Style, Spur, and Slay!

Lookbooks, Wardrobe Essentials

Jorts: The Return of Denim Shorts in Everyday Style

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve spotted a familiar throwback—jorts. Short for “jean shorts,” these denim shorts are officially making their comeback. What’s interesting is how different they look compared to their early 2000s versions. Instead of the ultra-short, frayed cutoffs most people remember, today’s baggy jorts lean toward longer lengths, looser silhouettes, and relaxed fits that easily pair with both casual and streetwear fashion. They’ve gone from being a summer DIY project to a style statement that’s equally at home on high-fashion runways, thrift racks, and everyday wardrobes. Whether you’re reaching for distressed jorts, camo jorts, or designer pieces like Balenciaga jorts or Ksubi jorts, denim shorts have proven they’re versatile enough for every style.

Jorts are also riding the wave of oversized and gender-neutral fashion. People wear them cuffed, ripped, or straight-cut, making them adaptable for men and women. Whether you’re chasing a skater-inspired vibe, a clean, tailored look, or nostalgic Ed Hardy jorts for a throwback fit, jorts are proving they belong in modern style.

What Are Jorts?

The word “jorts” is simply a blend of jeans and shorts. They’re made from denim, often reaching the knee or slightly above. Unlike casual cutoffs, most modern jorts are designed with intentional fits—baggy, distressed, or styled with military-inspired camo prints.

People often ask, “What are jorts?” The simplest answer: they’re denim shorts. They can be thrifted, DIY (cut from old jeans), or bought new from brands ranging from streetwear staples like Empyre jorts to high-end fashion houses like Balenciaga distressed jorts black.

A Short History of Jorts:

Jorts didn’t enter mainstream fashion until the 1960s. Before then, wearing shorts in public was frowned upon in many places. Cities even banned them as “indecent.”

  • 1960s: The counterculture movement encouraged people to cut jeans into shorts. Jorts became a symbol of rebellion and comfort.
  • 1970s: Stars like Debbie Harry made denim cutoffs iconic, while Catherine Bach’s “Daisy Dukes” cemented ultrashort jorts in pop culture.
  • 1980s: Acid-wash denim shorts and sporty fits became popular. Even tennis legend Andre Agassi wore jorts at the US Open.
  • 1990s: Hip-hop embraced baggy jorts, paired with oversized tees and Timberlands, while grunge icons leaned toward ripped DIY distressed jorts.
  • 2000s: Low-rise, frayed denim shorts dominated Y2K fashion, with celebrities like Britney Spears making them a staple.
  • 2010s–2020s: Runways featured camo jorts, oversized silhouettes, and designer denim shorts from brands like Ksubi and Balenciaga.

Today’s jorts lean toward longer, relaxed fits—combining 90s hip-hop influence with skater energy. Comfortable, practical, but still stylish.

Jorts for Men:

Jorts men’s fashion has exploded recently, moving from a casual summer staple to a full-on streetwear statement. Slim, tailored denim shorts are out—the spotlight is now on oversized, baggy jorts that sit at or below the knee.

How to Style Jorts for Men?

  • Casual fit: Pair baggy jorts with oversized graphic tees or hoodies. Finish with sneakers—skate shoes, dad sneakers, or retro basketball kicks.

Image Source

  • Streetwear vibe: Rock camo jorts with a vintage tee or loose jersey. Add a cap and chunky sneakers for a Y2K-inspired edge.

Image Source

  • Smart casual: Dark-wash denim shorts styled with loafers or boots plus a button-down shirt offer a bold but polished outfit.

Image Source

  • Layered look: Pair jorts with bomber jackets or longline coats for cooler weather.

Image Source

For brands, Empyre jorts and Ed Hardy jorts bring nostalgic throwbacks, while Balenciaga distressed jorts highlight luxury streetwear’s embrace of denim shorts.

Jorts for Women:

Jorts women’s fashion is also shifting back to looser, longer fits. The tight mid-thigh denim shorts of the past are being replaced with oversized cuts inspired by skater and punk aesthetics. Ksubi jorts are particularly popular with women seeking premium, fashion-forward denim.

How to Style Jorts for Women?

  • Everyday casual: Pair women’s jorts with crop tops, baby tees, or oversized button-downs. Add sneakers or sandals.


Image Source

  • Edgy fit: Go bold with distressed jorts, ripped camo jorts, or frayed hems styled with combat boots.

Ripped Jorts

Image Source

  • Going-out style: High-waisted denim shorts with a bodysuit and heels take jorts from daytime to nightlife.

Image Source

  • Summer vibe: Light-wash denim shorts with crochet tops or bikini-inspired bralettes make for the perfect festival look.

Types of Jorts You’ll See Everywhere:

When it comes to summer style, jorts have officially made their comeback. From oversized baggy fits to edgy distressed cuts, these denim shorts are no longer just a casual staple — they’re a fashion statement. Whether you lean toward streetwear vibes, luxury designer pieces, or prefer the sustainable route with DIY thrifted versions, there’s a style of jorts for everyone. Let’s break down the most popular types you’ll spot everywhere this season.

Baggy Jorts – The biggest trend, oversized and knee-length.

baggy jorts
Image Source

Camo Jorts / Camouflage Jorts – Streetwear favorite with military-inspired designs.

Image Source

Distressed Jorts – Frayed hems, rips, and vintage finishes.

distressed jotsImage Source

Designer Jorts – From Balenciaga jorts to Ksubi jorts, high-fashion denim shorts are luxury statements.

Image Source

DIY / Thrifted Jorts – Cut from old jeans; sustainable and affordable.

Image Source

How Much Do a Pair of Thrifted Jorts Cost?arrow

One of the most common questions is “How much do a pair of thrifted jorts cost?” Prices vary depending on the store and quality. Generally:
Basic thrifted jeans (to cut into jorts): $5–$15
→ Already-cut thrifted jorts: $10–$25
Vintage or branded pairs: $30–$60+
→ Compared to designer jorts, which can cost several hundred dollars, thrifted ones are the budget-friendly choice.

Why Jorts Are Making a Comeback!

Jorts are everywhere again, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re comfortable, easy to style, and work for almost anyone. Unlike slim-fit shorts that can feel restrictive, baggy jorts have a relaxed fit that looks good on different body types. They give the laid-back vibe people love while still being practical, since denim is durable, breathable, and pairs effortlessly with tees, hoodies, or even blazers.

What makes this comeback interesting is how it connects to bigger fashion shifts. Gen Z is moving away from skinny silhouettes and leaning toward oversized, relaxed styles. Think of it as a throwback to the ’90s, but with a modern twist—chunky sneakers, graphic tees, and, of course, jorts. Fashion always comes full circle, and right now, jorts are the star of that cycle.

Final Thoughts:

From 90s baggy jorts to women’s Daisy Dukes to Balenciaga distressed jorts black, denim shorts have had an unpredictable but fascinating history. Whether you thrift them, buy them designer, or cut them from old jeans, they’re one of the most practical and expressive clothing items around.

So, whether you’re into jorts men, jorts women, camo jorts, or a classic thrifted pair, one thing is clear: jorts are not just a trend. They’re a permanent part of fashion’s cycle—always reinvented, always relevant.

 

Follow Us On @style.spur