Whether you're completely new to denim shorts or looking to upgrade from whatever random pair you've been wearing for years, understanding the basics of jorts will help you make better choices. This guide covers everything from denim terminology to shopping strategies, giving you the foundation to build a jorts collection you'll actually love wearing.
What Exactly Are Jorts?
The term "jorts" is a portmanteau of "jeans" and "shorts." While technically any denim shorts qualify as jorts, the term has cultural connotations that vary depending on who you ask. To some, jorts specifically refer to DIY cut-off jean shorts with raw, fraying hems. To others, they encompass all denim shorts, from tailored bermudas to distressed cut-offs.
For our purposes, we use "jorts" as an umbrella term for all jean shorts, while acknowledging that different styles serve different purposes and occasions.
A Brief History
Denim shorts emerged naturally from the practice of cutting down worn-out jeans for summer wear. Through the mid-20th century, this was primarily a practical measure rather than a fashion choice. The 1970s saw denim shorts become fashionable in their own right, and by the 1990s and 2000s, purpose-built jean shorts in various lengths and styles were mainstream.
Today's jorts market offers everything from vintage-inspired high-waisted cuts to modern slim-fit styles, with options for every budget and aesthetic preference.
Understanding Denim Basics
Before you can evaluate jorts effectively, you need to understand the material they're made from. Denim isn't just denim—there are significant variations that affect how shorts look, feel, and wear over time.
Denim Weight
Denim weight is measured in ounces per square yard. This number tells you how heavy and substantial the fabric is:
- Lightweight (5-9 oz): Soft, breathable, and comfortable. Ideal for hot Australian summers but may not hold structure as well. Often called "chambray" at the lighter end.
- Midweight (9-12 oz): The most common range for ready-to-wear denim. Offers a balance of comfort, structure, and durability.
- Heavyweight (12-16+ oz): Substantial and durable, often used in premium raw denim. Takes longer to break in but ages beautifully. Can be quite warm in hot weather.
For Australian conditions, midweight denim around 10-12 oz often provides the best balance. It's structured enough to look good but won't leave you overheating in summer.
Many modern jorts contain 1-3% elastane for added stretch and comfort. While purists prefer 100% cotton, stretch denim offers practical benefits: it moves with you, recovers better after sitting, and often fits more comfortably. There's no shame in choosing comfort.
Denim Washes
The "wash" of denim refers to both its colour and the treatment it's undergone:
- Raw/Dry: Unwashed after dyeing, dark and stiff initially. Softens and develops unique fading patterns with wear. Requires more break-in time.
- Dark Wash: Deep indigo blue, pre-washed for softness but still rich in colour. Versatile and easy to dress up or down.
- Medium Wash: Classic denim blue, the most traditional look. Has been washed to remove some indigo dye for a lived-in appearance.
- Light Wash: Heavily faded, often with a vintage feel. Casual and summery but can look worn quickly if quality is poor.
- Black: Dyed black rather than indigo. Tends to fade faster than blue denim but offers a sleeker look.
- White/Ecru: Undyed or bleached denim. Bright and summery but requires careful maintenance to keep clean.
Key Terms to Know
When shopping for jorts, you'll encounter terminology that affects both fit and quality. Here are the essential terms:
Construction Terms
- Selvedge: Denim woven on traditional shuttle looms with self-finished edges that prevent fraying. A marker of quality often associated with premium jeans.
- Sanforized: Pre-shrunk during manufacturing to minimise shrinkage after purchase. Most commercial denim is sanforized.
- Ring-spun: Cotton twisted into yarn using a ring spinner, creating stronger, smoother yarn. Better quality than open-end spinning.
- Rope-dyed: Yarn dipped repeatedly in indigo vats, creating colour that fades beautifully over time. The traditional dyeing method.
Fit Terms
- Rise: The distance from crotch seam to waistband. Low, mid, or high rise affects where shorts sit on your body.
- Inseam: The length from the crotch to the hem, measured along the inner leg.
- Leg opening: The circumference of the shorts at the hem.
- Weight (oz): Higher = heavier, more durable
- Wash: Colour and treatment level
- Rise: Where waistband sits
- Inseam: How long the shorts are
- Stretch: Contains elastane for comfort
Choosing Your First Quality Pair
If you're investing in your first proper pair of jorts, here's a strategic approach:
Start Versatile
Your first pair should work with the most outfits possible. This typically means:
- Medium to dark wash (easier to style than very light or distressed)
- Mid-rise (flattering on most body types)
- 5-7 inch inseam (versatile length for various occasions)
- Regular or slightly slim fit (neither too tight nor too baggy)
- Minimal distressing (looks appropriate in more settings)
Quality Indicators
When evaluating jorts, look for these signs of quality construction:
- Even stitching: Consistent, tight stitches without loose threads or puckering
- Bar tacks: Reinforced stitching at stress points like pocket corners
- Metal hardware: Buttons and rivets should feel substantial, not flimsy
- Quality zipper: Should move smoothly without catching
- Finished interior: Seams should be serged or otherwise finished, not raw
Budget Considerations
Jorts range from under $30 to over $200. Here's what different price points typically offer:
- Under $50: Fast fashion quality. May use thinner denim, simpler construction, and less durable hardware. Fine for occasional wear but won't last years.
- $50-100: The sweet spot for most buyers. Established brands with quality control, decent construction, and durable materials. Should last multiple seasons with proper care.
- $100-200: Premium denim, often selvedge or specialty fabrics. Superior construction and materials. Worth it if you wear jorts frequently and appreciate the details.
- $200+: Designer or heritage brands, often handmade or using rare denim. Exceptional quality but diminishing returns for casual wear.
Start with a mid-range pair ($50-80) to learn what you like. Once you know your preferred fit, rise, and length, you can make more informed decisions about whether to invest in premium denim or stick with reliable mid-range options.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls as you start your jorts journey:
Buying the Wrong Size
Vanity sizing varies wildly between brands. Always check the actual measurements (in centimetres) rather than relying on your usual size. When in doubt, size up—you can always belt jorts, but you can't stretch denim that's too tight.
Ignoring the Rise
Rise affects comfort dramatically. Low-rise jorts look great standing up but may dig in when sitting. High-rise offers more coverage and comfort but changes your silhouette. Try different rises to find what works for your body and lifestyle.
Overwashing
New jorts owners often wash after every wear. This causes premature fading and wear. Unless visibly dirty or smelly, jorts can be worn 5-10 times between washes. Spot clean when possible and air out between wears.
Choosing Trend Over Fit
The trendiest cut isn't always the most flattering. Ultra-baggy dad jorts might be in style, but if they don't suit your body or lifestyle, you won't wear them. Prioritise fit and comfort over trends, especially when starting out.
Building a Jorts Wardrobe
Once you've found a style you like, consider building a small rotation:
- The Workhorse: Your most versatile pair for everyday wear
- The Casual Pair: More relaxed fit for beach days and lazy weekends
- The Dressed-Up Pair: Darker, cleaner cut for occasions requiring polish
Three well-chosen pairs can cover virtually any situation where jorts are appropriate. Quality over quantity is the principle here—three pairs that fit perfectly beat ten that you never reach for.
Welcome to the world of jorts. With this foundation of knowledge, you're ready to start shopping with confidence and building a collection that serves you well for years to come.