short, just not a knee-grazer.
Where These Earn Their Keep
- A 7-inch inseam gives genuine thigh coverage with a 7-inch leg, not a cut-off
- High-rise waist smooths and stays put through the day
- Slightly stretchy denim that reads thick, not thin
- Fold hem holds its cuffed shape instead of unrolling
The Bits To Weigh Up
- Sizing runs toward the small side — size up if you’re between two
- Hem sits a little higher than knee length on taller frames
Best for: women who want a denim short that reaches mid-thigh and holds the cuffed western look — this is the crowd favorite, rated 4.0+ stars across 1,200+ reviews.
Size up if: you sit between two sizes, since the standard fit runs snug on some frames.
2. Viodia 15″ Long Shorts for Women Hiking Cargo Bermuda
The one that actually reaches the knee — 15 inches of leg that turns a short into near-capri coverage.
This is the longest pick on the list by a wide margin. The 15-inch inseam runs from crotch to knee, which is 10 inches longer down the leg than the 5-inch CRZ YOGA athletic short. If your goal is keeping sun off your thighs on a long hike or a travel day, that extra length is the whole point — the knee-length leg protects you from sunburn on the trail where a shorter cut leaves skin exposed.
Reviewers praise the build quality first and the fit second — this is a hiking short they describe as dressy enough to wear out in the evening, not just on the trail. The quick-dry stretch fabric wicks moisture so your skin stays dry on a hot climb. The legs run baggy through the thigh, which loosens your stride when you’re stepping over rocks or crossing rough ground. Deep lower pockets carry a phone and keys, and the whole short packs light for a trip.
The trade-off to know: because the legs are baggy and the fabric is a stretch blend rather than denim, the fit reads looser than a tailored short, and sizing feedback lands mixed. Some women size down to get a closer look; others take their usual size for the roominess the trail wants. Neither is wrong — decide if you want that free movement or a snugger line before you order.
Coverage that earns it: at a 15-inch inseam this outdistances every other pick for shading your legs on a hike or a sunny travel day, and the quick-dry fabric and deep cargo pockets back up the outdoor brief.
The catch to size right: baggy thighs and mixed sizing mean you may want to size down for a trimmer fit if you’re wearing these off the trail.
Reach for this if: you want the most leg coverage on the list and a hiking-ready quick-dry short for trails and travel.
Look elsewhere if: you want a snug, tailored line — the baggy cut and stretch blend run loose.
3. Gloria Vanderbilt Women’s Amanda High Rise Bermuda Short
A Bermuda that smooths the stomach and skips the lower-back gap — built for real waistlines.
The Amanda Bermuda sits at your natural waistline and tapers gently from hip to hem, which is the shape that keeps a long short from gaping when you sit down. Five working pockets and mock fly detailing give it a jeans-like finish you can wear to work or class. It’s stretchy denim, so it moves with you instead of cutting in — buyers describe it as comfortable through the waist and thigh with no constriction and no lower-back gap, breathable enough for summer, and flattering enough to smooth the stomach.
Length is the other draw. The hem lands just below the thigh rather than at the knee, so it’s a genuine long short without tipping into capri territory. On a shorter 5-foot frame it can read as a short capri that finishes just below the knee — which is exactly what one petite wearer wanted. That’s the kind of fit note worth knowing: the hem lands differently depending on your height, so picture it against your own leg length.
One thing to watch: the stretch is generous, and more than one buyer found it stretchy enough to size down after the first try. If you like a snug hold that stays true, order your usual size with that in mind. And if you’re after firm, structured golf shorts, this clingy stretch denim isn’t the right fabric for that job — it’s built for comfort and give, not hold.
The fit that sells it: a natural-waist Bermuda with a slight hip-to-hem taper, five pockets, and stretch denim that smooths the stomach and closes the lower-back gap.
Mind the stretch: it gives enough that some buyers size down, and the clingy weave makes it a comfort short rather than a firm golf short.
Fits you if: you want a stretch Bermuda that sits at the natural waist with a smoothing taper for work, class, or vacation.
skip it if: you need firm, structured golf shorts — this stretchy denim clings instead of holding its shape.
4. CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Shorts 5″
A gym short that stays put at the waist and covers enough to move without fussing.
This is the active pick — a 5-inch inseam that reads shorter than the hiking and Bermuda cuts but still covers where it counts. That 5-inch leg is 10 inches shorter down the thigh than the Viodia’s 15-inch knee-length option, so this is your choice for the mat and the treadmill, not the trail. The high waist holds position and doesn’t ride up when you squat, and the length is long enough to cover the rear so you’re not tugging at the hem mid-set.
Fabric is the story here: an 86% polyester, 14% elastane blend that’s soft, lightweight, quick-dry, and cool to the touch. It’s slightly stretchy so it moves with your stride, and the built-in liner adds coverage and support. Two zippered side pockets keep a key or card secure when you’re running or lifting. The higher waist also gives a bit of tummy control, and the style reads modest without looking frumpy — good for the gym floor as much as the studio.
The candid note is sizing, where feedback settles into a mixed middle — some love the fit right out of the bag, others find it runs differently than expected. Try your usual athletic size first. And know that a 5-inch cut is a true short: if you wanted the knee-covering length of a Bermuda for a long hike, this is intentionally not that short.
Built to train in: high waist that stays put, 5-inch coverage that won’t ride up, quick-dry 86/14 polyester-elastane, built-in liner, and two zip pockets for a key.
Know the cut: a 5-inch inseam is a real short, and the fit runs mixed, so try your usual size first.
Pair with: your gym kit — it’s the workout short that holds the waist and keeps you covered through squats and runs.
Not your pick for: knee-length trail coverage, where the 5-inch leg falls well short of a Bermuda.
5. baleaf Women’s 7 Inch Shorts
Dressy enough for dinner, light enough for summer, and the zippered pockets make it travel-ready.
The 7-inch inseam here lands right above the knee — the length most women picture when they say “long shorts.” Owners praise the fit first — a tailored cut that hugs the body without gripping the legs — with comfort a close second. The high waist holds, the material is lightweight yet resilient, and the front stitching gives it enough finish to wear to a summer dinner rather than just around the house. It holds its shape and color through the wash.
The zippered pockets are the practical win — great for holding a phone or card at the golf course or traveling through an airport, and the black colorway pairs with everything. It comes in khaki and gray as well. This is the pick for sliding from a casual day into a dressier evening look without changing.
Two honest trade-offs. First, these run small, and more than one buyer suggests ordering a size up to get the right fit. Second, the back pockets are small — on the larger sizes they can look a bit undersized against the body. Neither changes the core fit-and-finish the shorts are known for, but they’re worth knowing before you click buy.
Why It Travels Well
- 7-inch inseam lands just above the knee for true long-short coverage
- Tailored fit that hugs without gripping the legs
- Zippered pockets keep phone and card secure on the go
- Lightweight fabric that washes well and keeps its shape
Before You Order
- Runs small — lean toward a size up
- Back pockets read small on the larger sizes
Think of it for: a dressy 7-inch short with zip pockets you can wear from daytime into dinner and travel.
The sizing caution: these run small, so size up if you’re unsure — and expect modest back pockets on the larger sizes.
6. luvamia Bermuda Shorts Knee Length
A modest chino Bermuda for the office, the event, and the day you want knee-length cotton comfort.
This one is built for coverage and polish. The cut hits above the knee in a flattering, sophisticated line that slides from a casual outing into a more dressed-up event — it’s the modest-floor pick of the group. Soft cotton fabric keeps it breathable, and the half-elastic waistband in the back flexes through the day so a high-rise fit doesn’t bind at the waist. The dark grey colorway is a versatile neutral that pairs easily with what’s already in your closet.
Reviewers praise the fit first and the quality second — a chino that’s comfortable across body types and modest enough for work, class, or a family occasion. It’s the pick where coverage and a clean line matter more than showing leg. The high waist and knee-length hem make it the most “grown-up” short here for a formal setting.
One recurring gripe is the wrinkle behavior: some find them wrinkle-free as promised, others note they come out of the dryer creased. If that bothers you, skip the hot dryer and hang them damp. The fabric is cotton, so it will always want a little smoothing — the half-elastic waist, not a firm tailored waist, is the reason for the comfort, so don’t expect a crisp structured take on this short.
The modest brief, met: a knee-length cotton chino with a high-rise half-elastic waistband that’s comfortable and polished enough for work or an event.
The wrinkle reality: it creases coming out of the dryer for some, so hang it damp to keep the line clean.
Best suited to: anyone who wants a modest, knee-length cotton Bermuda for the office or a dressed-up occasion.
Try something else if: you want firm tailored structure — the half-elastic cotton waist gives comfort over crisp hold.
7. Levi’s Women’s 94 Baggy Shorts
The relaxed, roomy denim short with a nineties baggy cut and a mid rise that sits easy.
This is the look-first pick: baggy through the leg, mid-rise at the waist, and built to be worn big and easy the way the label’s denim always has been. Quality is what reviewers mention most, style comes next, and it earns its keep as the relaxed alternative to a fitted Bermuda. The mid rise sits a touch lower than the high-rise cuts above, which changes how it reads on the body.
Style and comfort carry it: buyers call it a great baggy short with a cool, easy line, and the loose cut is the whole personality. Pair it with a fitted top to balance the volume. The length and value round out why women keep coming back to it.
Here’s the fit note you need: sizing and fit both land mixed, and the highest-volume feedback centers on fit running snug at the thighs for some — the opposite of what “baggy” suggests. Read the size chart carefully and consider sizing up if you’re between numbers or carry more through the thigh. If you want a snug, precise fit, this loose-cut short isn’t trying to be that.
The relaxed denim draw: a baggy mid-rise cut with quality and style that owners keep coming back to — the easy, roomy counterpoint to a tailored Bermuda.
Fit runs to the thigh: the baggy name doesn’t guarantee a loose thigh, so check the size chart and size up if you’re unsure.
The one for: a relaxed, roomy denim look with a mid rise — this is the style-led baggy short of the bunch.
Size carefully if: you carry more through the thigh, since the fit reads snug there for some despite the baggy cut.
Know the Specs
Inseam (the leg-length number)
Inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam straight down the inside of the leg to the hem. It’s the single figure that tells you where a long short will actually land. A 5-inch inseam is a true athletic short, a 7-inch cut reaches toward the knee, and a 15-inch leg is a full Bermuda that finishes at or near the knee. Always look for the inseam in the listing — the word “long” alone tells you nothing about how far down the leg the hem sits.
Rise (where the waist sits)
Rise is how high the waistband rides on your body. A high rise sits at or above your natural waist and tends to stay put and smooth the stomach; a mid rise sits a bit lower and reads more relaxed. The rise changes both comfort and look, so match it to what you already wear — a high-rise short hugs and holds, a mid-rise short sits easy. A half-elastic back waistband adds flex so the rise doesn’t bind when you bend or sit.
Fabric (how it behaves in heat)
Denim holds its shape and hides lumps but breathes less than cotton. Soft cotton chino is lighter and dressier but wrinkles more readily. Quick-dry polyester-elastane blends wick moisture and stretch, which suits trails and workouts best. The right fabric depends on where you’ll wear the short — a hot hike and an office day call for different materials.
Pockets (where they sit and how they close)
Pocket depth and closure matter more than they seem. Zippered side pockets keep a phone or card from sliding out while you walk or swing a club, while shallow back pockets can look undersized on larger sizes. Check pocket placement and closure before you buy if you plan to carry essentials on the move.
Common Questions
What inseam counts as long shorts for women?
Will a 7-inch inseam reach my knee?
Are long shorts good for stopping thigh chafe?
Should I size up in long denim shorts?
What’s the difference between high-rise and mid-rise long shorts?
Are long shorts appropriate for work or a professional setting?
Do these long shorts have usable pockets?
How do I wash long shorts so they keep their shape?
Where can I wear long shorts instead of cropped or knee-length pants?
The Bottom Line
The best all-around long short on this list is the luvamia High Waisted 7 Inch Denim Short — a 7-inch inseam that gives real thigh coverage, a high rise that holds, and a fold hem that keeps its cuffed look. If maximum coverage is your goal, the Viodia 15″ Hiking Cargo Bermuda goes furthest down the leg for trails and travel. For a dressy, zip-pocket pick that slides from day into evening, the baleaf 7 Inch Bermuda is the one to reach for, and the workout crowd should grab the CRZ YOGA Dolphin Athletic Short for its high waist that stays put. Whichever you pick, let the inseam guide you — that one number decides whether a long short covers you or leaves you with the same chafe you started with.
How we choose
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of October 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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