The 10 Best Shorts to Buy on Amazon Under $30 for Summer 2024

The days might be getting longer, but it’s sure time for the hemlines to get a little shorter. Warmer weather means stocking up on denim cutoffs, athletic shorts, and other quick outfit picks you’ll reach for time and time again in your summer wardrobe. Whether you’re headed to a backyard barbecue or on a walking tour through a dazzling new city, your new favorite pair is just a few clicks away.

Still, we’re not looking to spend a lot either. Our May funds are headed to frosé and aperol spritz on a patio, thank you very much. With affordability, comfort, and style in mind, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite shorts available to buy on Amazon for under $30. Read on for our favorites.

Best Amazon Shorts Under $30

• Best Biker Shorts: Sunzel No Front Seam High Waist Biker Shorts, $16 (was $30) 
• Best Denim Shorts: Levi’s Women 501 Original Denim Shorts, from $30 (was $60) 
• Best Running Shorts: The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts, $25 (was $27)
• Best Cover Up Shorts: Dokotoo Women’s High Waisted Casual Summer Shorts, $25
• Best Sweat Shorts: Automet Sweat Shorts, $20
• Best White Shorts: Amazon Essentials Women’s Mid-Rise Khaki Short, $24
• Best Bermuda Shorts: Hanes Women’s French Terry Bermuda Shorts, $13 (was $18)
• Best Distressed Shorts: Madarani Cut-Off Distressed Denim Shorts, $29 (was $32)
• Best Trendy Shorts: Fernvia Hollow Out Crochet Knit Shorts, $29
• Best Fleece Shorts: Amazon Essentials Women’s Shorts, $18

Sunzel No Front Seam High Waist Biker Shorts

Biker shorts are surprisingly versatile, whether you’re wearing them to work out or just hang out. Available in an impressive 44 colorways, this particular pair has a flattering, smoothing high waist band that shoppers say “have the perfect amount of tummy control and fit like butter.“ The shorts are available in 5-inch and 8-inch options, which also make them great to wear under dresses, too. Most importantly, the shorts don’t have a front seam for a more flattering fit and, according to shoppers, they don’t ride up during exercise, either.

Levi’s 501 Women’s Original Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are the hero item of any wardrobe, regardless of season, and this top-ranked shopper favorite is a whopping 49 percent off for a limited time in a variety of washes. Classic to the Levi’s brand, these denim shorts have a cut-off design with some light distressing—perfect for casual days out and even your summer vacation. Style them with a breezy linen blouse for events or occasions, or go wear them with a favorite t-shirt and sneakers to run errands.

The Gym People High Waisted Running Shorts

Running shorts can come in handy for more than a few miles. Available in 20 colorways ranging from a neutral charcoal to neon green, the bottoms feature a utility pocket for keys, headphones, and the like. Made of a moisture-wicking material, the shorts also feature a built-in liner and a convenient outer layer slit for unencumbered strides. Plus, the high, wide waistband ensures that they’ll stay up no matter your activity. 

Dokotoo Women’s High Waisted Casual Summer Shorts

If you opt to wear shorts for a beach cover up or light layer, you’ll want to consider a pair that’s airy and easy to move in for that cabana shimmy when you’re ready to tan. These flattering cotton beige shorts have a subtle gauze texture and contrast lace detailing sure to add pizzazz to any outfit. The best part? They’re wrinkle resistant, so you can don them for full days at theme parks or throw them in your beach bag and not worry about it looking unkempt.

Automet Sweat Shorts

Of course, a crucial element in summer adventures is the aftermath: the blessed relief of getting home after a hike or outing, blasting some ice-cold AC, rinsing off any sunscreen, and climbing into your softest loungewear. Over 1,000 shoppers have already purchased these drawstring shorts in the past month, with reviews raving about how stretchy they are. The material is thick enough to hold its shape—and not shrink—but keep you cool. “I wear them in the Deep South in 90+ degree weather and they are the perfect weight,” one five-star reviewer shared.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Mid-Rise Khaki Short

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, those summer whites are out to play. A crisp pair of white shorts can elevate any apparel in the snap of a button. These Amazon Essentials khaki shorts, available in both curvy and straight styles, are made of washed cotton twill for breathability and flexibility. The 5-inch inseam is just the right length to wear for casual outings, but also versatile enough for a breezy office day, too. 

Hanes Women’s French Terry Bermuda Shorts

These knee-length Bermuda shorts offer plenty of sun protection and polish for golfing, traveling, and more. A hallmark of this style is its 11-inch inseam, which you can wear long or roll up easily for a different aesthetic. Plus, the french terry fabric and elastic waistband ensure that you’ll always feel cool and comfortable. For only $13 for a limited time, this pair feels like a steal.

Madarani Cut-Off Distressed Denim Shorts

You can never go wrong stocking up on more denim options. Something about a go-to pair of distressed shorts screams Americana. While ragged edges give these shorts a more edgy feel overall, their ripped features are still pretty minimal, making them an accessible choice for those looking to wade into the style. While we love the white pair, the shorts are also available in 38 different washes, colors, and designs. 

Fernvia Hollow Out Crochet Knit Shorts

Crochet is a summer staple and a perfect design to wear as a cover-up by the pool, beach, or maybe on your next cruise. With an elastic waist and breathable blend of cotton and polyester, these just as comfortable as they are cute. They feature multiple tiers of ruffles and have a high waist that sits right under your belly button, so you can get a touch of tummy control, too. 

Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Shorts

Fleece as a material is durable, comfy, and timeless, and at just $17, the Amazon Essentials Fleece Shorts live up to its reputation. Shoppers love the length, fit, and material, with some saying, “These will be great for running around town in this Tucson heat.” With a midweight feel and adjustable drawstring, these shorts are just as comfortable heading to the gym as they are on the patio when the temperature starts to dip after dark. Oh, and did we mention they’re machine washable?