Patch shorts are having a moment and honestly, they deserve it. Whether you’re going for maximum chaos energy or something clean enough to wear to a cookout without getting roasted, there’s a pair out there for you. We ranked the three best options this summer so you don’t have to do the research. You’re welcome.
KidSuper Patches Denim Long Short – $325
Let’s start at the top — literally the most decorated pair of shorts we’ve ever seen in our lives. KidSuper went absolutely crazy with this one and somehow it works. Astronauts. Faces. Globes. A woman sipping a martini. All on one pair of shorts. This is art you wear on your legs.
These are undeniably the most stylish of the three, but here’s the catch — they’re loud. Like, people-are-going-to-remember-your-outfit loud. You wear these to the block party in June and somebody’s going to clock you wearing them again at the Labor Day cookout. That’s the tax you pay for drip at this level.
But look — if you’re dropping $325 on shorts, you better be wearing them everywhere. The pool. The barbecue. The grocery store. Your cousin’s graduation. Anywhere with a dress code below black tie. You need full ROI on these. The YKK zipper, custom shank button, leather patch, raw hem, and baggy fit all scream premium — and the price confirms it. If the budget is there, these are a statement piece that genuinely delivers.
FitGrade: A — Loud, proud, and worth every penny if you can swing it.
Godspeed Patchwork Denim Shorts V2 – $250
Godspeed is a certified dope brand. We respect the brand. We respect the vision. But these shorts? These are a pass.
They’re busy — and not in the cool KidSuper “I meant to do all of this” kind of way. The side stitching looks like the shorts got into an argument with a sewing machine and nobody won. And then there’s the oversized G on the back pocket. Sir. You already covered the entire front of the short in patches, skulls, and stars, less would’ve been more here.
At $250 you’re paying a premium price for a result that misses the mark. The individual patches are cool, the brand DNA is there, but the overall execution doesn’t land. This one stays on the rack.
FitGrade: C+ — The brand has it. These shorts don’t.
Jordan Craig The Re-Up Denim Shorts (Aged Wash) – $108
And here’s where it gets real.
At $108, the Jordan Craig Re-Up shorts aren’t just the best value on this list — they’re the best overall choice. Full stop. While KidSuper is the flashiest and Godspeed swings and misses, Jordan Craig comes in with a classic knee-length OG fit, a wider silhouette, and carpenter-inspired details that add structure without trying too hard.
The patches and embroidery are dialed in — enough to turn heads, not so much that you look like a walking scrapbook. The hammer loop and extra side pockets give it that utility aesthetic that’s everywhere right now, and the super stretch 99% cotton build means you’re actually comfortable while looking good. That matters. Nobody’s having fun at the cookout if their shorts have them in a chokehold.
The aged wash denim hits just right — worn in without looking worn out. And at under $110, you can wear these every weekend all summer long without the pressure of needing to justify the spend. That’s just free living.
Oh — and Jordan Craig also offers these in kid sizes (2T–16) and big men sizes (46″–50″), so the whole squad can eat. How many brands do that?
FitGrade: A+ — Best price. Best fit. Best overall short on this list.
Bonus Pick: Jordan Craig Retro War Angel Cargo Shorts (Vintage Camo)
Can’t get enough of the patch aesthetic but want to switch the fabric up? Jordan Craig’s Retro War Angel Cargo Shorts in Vintage Camo are exactly what summer needs. The camo base with patch details gives off serious military-meets-streetwear energy — the kind of fit that looks intentional without requiring a full outfit planning session. If the Re-Up is your everyday go-to, the War Angel is your weekend wildcard.
Final Rankings
KidSuper Patches Long Short | $325 | Maximum art school chaos | A
Godspeed Patchwork Denim Shorts V2 | $250 | Almost, but not quite | C+
Jordan Craig – The Re-Up Denim Shorts | $108 | The Best Denim Shorts This Summer | A+
The patch short trend is real and it’s not going anywhere. But you don’t have to break the bank to win. Jordan Craig proves that the best fit in the room doesn’t always cost the most — it just has to be built right.
