Women's Low-Rise Shorts

Low-rise shorts sit right at that sweet spot: enough coverage to feel comfortable, cut low enough to show off a high-rise moment when you want it. The AE Stretch Super Low-Rise Denim Perfect Shortie and the AE Next Level Low-Rise Denim Short Short are built for the kind of days that start at the beach and end somewhere else entirely. Pair them with a tank top or tube top for the easiest outfit you'll throw on all season.

The Details That Make Low-Rise Shorts Work

Stretch denim does a lot of the heavy lifting here. The AE Stretch Low-Rise Ex-Boyfriend Denim Short has a relaxed, lived-in shape without going full baggy, and the AE Stretch Low-Rise Pull-On Short skips the button entirely for a waistband that actually gives. Next Level denim adds a little more give in all the right places, so the fit holds up whether you're moving around or just standing still.

• The Perfect Shortie cut hits high on the thigh with a clean, minimal hem.
• Ex-Boyfriend fit gives a looser seat and thigh for a more relaxed silhouette.

Style Them Simple

Low-rise shorts work best when the top stays easy. A cropped graphic tee tied at the front or worn loose both land right. The AE Stretch Low-Rise Cargo Short Short has enough going on with the pockets that you don't need much else. Light wash, dark wash, white denim: each one reads differently, so the same cut gives you a few different outfits just by swapping the rinse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low-rise shorts sit below the natural waist, usually a few inches above the hip. The exact placement varies by style, but the waistband generally falls closer to the hip bone than the navel.

Denim with added elastane tends to stretch slightly with wear, especially in the seat and thighs. Sizing down a half size can help maintain the fit longer, particularly in styles with a lot of stretch built in.

Cropped or mid-length tops balance the low waistline without overwhelming the proportions. A fitted tank top, a cropped graphic tee, or a tied button-down all work well depending on the look you're going for.