What Are Short Denim Shorts Called? Style Guide

Short denim shorts are most commonly called denim cutoffs or simply cutoffs . The name comes from their construction: jeans are cut across the legs and finished with a raw, frayed, or stitched hem.

When shopping, check the inseam measurement rather than relying only on the product name. A 2- to 3-inch inseam typically creates a very short fit, while a 4- to 5-inch inseam offers more coverage.

“Daisy Dukes” refers to exceptionally short, close-fitting shorts inspired by the character Daisy Duke from The Dukes of Hazzard . The term usually describes high-cut denim with a snug seat and minimal leg coverage.

Confirm the rise and leg opening before choosing this style. A high rise sits near or above the natural waist, while a narrow leg opening produces the characteristic fitted silhouette.

Denim hot pants are also very short, but they are generally designed as shorts rather than visibly made from altered jeans. They may feature clean hems, stretch denim, shaped waistbands, or side zippers instead of the five-pocket construction associated with cutoffs.

Inspect the fabric label for comfort and recovery. Denim containing 1% to 3% elastane usually provides more flexibility than rigid 100% cotton denim.

Measure the inseam from the crotch seam to the bottom edge of the hem. Because frayed threads can add visual length without coverage, measure to the solid denim edge rather than the longest loose fiber.

Also compare the front and back rise with a pair you already own. This compatibility check helps determine where the waistband will sit and how much coverage the shorts will provide when seated.

Short cutoffs should lie smoothly at the waistband without pulling across the zipper or riding sharply into the leg opening. For rigid denim, leave enough room to place one or two fingers comfortably inside the waistband.

Review more fit, styling, and care details in the guide to high-waist vintage denim shorts. Wash raw-edge styles inside a mesh laundry bag and air-dry them to limit excessive fraying.