Levi's
Frayed Hem Two-Button Short
Levi's Frayed Hem Two-Button Short is a 100% cotton denim short with a mid-rise fit, featuring a zip fly, two-button closure, and belt loops. It includes a classic five-pocket design and a frayed raw hem, with a 9-inch rise and 2-inch inseam. This light-wash denim short is suited for casual wear in warm weather.
- Material
- 100% cotton denim
- Style
- casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Specifications
Frayed hem denim short with mid-rise fit and 2-inch inseam.
Zip fly with two-button closure, belt loops, 5-pocket design, 9-inch rise.
- Material
- 100% cotton denim
- Style
- casual, classic
- Occasion
- casual, vacation
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- frayed hem
- 100% cotton denim
- zip fly with two-button closure
- belt loops
- 5-pocket design
- mid-rise fit
- 9-inch rise
- 2-inch inseam
Product Insights
The Levi's Frayed Hem Two-Button Short is a rigid 100% cotton denim short that prioritizes durability and breathability over immediate comfort, requiring a break-in period (a 30-minute soak replaces 20-30 hours of wear) and waistband expansion over three months, but rewards with a custom fit after 10-15 wears and a lifespan of 5-10 years; its 2-inch inseam and 9-inch mid rise offer a shorter, lower silhouette than the 501 Original Short, while the two-button closure and raw hem provide classic character that naturally evolves with wear.
Verified claims
- Waistband expansion
- Waistband expands 1-1.5 inches over three months, so a snug fit becomes comfortable.
- Material
- 100% cotton rigid denim is breathable and lasts 5-10 years, without stretch fibers.
- Coverage
- At 2 inches, this short's inseam sits a half-inch shorter than the Levi's 501 Original Short's 2.5-inch inseam, moving the hemline further up the thigh.
- Rigid denim feel
- Made of rigid 100% cotton denim with no stretch, requiring a break-in period.
- Rise and styling
- The 9-inch mid rise sits below the navel, unlike the 501's 11-inch high rise.
- Design
- The two-button closure and frayed hem push the short away from a standard cutoff silhouette, giving it a finished-yet-undone look.
- Hem
- The raw hem naturally frays with wear; simple techniques like tacking or Fray Check keep it neat.
- Closure
- Zip fly with two-button closure offers convenient fastening with denim character.
- Durability
- Rigid 100% cotton denim shorts can last 5–10 years of seasonal use before significant thinning, while stretch denim often bags out after 2–3 years as elastane degrades.
- Breathability
- Breathable natural cotton ideal for summer without clamminess.
- Inseam length
- The 2-inch inseam enhances cooling by exposing more skin to airflow.
- Sizing
- Levi's shorts generally fit true to size, but without specific fit reviews for this style, the available guidance is to check the size chart and size up if you prefer a looser fit.
- Break-in
- A 30-minute lukewarm soak before the first wear removes manufacturing starch and can accelerate break-in, helping the denim conform in days rather than weeks.
- Molding
- 100% cotton denim molds to body contours after 10–15 wears.
- Proportion and leg line
- With a 9-inch rise and a 2-inch inseam, over 80% of the front length sits above the crotch, creating a high-cut leg that exposes more thigh than standard 3- or 4-inch shorts and makes the leg appear longer.
- Leg opening behavior
- The 2-inch leg opening is made from non-stretch denim, so it won't give when sitting or squatting; the trade-off is a crisp, structured hem that keeps its shape.
- Frayed hem first wash
- The stiff, raw-cut frayed hem softens and relaxes significantly after the first wash, so the aggressive distressed look mellows into a more natural, worn-in fringe.
Product record
- Title
- Frayed Hem Two-Button Short
- Brand
- Levi's
- Price
- 69.95 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 18 sourcesUses
Everyday wear, wash after wash
A reviewer who wore these Levi's denim shorts found they stiffened up after washing but returned to their original shape once worn again. In product photos, the waistband sits at the natural waist. A simple pick for casual everyday wear, including days when you're pulling them out of the laundry.[2,3]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Frayed Hem Two-Button Short: Choose this if you want a light-wash, 100% cotton denim mini short with a distressed, vintage-leaning look, since it has a raw frayed hem with hanging threads, subtle fading, and small distressed marks. It features a mid rise of 9 inches (23 cm), a 2-inch (5 cm) inseam, a zip fly with two-button closure, belt loops, and classic five-pocket styling. Note that a reviewer found the denim stiffened after washing, though it returned to its original shape once worn again.[1,2,3,4,5,6] | Frayed Hem Low-Rise Short: Choose this if you want a Levi's at Twik low-rise denim short in black with a deliberately distressed finish: a raw frayed hem with uneven threads, faded stonewashed denim with thigh whiskering, classic five-pocket styling, and a button-and-zip fly in 100% cotton. The inseam is very short at 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) with a straight, slightly relaxed leg, so it suits minimal-coverage preferences. Note the listed size range is limited to sizes 30 and 31, both in black.[7,8,9,10] | 501 High-Rise Short: Choose this if you want a high-rise denim short with a vintage-leaning look — it sits at the waist with a 10 inch rise and a short 3 inch inseam ending in a raw, frayed hem, with five-pocket styling, a button fly, and a slightly relaxed straight cut. Made of 99% cotton with 1% spandex for slight stretch, it comes in Charcoal and Medium Wash in sizes 24 through 28. Note that one reviewer found the shorts rode up on her thighs and suggested possibly sizing up, and another petite wearer found the waist still ran somewhat large.[11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Light-wash denim shorts with a low rise, frayed hem and classic five-pocket styling visible on the model's front view.
- SilhouetteLow-rise short with a slightly relaxed fit through the hips and short inseam ending in a visibly frayed hem.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.44 · w 0.32 · h 0.18 (medium) - Waistband and closure areaVisible waistband with belt loops and a two-button fly area suggested by overlapped fabric at the center front; top edge sits below the model's navel.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.42 · w 0.24 · h 0.08 (medium) - Pocket detailsFront pockets visible on both sides including a coin pocket on the right front; pocket openings follow the angled front seam.
2 regions
x 0.45 · y 0.46 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.59 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.11 (high) - Fabric and surface textureLight-wash denim with subtle worn/faded areas and small distressed marks near the front thigh and pocket edges.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.46 · w 0.28 · h 0.14 (medium) - Frayed hem detailUneven frayed fringe along the leg openings with loose threads hanging below the hemline, more pronounced on the left leg (model right).
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.59 · w 0.30 · h 0.05 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model wearing the shorts in a three-quarter front pose against a plain light background. Model styling and shoes are visible but not part of the product description.
- Model poseModel standing facing forward with weight shifted to one leg, left hand resting at thigh and right hand tucked into the shorts waistband at hip.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.92 (medium) - Visible non-product apparelStrapless white smocked top worn by the model and black platform slide sandals are visible but are not the photographed product.
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.34 · y 0.77 · w 0.32 · h 0.16 (high) - BackgroundEven, neutral light background with soft shadow beneath the model indicating studio lighting.
- Image qualitySharp, well-lit image with even exposure and no visible text or labels in the scene.
Colors
light denim blue· shorts#A3BBD4off-white· frayed hem threads- SilhouetteLow-rise short with a slightly relaxed fit through the hips and short inseam ending in a visibly frayed hem.
- 02
Product
Front view of light-wash denim shorts with a two-button waistband, belt loops, five-pocket styling, small distressed details, and a frayed raw hem; worn by a model from mid-torso to mid-thigh.
- Waistband and closureHigh-rise waistband with two visible metal buttons stacked vertically and a short fly seam beneath; waistband includes a belt loop centered at the front.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.32 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high) - Frayed hemRaw cut hem with loose white denim threads hanging unevenly along the front leg openings, producing a distressed fringed edge.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.66 · w 0.68 · h 0.12 (high) - Front pockets and coin pocketStandard front pockets with a small coin pocket inset on the right side; pocket openings edged with visible topstitching and slight fading along the pocket mouth.
2 regions
x 0.14 · y 0.38 · w 0.32 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.38 · w 0.30 · h 0.20 (high) - Denim texture and washLight blue stone-wash denim with visible diagonal twill weave, areas of lighter fading at the center front seam and pocket edges, and small abrasion/distressed spots on the right thigh.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.44 · w 0.60 · h 0.34 (high) - Stitching detailContrasting darker thread topstitching along pocket rims, waistband, fly seam, and belt loops that outlines construction lines.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.34 · w 0.52 · h 0.40 (high) - Left hand in pocketModel's left hand inserted into left front pocket, partially obscuring the pocket opening and waistband on that side.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.36 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (high) - Small distressed holesTwo small distressed abrasion marks on the right front thigh area showing slight fraying but not full openings.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.52 · w 0.14 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio crop of a model from mid-torso to mid-thigh wearing the shorts against a plain light background; even soft lighting with minimal shadows and the model wearing a white top that covers the waistband partially.
- Shot compositionVertical crop showing the model from just below the chest to just above the knees, centered on the shorts.
- BackgroundUniform light neutral background with no visible props or scenery.
- Model stylingModel wears a white sleeveless top that overlaps the waistband and has a gathered bodice and loose lower panel with lace trim visible at the left side.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.08 · w 0.76 · h 0.36 (high) - Lighting and shadowsSoft, even studio lighting producing gentle, minimal shadows primarily beneath the hem and between the legs.
Colors
light stone blue· shorts main fabric#A3BCDBoff-white· frayed threads and hem- Waistband and closureHigh-rise waistband with two visible metal buttons stacked vertically and a short fly seam beneath; waistband includes a belt loop centered at the front.
- 03
Product
Rear view of light blue denim cutoff shorts worn by a model, showing back pockets with arcuate stitching, frayed hem with hanging threads, a small red fabric tab at the right back pocket seam, and a tan leather patch on the waistband.
- View and fitRear-facing view of the shorts on a model; waistband sits at the natural waist and the seat and back of the shorts are fully visible.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.44 · w 0.72 · h 0.38 (high) - Material and finishLight wash blue denim with visible weave texture and worn highlights across seams and pocket edges.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.52 · w 0.64 · h 0.30 (high) - Back pocketsTwo square back pockets with double-stitched arcuate (curved) stitching on each pocket.
2 regions
x 0.24 · y 0.58 · w 0.25 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.58 · w 0.27 · h 0.20 (high) - Frayed hem detailRaw cutoff hem with uneven fraying and multiple hanging threads around the leg openings.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.72 · w 0.64 · h 0.16 (high) - Waistband and belt loopsFolded waistband with visible belt loops and a center back seam; waistband shows slight gather at the top edge.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.48 · w 0.56 · h 0.12 (high) - Leather patchSmall rectangular tan leather patch stitched to the right side of the back waistband; embossed details are present but not legible.Partial
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.49 · w 0.11 · h 0.08 (high) - Red fabric tabSmall vertical red fabric tab attached to the right back pocket seam; text on the tab is too small to read.Partial
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.61 · w 0.03 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Studio shot showing a model from the rear against a neutral light background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows; model's white top and braided hair are visible and partly occlude the upper waistband area.
- Shot compositionVertical studio portrait framing that centers the model; shorts occupy the lower central portion of the image.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.10 · w 0.80 · h 0.85 (high) - Background and lightingEven, neutral light background with soft diffuse lighting and minimal cast shadows.
- Model stylingModel wearing a white strapless top that covers the upper waistband and long braided hair draping down over the right shoulder and back, partially overlapping the shorts.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.12 · w 0.44 · h 0.46 (high) - Image qualityHigh-resolution image with clear focus on the shorts and model; no significant noise or blur.
Colors
light blue denim· denim body#A4BBD3off-white fray· frayed hem threadstan leather· waistband leather patch#C28B6Dbright red· back pocket tab- View and fitRear-facing view of the shorts on a model; waistband sits at the natural waist and the seat and back of the shorts are fully visible.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Levi's
501® Button Your Fly High Rise Shorts