Affordable Denim Shorts Old Navy Vs H&M: Old Navy vs. H&M: Who Has the Best Affordable Denim Shorts for Summer 2026?
You want a pair of denim shorts that looks good, fits well, and costs under $40. Old Navy and H&M both claim to deliver that. But which one actually does?
I bought and wore six pairs from both stores over the past month. Here is exactly what you get for your money, where each brand fails, and which shorts you should actually buy for summer 2026.
How the Fit and Sizing Compare
This is where most people get burned. You order online, try them on, and they are either baggy in the wrong places or so tight you can’t sit down.
Old Navy runs large. I wear a 28 in Levi’s. In Old Navy’s denim shorts, I needed a 26. Their high-rise cut gives about 2 inches of extra room in the hip. If you are between sizes, size down.
H&M runs small. Same 28 in Levi’s meant I needed a 30 in H&M. Their stretch denim shorts have less give than you expect. The waistband sits tighter, and the leg opening is narrower by about 1.5 inches compared to Old Navy.
The real test: the sit test. I sat in each pair for 10 minutes. Old Navy’s 5-inch inseam stayed put. H&M’s 3-inch inseam crept up by about an inch every time I shifted. If you plan to actually sit on a park bench or in a car, go with Old Navy for coverage.
Rise height matters more than you think
Old Navy’s high-rise measures 10.5 inches from crotch to waistband. H&M’s high-rise is 9.5 inches. That 1 inch difference means H&M’s version sits right at your belly button, while Old Navy’s sits above it. For anyone with a longer torso, Old Navy wins. For shorter torsos, H&M’s rise feels more natural.
Which Pair Survives a Full Summer?
Old Navy’s Built-In Flex denim shorts ($34.99) use 2% elastane. After 20 wears and 5 washes (cold water, hang dry), the fabric held its shape. No sagging in the seat. No fraying at the hem. The rivets stayed put.
H&M’s regular denim shorts ($29.99) use 100% cotton. They felt stiff out of the bag. After 3 washes, the fabric softened, but the hem started rolling. By wash 8, the back pockets showed visible pilling where my wallet sat. The button thread also started loosening.
H&M’s stretch version ($34.99) uses 3% elastane. These held up better than the cotton pair, but the fabric thinned out around the inner thigh after 15 wears. If you walk a lot, expect a hole by August.
Verdict: Old Navy’s construction is noticeably better for the price. The stitching is tighter, the hardware is sturdier, and the fabric keeps its color after multiple washes. H&M’s shorts fade faster and wear out in high-friction areas.
Price, Value, and the Real Cost Per Wear
Here is the breakdown of what you actually spend per summer if you buy one pair and wear it twice a week for three months.
| Brand & Style | Price | Washes before fading | Cost per wear (24 wears) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Navy Built-In Flex 5″ | $34.99 | 15+ | $1.46 |
| Old Navy Bermuda 7″ | $34.99 | 15+ | $1.46 |
| H&M Regular Denim 3″ | $29.99 | 6-8 | $1.25 |
| H&M Stretch Denim 3″ | $34.99 | 10-12 | $1.46 |
H&M’s $29.99 pair looks cheaper upfront. But if you have to replace it mid-summer because the hem rolled or the fabric pilled, your actual cost doubles. Old Navy’s $34.99 pair will likely last two summers. That drops the cost per wear to under $0.75.
One exception: If you only need shorts for a two-week vacation and will never wear them again, H&M’s $29.99 pair works fine. You get the look without the commitment.
Three Mistakes People Make Buying Denim Shorts
Mistake 1: Buying the wrong inseam. Old Navy offers 3-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch inseams. H&M offers 3-inch and 5-inch. If you are over 5’8″, the 3-inch inseam looks like a diaper. It rides up and makes your legs look shorter. Stick with 5-inch or 7-inch if you have long legs.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the fabric blend. 100% cotton shorts from H&M shrink by about half a size after the first wash. Buy a size up if you go that route. Old Navy’s blend with elastane barely shrinks at all.
Mistake 3: Not checking the back rise. H&M’s shorts have a lower back rise (13 inches vs Old Navy’s 14.5 inches). That means when you bend over, your lower back shows. If you plan to wear crop tops or fitted tees, Old Navy’s higher back rise keeps everything covered.
When NOT to Buy Denim Shorts from Either Brand
Skip Old Navy if: You want a raw hem or distressed details. Old Navy’s shorts come clean-cut. Their distressed options look fake — the rips are placed in the same spot on every pair. For a worn-in look, go thrifting or buy from Levi’s ($59.50 for the 501 shorts).
Skip H&M if: You have thick thighs. H&M’s leg opening on the 3-inch inseam is 21 inches around. Old Navy’s 5-inch inseam gives you 23 inches. That 2-inch difference means H&M’s shorts will grip your thighs and ride up constantly. Try American Eagle ($44.95) for curvy-fit denim shorts with a wider leg opening.
Consider Gap instead ($39.99) if you want the mid-point between Old Navy and H&M. Gap uses similar fabric to Old Navy but with a straighter cut. Less hip room, more thigh room. Their 4-inch inseam sits in a Goldilocks zone that neither Old Navy nor H&M covers well.
Final call for summer 2026: For the best balance of fit, durability, and coverage, buy Old Navy’s Built-In Flex 5-inch inseam shorts. They cost $5 more than H&M’s cheapest option but last twice as long. If you must have a 3-inch inseam and plan to wear them sparingly, H&M’s stretch version at $34.99 works — just expect to replace them by next summer.
