Shorts Guide for Girls

If you landed here, you’re probably frustrated with the summer clothes options for girls. Shorts, especially, are a bit skimpy.

You want your daughter to be able to climb the slide ladder without worry and have a place to stow her rocks and collectibles. Uhh, pockets please!

Look no further. We’ve got this year’s Shorts Guide for Girls, with a variety of prices, styles, and colors of shorts for girls on the longer side.

Why are Girls’ Shorts so Short?

Before we dig in, you’ve probably noticed the discrepancy between shorts that are marketed to boys and girls. Sometimes the difference is 4-6 inches!

We explore that concept in more detail in this post, which digs into the possible oversexualization of girls at a young age.

But the fact is – – kids are kids and their bodies are remarkably similar until adolescence. So it’s strange that adults who create designs and run retail stores believe that clothing marketed to children should be cut so differently, depending on their anatomy.

Shorts that are Longer than Most

Let’s be clear. This shorts guide may be used for ANY child, regardless of their sex or gender. But the truth is, frustrated parents often browse the “boys’ clothes” and encounter a land of drab, muted colors. Mostly navy and olive. (Which is sad, because boys should be able to express themselves through colorful clothing, too!)

This shorts guide has colorful options at every price, as well as a few neutrals.

Ok, let’s get started with some medium to long shorts for girls. Be sure to pin it for later:

Girls’ Shorts Guide

(We have included affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, Think or Blue may receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting our site! See disclosures here.)

1. Jumping Beans Adaptive French Terry Shorts

Our favorites! My child has worn this line of shorts for several years (from 3T-8), as they are available in toddler sizes, too. These come in mint, purple, gray, pink, and black. These shorts are soft and not-too-baggy – perfect for climbing trees. With pockets to boot.

Available at Kohl’s.

2. Miss Popular Bermuda Shorts

With a pack of 6, you won’t have to do laundry every 5 minutes! (Helpful, since laundry tends to pile up even more in the warm months when kids get dirtier than ever. Sandboxes, grass, etc.) These are 100% cotton with pockets and a bow tie elastic waist.

These come in sizes 4-16, to fit a wider range of ages.

Available on Amazon.

3. Field Short in Sunwashed Rainbow

Who can resist this cheery, beachy rainbow style? In addition to their bright primary colors, Primary now also offers a sunwashed design, reminiscent of long days at the beach, faded by the sun.

We have purchased Primary products for years and are never disappointed. The quality is excellent and they last for years, if you have multiple kids or friends to receive hand-me-downs. As a bonus, they don’t sort their website by gender, so children feel that all options are available to them. Sizes 2-12.

Available here.

4. Bright Basics Sweatshorts

Hanna Andersson clothes are known for their quality, as well. While a bit more expensive, there is currently a sale on these sweat shorts, which come in gray, black, navy, red, blue, and pink.

Described as “nearly-indestructible cotton French terry, they work for babies, toddlers, and big kids. Sizes 18 months to size 12.

Available here.

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5. Primary Gym Short

Available in EIGHT colors, every child will find one they like. This is another option from Primary, shorts with 100% cotton French terry, pockets, a pull-on waist, and functional drawstring.

Children sensitive to chemicals may like these shorts. Primary’s website says this fabric is “tested and free of over 300 chemicals and known irritants.”

Available here.

6. Little Stripy Shorts by Frugi

Perfect for the fun and colorful kid, these Frugi shorts are an eye-catcher! We love Modern Rascals for their clothing options that are not segregated by gender and their collection of beautiful wooden toys.

These come in sizes 6 months to 5 years, with extra room built in to shorts up to 4 years for “fluffy cloth nappies” (diapers). With pockets on the front AND the back, your child will create a colorful, unique outfit in no time.

Available here.

7. Cat & Jack Knit Midi Pull-On Shorts

You might be thinking – but my kid is going to grow out of clothing so quickly, I can’t spend a fortune! I get it. Children do grow quickly, and if there’s no hand-me-down potential, you may look for a more affordable option. These cotton shorts from Cat & Jack fit the bill.

We have these in gray and navy, as summer wardrobe basics that go with everything. They’re also available in many colors, with functional pockets and an elastic waistband. Sizes XS-XXL.

Available here.

8. Perfect Play Shorts

Girls Will Be is an unique company that formed to solve this very problem of too-short-shorts. We have previously profiled our love of these perfect play shorts and their awesome, bold tees.

These cotton shorts are amazingly soft, durable, with pockets and a drawstring waist. Because we bought them a little big, this is my daughter’s THIRD summer wearing these. I highly recommend Girls Will Be, both for their stellar product and inspiring mission. Sizes 4-14.

Available here.

9. French Terry Bermuda Shorts

Another affordable option for quickly growing kids. While these French terry Bermuda shorts from Kohl’s don’t have pockets, they have vented hems and allow a comfortable fit for children who like looser clothing.

Choose from 10 colors, including a cool pink ombre! This style could work for summer camp, sports, and days at the park.

Available here.

Hope you enjoy these options for girls shorts that are longer than most. Be sure to share this shorts guide with other parents who might be struggling, too!

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