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Finding cute shorts that are long enough is a battle every year. I’ve sorted through pages and pages of terrible, ugly, frumpy mom shorts to bring you this shopping guide to on-trend, fitted, easy to wear modest shorts.
Here in Charleston, SC, we are pretty much wearing shorts from March to November! My wardrobe has a shorts to pants ratio of like 6:1. So, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find cute pairs, and how to wear them so I feel like I look good. I’ve always got an eye out for them when I’m shopping, and thought I’d share my finds with you! Many of these modest shorts are in my summer capsule wardrobe and also this casual summer outfit post too.
Why Wear Modest Shorts?
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (sometimes referred to as “Mormon” or “LDS”), and have been counseled to dress modestly by our leaders. Part of that counsel is to specifically avoid “short shorts.”
But there are many reasons to choose to wear longer, knee-length shorts. Tall women (like me! I’m 6’1″) may prefer long shorts to modestly cover more of their long legs.
If your workplace allows shorts, longer shorts are more professional and can look really cute with a blazer or button down shirt. And many schools have dress codes that require shorts to reach their fingertips.
Some people just prefer the proportions of a bermuda short over a short-short. There’s lots of reasons to wear knee-length shorts, so lets find some cute ones!
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you choose to purchase.
How to Search for Modest Knee Length Shorts
Like I said, I search high and low every year for cute modest shorts. I have learned which stores typically carry them (my go-to stores are J.Crew, Gap, Old Navy, Nordstrom, H&M, etc). Most of the time, you can search “bermuda” on their website. Bermuda short is the common name for knee-length shorts. I’ve also seen them called “city shorts” or “walking shorts.”
Knee length doesn’t always mean exactly to the knee, and honestly I like my shorts a bit above my knee. I try to go for about a 9 inch inseam. I’m pretty tall though, so if you’re shorter you may be able to wear 7-8 inch inseam without a problem.
I personally own a few of the pairs I have linked up in the images below, specifically the J.Crew Factory bermuda shorts (cough, 5 pairs, cough-cough), I’ve been wearing them for probably 5 or 6 years now. Each year they stock different colors, so hopefully they’ll add new fun colors as summer approaches. I also really like the cuffed denim bermudas that I’ve found at Gap Factory Outlet.
This year I found some denim bermuda shorts with a cuff at the Loft Outlet (pictured above, along with my awesome sunburn), and I like them even better than the Gap pair, because they’re not as tapered at the knee. My legs are …”muscular” even though I don’t really exercise… haha.
Modest Shorts Shopping Guide – Summer 2021
The bermuda shorts shown below are all at least a 9″ inseam (except for bike shorts), which should be long enough for most of us. I’ve seperated them into four different categories:
- Modest jean shorts
- Modest bermuda shorts (twill, khaki, etc)
- Modest Athletic Shorts (biking, hiking, yoga, etc)
- Modest Lounge Shorts
I’ve seen a lot of cut-off style bermudas this year, so that is definitely an option too. Grab a pair of distressed “boyfriend” jeans and cut them off a bit above the knee!
Modest Shorts Shopping Guide
The best of the best modest knee length shorts, separated into denim, bermuda, athletic and lounge.
Modest Denim Shorts
A go-with-everything summer staple, knee length denim shorts are an important part of any summer wardrobe.
These cutoff denim bermuda shorts have a 9" inseam and a nice high rise. The color is perfect, and they come in petite and tall lengths too.
The high rise and cutoff of these destructed denim bermuda shorts are totally modern and on trend. They have a 9" inseam and come in both petite and tall lengths
These classic denim bermuda shorts have cuff and a 9" inseam. Great color and great size options.
The distressing on these longer shorts are trendy, but you could totally put a patch underneath for a little more coverage.
These might be the perfect pair of denim bermuda shorts. The color is great and the fit is modern.
These black denim shorts have a raw hem and high rise, making them a nice trendy longer option. Comes in a wide selection of sizes.
These cute new high waisted colored denim bermuda shorts come in olive and a pretty blush color. They have a 9" inseam and run small, so size up.
White denim shorts are a must have, and these mid-rise 9" inseam bermuda shorts could be perfect!
Modest Bermuda Shorts
Preppy and classic, a nice twill bermuda short can be dressed up or down. Also called "chino shorts" or "city shorts."
MY TOP PICK! These are my absolute favorite longer short, I have at least 5 pairs of them. They come in 6 colors and have a 9" inseam, and have excellent reviews. Great price too!
Coming in 3 perfect colors, these 10" inseam bermuda shorts have a bit of stretch and have perfect 5 star reviews.
These classic bermuda shorts have a longer 11" inseam and come in 5 perfect colors, including a really pretty blush color.
These 10" twill shorts come in 4 colors and have a cute cuff detail.
These cute and inexpensive shorts come in 4 classic colors and have great reviews.
Chambray is a fun twist on the classic twill bermuda shorts. These come in 9" inseam and are available in a large selection of sizes, including petite and long lengths!
A classic choice, these khaki shorts have a 9" inseam and come in 3 basic colors. They are available in sizes 00-20 and also petite and tall lengths.
Modest Athletic Shorts
Sometimes you need a longer short for working out, hiking and being active. Here are some great options!
These biker shorts come in an 8" inseam, and are a great longer option for spin class or summer yoga. They are available in a dozen colors and have incredible reviews.
These best sellers come in lots of colors and patterns and have excellent reviews. Perfect for yoga or biking!
These longer hiking shorts have the perfect amount of stretch, and the fabric is sure to keep you cool when out in the summer heat. Comes in 3 colors and a nice size selection.
These versatile shorts have incredible reviews. They're stretchy and come in modern colors. Perfect for outdoor activities or travel.
These longer athletic shorts are made with a moisture wicking fabric, and come in lots of colors and sizes.
These quick-dry shorts have zippered pockets and would be perfect for a longer length golf short.
Modest Lounge Shorts
Perfect for kicking around the house or relaxing after a day at the beach, these long shorts are so comfortable!
These versatile shorts are great for lounging and travel. They come in regular and tall lengths and three perfect colors.
Perfect for taking it easy, these soft shorts come in a much of colors and sizes.
I have these shorts and love them! They are so comfortable and easy to wear.
These comfy shorts come in a wide selection of sizes and colors. Perfect for lounging!
These casual shorts come in 15 colors and are perfect for lounging around the house.
I’m working on a bunch of other modest summer outfit posts (the struggle to look cute and not melt is real!). Awhile back I shared my favorite breezy modest summer dresses, and my favorite modest swimsuits. You can check out my summer capsule wardrobe too.
Check back here or follow me on IG or The How To Mom on FB!
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