Women's Knee-Length Shorts

Inseam is the whole conversation at this length. Around nine to eleven inches puts the hem just above the kneecap, which is the classic Bermuda proportion; seven to eight inches sits a little higher on the leg and reads lighter; anything past eleven covers the knee and starts to read long rather than sharp. Rise moves the waistband, not the hem — inseam is measured from the crotch down, so a high-waisted pair and a mid-rise one cut to the same inseam finish in the same place on the leg.

Above the hem, construction is what varies. Tailored pairs come pressed with a centre crease, front pleats and welt pockets; flat-fronted chino styles keep it plain; denim, cargo and drawstring versions trade the crease for pockets and ease. Wool and cotton twill hold a crease longest, linen takes a sharp press and then relaxes into creases as you wear it, and jersey, ponte and other knits give up the line altogether for softness. Hems are plain, turned up or frayed.