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11 best girls' shorts

Get little ones geared up for summer with a practical pair

Wednesday 20 April 2016 17:45 BST

On warm summer days, few pieces of clothing can be easier to wear than shorts. So we’ve brought you the best of the bunch for girls for the summer months ahead, whether it’s for smart wear or every-day use. All of these are comfy, quality pairs that will become wardrobe staples this year.

1. Rachel Riley Polka Dot Scalloped Shorts: £45, Rachel Riley

These navy, polka-dotted shorts with anchor buttons and scalloped side seams work well for a smart occasion. Our testers said they were really comfy too. Three to 10 years.

2. St Bert’s Girls’ Shorts: £18, St Bert’s

This is a great brand for sporty, practical and well-made kids’ clothing. We love their athletic-looking shorts, available in five colour combinations. They’ll look as good as the day you bought them, regardless of how many washes they’ve had. Four to 12 years.

3. Marks & Spencer Cotton Rich Applique Denim Shorts: From £12, Marks and Spencer

What’s not to like about denim shorts? They’re comfy, practical and they last well too. These ones have more stretch that others we tried and a nice star detailing, along with on-trend frayed edges. Five to 14 years.

4. H&M Cotton Shorts: £5.99, H&M

These cotton shorts are a good fit and have pleats that keep them looking smart, as long as you iron them after each wash. Don’t like florals? They’re also available in plain white or pink or with navy stripes. 18 months to 10 years.

5. Frugi Martha Summer Shorts: £18, We Love Frugi

We defy anyone to find softer cotton shorts than these, yet the fabric is also robust. The elasticated, adjustable waistband with tie-belt ensures a good fit and the popper fastening makes them easy to get on and off. Also available in jazzy pineapple print. Two to 10 years.

6. River Island Pink Jacquard Shorts: £15, River Island

These high-waisted, zip-up shorts look great with tights, making them a fantastic option for cooler days. Be sure to follow the washing instructions as they need a gentle machine wash and no tumble-drying. Three to 12 years.

7. John Lewis Spot Print Shorts: From £12, John Lewis

These longer-look, knee-length shorts, which are available in blue or pink polka dot, have just the right amount of stretch, as well as an adjustable waist-band for a really comfy fit. They wash really well too. Two to 12 years and also come in pink.

8. New Look Teens Black Crochet Shorts: £14.99, New Look

New Look has a great range of fashionable shorts for older girls, including these black crochet ones, with an elasticated waist and casual fit that makes them a lot more comfortable than they might look. They can choose from black or an off-white. Nine to 15 years.

9. Next Red, White and Strawberry Shorts: From £13 for three, Next

Next excels at excellent value, practical three-packs, which makes buying kids’ clothing – particularly for staples like summer shorts – quick and easy. These are great for a more casual look and include one fun strawberry-themed pair and two plain ones. There are matching tops available too. Three to 16 years.

10. Boden Retro Shorts: From £14.50, Boden

Here’s another pair or easy-to-wear shorts for more active days. Available in green, grey or blue – all with a pretty floral edging - the drawstring means that they stay on well and the good-quality cotton ensures they wash well. Two to 12 years.

11. JoJo Maman Bebe Pink Stripe Shorts: £14, JoJo Maman Bebe

These stripy shorts are the thinnest in our roundup by far, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re the shoddiest. On the contrary, they are cool and lightweight – ideal for really hot days and they fit beautifully, thanks to the adjustable waistband and tie. Six months to six years.

Verdict

Rachel Riley Polka Dot Scalloped Shorts are a great find if you’re looking for occasion wear, while St Bert’s Shorts are fantastic for more adventurous days.