High-Waisted Flared Denim Shorts

Soft denim shorts with a flattering flared shape and raw hem. High-waisted, breezy, and unexpectedly comfy.

Buy in AliExpress

👖 Full Review: High-Waisted Flared Denim Shorts

Hey, Isla here!
Today’s post is all about a pair of denim shorts that honestly surprised me in the best way. I wasn’t even planning to get shorts — it was one of those “oh, that looks cute, let’s try” moments. But they’ve quickly become one of my go-to summer pieces, and I think they deserve their own little spotlight.

💭 First Impressions
I ordered them expecting something… average. You know how it is with AliExpress denim — it’s a bit of a gamble. But when I opened the package, I could already tell the material felt softer than expected. The color was exactly what I’d hoped for — a classic mid-wash blue — and the flare shape looked promising.

I slipped them on and immediately thought, wait, these actually fit? Not too tight, not too short, no awkward bunching — just comfy, flattering shorts with a relaxed vibe.

👖 Fit & Feel
These shorts sit high on the waist, which I love because it makes everything feel a little more pulled together (even if I’m just wearing a T-shirt with them). The flared shape is what really makes them different though — they don’t hug your legs like typical tight shorts. Instead, they gently fan out, giving that almost skirt-like silhouette from some angles.

That also means they’re incredibly breezy. I wore them on a hot day out and didn’t get that sticky, uncomfortable feeling you sometimes get with denim. They’re comfy enough to sit, walk, lounge, even bike in — and that says a lot.

✂️ Raw Hem & Details
The raw hem adds this easy, undone edge that makes the shorts feel lived-in right away — not like you’re trying too hard. The stitching is even, and the fabric doesn’t fray excessively after washing (which I was slightly worried about, but it’s been fine so far).

The front pockets are deep enough to actually hold things, which is always a win. And the back pockets are placed in a way that doesn’t feel awkward or weirdly spaced — I’ve had some denim fails in that department, but this one passed.

📏 Sizing Notes
I got these in my usual size and they fit just right. There’s no stretch in the denim, so if you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit at the waist, I’d recommend sizing up. But overall, the sizing felt true to what I expected.

🧺 Washing & Wear
I’ve washed them a couple of times now (cold wash, air dry), and they’ve held up well. No shrinking, no color fade, and no odd twists at the seams. They still feel soft, and they haven’t lost their shape. I appreciate that, especially since I know I’ll be reaching for them often.

👟 Styling Ideas
Here’s how I’ve worn them so far:
– With a plain tank and sneakers for a lazy park walk
– With a linen blouse and sandals for a brunch date
– Thrown over a swimsuit for a quick beach day look

They go with just about everything — especially if you’re leaning into that relaxed summer mood.

✅ Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest — I wasn’t expecting these to be anything special. But now I’m kind of wishing I had ordered a second pair. They’re simple, flattering, easy to wear, and surprisingly well-made for the price.

If you’ve been looking for denim shorts that feel a bit different (less tight, more breathable, still cute), these might be worth a try. I’m really glad I gave them a shot.

Thanks for reading — more reviews soon (and yes, more mail on the way).
—
Isla ☀️