While I used to have drawers of short and low-rise jean shorts in my 20s, I've learned to appreciate the unsung hero of Summer wardrobe staples: mom shorts. For me, the perfect mom shorts are just as stylish as they are comfortable. They're denim, obviously, and toe the line between trendy and classic with the perfect amount of distress. They show off my favourite assets while minimizing anything I don't want on display. They don't require constant crack-guarding every time I bend over and allow me the necessary freedom to squat at eye-level with my toddler. They can be dressed up with a Summery blouse and booties or dressed down with a t-shirt and sneakers. They can stand in as the perfect partner to a swimsuit, providing butt, upper thigh, and lower tummy coverage when a sarong feels less appropriate. And most importantly, I find myself reaching for them again, and again, and again. For me, those shorts are the Levi's 501 Long Shorts [1] ($70).

Depending on how short or long you want them, you can roll them up twice for a cleaner fold or just cuff them once to expose the fringed bottoms.

The waist sits just above the belly button, so they're comfortable and flattering. No muffin top! The slightly faded, subtly distressed denim and relaxed fit make them feel like a vintage pair of denim shorts that have been perfectly worn in.