As a mom constantly hunting for dance-appropriate shorts, these Amazon Essentials shorts were a game-changer. The built-in liner is EVERYTHING – no more awkward underwear lines during pirouettes! My 7-year-old (usually in 7/8 sizes) fits perfectly in the size 8 with room to grow.

The fabric surprised me – durable enough for daily PE yet soft like her favorite pajamas. We own the floral print pair that survived 3 months of camp, countless washes, and still looks vibrant. Pro tip: The 'swim short' material dries crazy fast when she inevitably spills juice mid-rehearsal.

Worth noting: Some reviewers mention missing liners in recent orders – ours came with them (ordered June 2023). The waistband stays put during cartwheels but isn't tight enough to leave marks. At this price point? I'd buy every pattern if they restocked Versailles print!

PSA for petite kids: Size down if between sizes. My niece (4T/5T) swims slightly in the 5T but the adjustable drawstring helps. These now outnumber her 'expensive brand' shorts in the laundry pile – the ultimate kid endorsement!