Best distressed shorts to check out: Distressed shorts are the quickest way to give a casual outfit instant attitude—raw hems, ripped details, and that perfectly “lived-in” denim energy. When the distressing is placed well, it looks intentional, not messy, and keeps your look bold but wearable.
Top 5 distressed shorts to consider on Myntra
These distressed shorts have been curated from Myntra, focusing on ripped and frayed denim styles across different rises and washes—easy to dress down with tees or sharpen up with a fitted top and clean sneakers.
Five denim shorts can look interchangeable until the first wear, when rise and leg fit decide whether they feel relaxed, snug, or oddly restrictive. This set splits into two camps: mid-rise relaxed fits that lean “easy, slouchy weekend,” and high-rise options that lean “more held-in, more shaped.”
The relaxed mid-rise camp: less structure, more room
Roadster The Women Relaxed Fit Mid Rise Highly Distressed Regular Length Denim Shorts are built for a looser feel through the hip and thigh, with a classic 5-pocket layout, belt loops, and heavy distressing. The upside is comfort and that lived-in look; the compromise is styling flexibility—high distressing pushes the shorts firmly into casual territory, so they won’t pair as cleanly with dressier tops.
Miss Chase Women’s Relaxed Fit Highly Distressed Mid Rise Ripped Denim Shorts are very similar in intention and fabric blend (60% cotton, 40% polyester) with 5 pockets and a button closure. In a wardrobe, these two (Roadster and Miss Chase) usually end up serving the same purpose, so the decision often comes down to which one sits better at the waist and how the rips are placed.
The high-rise camp: more shape, more “secured” feel
AVANOVA Women Washed High-Rise Denim Shorts keep things simpler visually (solid washed navy) but still add distressing as surface styling, with a regular fit and a high-rise waist. This typically works well for people who prefer shorts that stay in place without needing a belt, but high-rise fits can feel tight at the waist if someone sits for long hours.
Freehand by The Indian Garage Co Women Blue Slim Fit High-Rise Frayed Denim Shorts is the most fitted option here, with a slim fit and frayed hem styling. It makes sense for people who like a sharper leg line and don’t mind a closer fit, but it’s the least forgiving for movement and for anyone who dislikes denim that grips the thigh.
The in-between pick
StyleCast Women Regular Fit Mid-Rise Cotton Frayed Denim Shorts sits between the two camps: mid-rise, regular/loose fit, frayed finish, but with 4 pockets instead of 5. It’s likely to feel less “ripped and loud” than the highly distressed pairs, while still keeping a casual, worn-in edge.
Pro-tips that help with denim shorts
- Mid-rise relaxed fits (Roadster, Miss Chase) are easier for hot days and long wear, but they look best with a slightly more fitted top to balance volume.
- High-rise slim fits (Freehand by The Indian Garage Co) tend to look cleaner with oversized shirts or boxy tees, because the shorts already create shape.
- If between sizes, the waist fit matters more than the thigh fit; loose thighs can be styled, but a tight waist becomes uncomfortable quickly in rigid or semi-rigid denim.
