Finding a pair of denim shorts under $40 that actually fits well and lasts more than one season feels harder than it should be. Old Navy and H&M both sell them by the truckload, but the two brands approach cut, fabric, and sizing very differently. Here is how they actually compare for summer 2026.
Fit and Sizing: Where These Brands Diverge Most
Old Navy and H&M size their shorts on completely different scales. This is the first thing to get right before you even look at price.
Old Navy’s Curvy and Straight Cuts
Old Navy offers four main fits: Built-In Flex (stretchiest), Curve (wider hip, narrower waist), Straight (standard), and Boyfriend (loose, cuffed). Their size chart runs 0–20, plus plus sizes up to 28. The Curve line is legit — the hip-to-waist ratio is roughly 11 inches, which fits many pear-shaped bodies without the back gap. Waistbands sit at mid-rise (9.5 inches) or high-rise (11 inches).
H&M’s Stretch Denim and European Sizing
H&M uses European numerical sizing (24–34) and offers three rises: low (8 inches), mid (9 inches), and high (10.5 inches). Their Stretch Denim Shorts have 2–3% elastane, which gives a tight, molded fit. The Loose Denim Shorts are rigid, run one size small, and have a baggy leg opening. H&M’s sizing is less consistent — the same size in a different wash can fit differently because of dye and finishing variations.
Verdict: If you have a defined waist-hip difference, Old Navy’s Curve line is the safer bet. If you prefer a low-rise, snug fit, H&M’s stretch shorts work better.
Price per Wear: Which Pair Actually Saves You Money?
The sticker price is close, but the cost per wear diverges sharply depending on how long the shorts hold up.
| Brand | Typical Price (2026) | Average Lifespan (washes) | Cost per Wear (50 wears) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Navy Built-In Flex | $34.99 | 40–60 washes | $0.70 |
| Old Navy 100% Cotton | $29.99 | 60–80 washes | $0.50 |
| H&M Stretch Denim | $29.99 | 25–40 washes | $1.20 |
| H&M Loose Denim | $34.99 | 30–50 washes | $1.00 |
Bottom Line: Old Navy’s 100% cotton shorts last the longest for the least money. H&M’s stretch denim fades and loses shape faster. If you plan to wear them 3+ times a week, Old Navy is cheaper in the long run.
Three Mistakes People Make When Buying Denim Shorts Under $40
Cheap denim has predictable failure points. Avoid these.
Buying 100% cotton without checking the weave. Some cheap rigid denim is stiff and will never soften. Look for a twill weave (diagonal lines) — that means it will break in over time. Plain-weave cotton shorts stay stiff and uncomfortable.
Ignoring the rise measurement. A 10-inch rise on a 5-foot-2 person hits differently than on a 5-foot-9 person. Measure a pair of shorts that fits you well from crotch seam to waistband top. Match that number, not the size tag.
Washing in hot water. Both brands’ denim shrinks up to 3% in the first hot wash. Cold wash, hang dry. This alone doubles the life of a $30 pair of shorts.
Fabric Quality and Construction: A Side-by-Side Look
I bought one pair from each brand in summer 2026 and wore them 20 times each before writing this. Here is what I found.
Old Navy Built-In Flex Shorts ($34.99)
Fabric weight: 10 oz. 98% cotton, 2% elastane. Double-stitched inner seams. The zipper is YKK-style metal. After 20 wears and 5 cold washes, the color faded evenly. No fraying at the hem. The waistband elastic stayed flat. One loose thread on a belt loop, but it didn’t unravel further.
H&M Stretch Denim Shorts ($29.99)
Fabric weight: 8.5 oz. 97% cotton, 3% elastane. Single-stitched inseam. The button is a thin metal disc. After 20 wears, the knees bagged out and didn’t snap back. The waistband stretched about an inch. The hem started fraying unevenly on the left leg. Two belt loops pulled loose at the top stitch.
Verdict: Old Navy’s construction is visibly sturdier. H&M’s fabric is thinner and the stitching loosens faster. If you want shorts that look new after a month, Old Navy wins.
When Should You Buy H&M Instead of Old Navy?
There are two specific situations where H&M is the better choice.
You want a specific trendy cut that Old Navy doesn’t make. H&M runs more experimental silhouettes — think 90s baggy shorts with a 12-inch leg opening, raw-edge hems, or bleach-wash patterns. Old Navy sticks to classic, safe shapes. If you want a fashion-forward look for one summer, H&M gives you that option.
You are between sizes or need a smaller waist. H&M’s size 24 (approx. 24-inch waist) fits actual 24-inch waists. Old Navy’s size 0 has a 25.5-inch waistband. For very small frames, H&M fits better straight off the rack.
Tradeoff: You pay the same or more for a pair that lasts half as long. That tradeoff is fine if you only need them for one season.
How to Make Either Pair Last Through Summer 2026
Two specific care habits that matter more than brand choice.
Line dry, never machine dry. Machine drying breaks down elastane fibers and shrinks cotton. A pair of H&M shorts that would last 30 washes in a dryer lasts 50 if hung dry. Old Navy’s cotton shorts lose 5–7% of their original length in a single hot dryer cycle.
Spot clean stains, don’t wash the whole pair. Denim doesn’t need washing after every wear. Saltwater, sweat, and dirt sit on the surface. A damp cloth with mild soap removes them. Washing strips indigo and loosens seams. Wash every 5–10 wears, not every wear.
Rotate between two pairs. Wearing the same shorts daily stretches the waistband and flattens the seat. Two pairs worn every other day last 3x longer than one pair worn every day.
Final Pick for Summer 2026
For most people, Old Navy’s Built-In Flex High-Rise Short at $34.99 is the better buy. It fits a wider range of body types, uses thicker fabric, and holds its shape longer. The Curve version adds 2 inches in the hip without increasing the waist, which solves the back-gap problem that plagues most affordable shorts.
Buy H&M only if you need a size 24–25 waist or a specific trend cut that Old Navy doesn’t carry. Expect them to last one season, not two. Either way, cold wash and line dry. That $0.50 per wear number only holds if you take care of them.
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