You grab a pair of $25 shorts, wear them twice, and by the third wash the button pops off or the fabric starts fraying at the hem. Sound familiar? I spent last June cycling through eight different pairs from Old Navy and H&M to find out which brand actually delivers on durability, fit, and value for the money. Here’s what I learned.
How the Shorts Stack Up: A Side-by-Side Comparison
I bought four styles from each store — two in standard denim and two in stretch denim — and wore each pair at least five times. Below are the numbers that matter most.
| Feature | Old Navy (Best Pick) | H&M (Best Pick) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (avg) | $27.99 | $24.99 |
| Denim weight | 10 oz (medium-heavy) | 8 oz (lightweight) |
| Inseam options | 3″, 5″, 7″ | 2″, 4″, 6″ |
| Button durability | Metal shank, reinforced | Plastic-coated, thinner |
| Pocket depth | 6 inches | 4.5 inches |
| Shrinkage after 3 washes | 2% | 5% |
| Return policy | 60 days | 30 days |
The Old Navy shorts are heavier and use thicker thread. H&M’s are softer out of the bag but lose shape faster. If you want shorts that still look good in August, Old Navy’s 5-inch inseam in rigid denim is the safer bet.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong About Cheap Denim
Shoppers assume “stretch denim” means more comfort. In this price range, it often means more pilling and faster sagging. The H&M stretch shorts (their “Denim Stretch” line) developed loose threads around the back pockets after four wears. The Old Navy Built-In Flex shorts kept their shape through six machine washes.
Another mistake: ignoring the rise measurement. H&M’s low-rise shorts sit about 2 inches below the natural waist. Old Navy’s mid-rise hits at the belly button. If you’re over 5’6″, H&M’s low rise creates a gap in the back. Check the rise measurement — not just the waist size — before buying online.
Here’s what to look for in the store:
- Button material. Metal buttons last longer than plastic. Old Navy uses metal. H&M uses coated plastic on most pairs under $30.
- Hem stitching. Look for a double-stitched hem. Single-stitch (common on H&M) frays by week three.
- Pocket bags. Thin pocket liners tear. Old Navy uses a thicker poly-cotton blend. H&M uses a thin polyester that ripped on one pair.
Buying rigid (non-stretch) denim in your true waist size and letting it break in naturally gives you a better fit than stretch denim that bagged out after lunch.
The Verdict: Old Navy Wins for Durability, H&M Wins for Style
I’m not going to pretend both are equal. They’re not. Old Navy’s rigid denim shorts (the “High-Waisted 5-Inch Short”) survived a full summer of bike commuting, beach days, and festival crowds. The H&M “Mom Short” in light wash looked great for two weeks, then the color faded unevenly and the hem started unraveling.
But H&M wins on trend. Their 2026 summer line includes a wider leg opening and a slightly longer 6-inch inseam that fits the current 90s revival look. If you want shorts that match this season’s aesthetic and you’re okay replacing them next year, H&M is the pick.
For everyone else — especially if you’re buying one pair to wear all summer — Old Navy’s 5-inch inseam in medium wash is the better value. It costs $3 more and lasts three times as long.
When You Should NOT Buy Either Brand
Both brands share one fault: they use cheap zippers. The fly zippers on two of my H&M pairs and one Old Navy pair started sticking after a month. If you plan to wear your shorts daily for a whole season, consider spending $10 more on a pair from American Eagle or Levi’s. Their zippers are YKK-branded and tested for 10,000 cycles. The difference in zipper smoothness alone is worth the upgrade.
Also skip both brands if you have thick thighs. Old Navy’s 5-inch inseam rides up. H&M’s 4-inch inseam cuts in. In that case, look for a 7-inch inseam with a straight leg — Gap or Target’s Goodfellow brand offer better cuts for bigger legs at similar prices.
And don’t buy either brand’s “distressed” shorts. The rips are pre-cut with a laser, which means they fray immediately. Within two washes, the holes double in size. A clean hem looks better longer.
How to Make Your Shorts Last the Whole Season
You can extend the life of any pair with three habits:
- Wash inside out on cold. Hot water shrinks the cotton fibers unevenly. Cold water keeps the weave tight.
- Air dry. The dryer heat breaks down the elastic in stretch denim and weakens the thread. Hang them over a shower rod. They dry in 4 hours.
- Spot clean stains. Use a damp cloth with a drop of dish soap instead of throwing them in the machine after every wear. Denim doesn’t need frequent washing.
I followed these steps with my Old Navy pair from last summer. They still look new. The H&M pair I treated the same way has visible wear at the cuffs and a loose button. The difference comes down to construction quality, not care routine.
Denim shorts under $30 are a gamble. Old Navy stacks the odds in your favor with heavier fabric and better hardware. H&M bets on looks over longevity. For Summer 2026, the smart money is on the brand that treats denim like a workhorse, not a disposable trend.
