You know when you’re hunting for the *perfect* staple item and then you finally find them and you’re just like….hell yes. That’s kind of how I feel about these denim cut-off from GAP (get 35% off today, 8/31, with code HAPPY). Generally I’m more into dresses and skirts than shorts, particularly denim shorts, and particularly cut-off shorts. It’s been a while since I wore cut-offs. Mainly because it seemed so hard to find a pair that didn’t show off my buns, you know? Why are shorts just so short nowadays? Do I sound old? I just wanted shorts I felt comfortable in!

Anyways, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect denim shorts since late 2014 and although I’ve found a few pairs I like, I haven’ted LOVED any of them. Until these. This was my criteria and these shorts hit all of them:

1. Sturdy, thick denim. Some give but not “stretchy”.
2. A higher-rise waist.
3. Fit my waist AND my legs.
4. Cut-offs with frayed edges
5. Three-inch inseam or longer.
6. Slightly longer in the back than the front.

If those things sound up your alley, these shorts are your dream come true. I literally ordered two pairs for fear of never finding a pair I loved this much. Here are a couple of my pro-tips:

• Consider sizing down. In most jeans I wear a 27. In these I purchased a 26. Washed and dried them, then wore them once, noticed that they stretched quite a bit with wear, so I sized down to a 25. (To help with sizing my measurements are: 25 inch waist, 37 inch hips).
• The seam on the left leg will appear slightly higher than the right side, due to the up-cut and fraying on the right leg. It’s cute, but bothered me! So, I took a scissors and up-cut the left side to match the right. One time through the wash/dryer and a little pulling on the strings and it looked perfect.

If you’re looking for more GAP goodies while they have this current sale, I’m also loving the Best Girlfriend Super High Rise Crops, the Super High Rise Jeans, and this Beautiful Pointelle Sweater.