Shorts for the over 40s

[Llyn]

Can anyone offer me some advice on finding some flattering shorts? I tend to live in dresses all summer because I have never found a pair of shorts that didn’t make me feel hideous, but that’s not always very practical. I want them for camping/beach trips mainly, so for wearing with flip flops rather than heels.

I’m 5’ 3”, with an hourglass-ish figure. Big boobs and hips, and quite a big bum an arched lower back. I often find I need a drawstring or a belt or things gape at the back. Lockdown and Citalopram have also left me with a rounder than usual belly. I’ve gone up to a 12.

Should I go for short or long? Wide or fitted? Am I asking the impossible?!

I like Boden chino shorts and I am a similar shape to you but fatter
They come in a few lengths but don’t go for the longest or shortest ones

I look for a 5" leg on shorts (but I'm taller, so I don't know if that would be the same for you or too long?). I'm 46 now, and my legs are ok, but I tend to wear skirts/dresses now, and have a few pairs of denim shorts - I tend to buy in a slightly larger size as I like them to have a bit of movement on my thigh, not cut into me (especially when sitting down). I don't have them, but the Hush ones look good. I tend to buy my shorts abroad when in the US...

I'm 4ft 10 hourglass. The only shorts that look good on me are chino style to mid thigh. In the past I've got them from Fat Face, White Stuff and Gap.

Thanks everyone- seems to be a mid-thigh consensus. I’ll get looking...

Only short ones look good on me

Mid thigh or above knee make me look like an American pensioner on their way to the cruise ship

I am old (50) and curvy (size 12 with wide hips) but oddly shorter shorts (like the Hush Denim ones) work better for me

I'm over 40 and I wear whatever shorts I want. Mostly mid thigh length in dark colours , sometimes a play suit, sometimes short ripped denim shorts.
I wasnt ID'd when I bought them
I love shorts but I think I look awful in skirts.

Like Emma, I also wear them “loose”, not skin tight. Hanging off the hips iyswim

I'd recommend the Boden ones too. Try them in a few different lengths. Not sure if they're out yet but they do sell out in the popular sizes.

You need to try out different lengths to see what suits the shape of your legs. Longer shorts look really frumpy on me as they seem to sit on the widest part of my leg. Whereas something just slightly shorter looks so much better.

Ask if they flare out slightly rather than being straight I find that much more flattering.

I have a big bum too and think it’s hip width rather than curve that dictates what looks good in terms lf shorts. I have what I call a ‘double whammy’ bum - it’s wide and big. My legs are ok but my knees are slightly knocked, I have cellulite on my thighs, and no real calf definition.

For me wide legged or structured ‘city shorts’ or chino shorts that end mid-thigh look the best because you can see my whole leg. But if you have lovely calves you could go for wide bermuda length shorts.

@Fizbosshoes

I'm over 40 and I wear whatever shorts I want. Mostly mid thigh length in dark colours , sometimes a play suit, sometimes short ripped denim shorts. I wasnt ID'd when I bought them I love shorts but I think I look awful in skirts.

I take your point. Apologies for the internalised ageism!

I like these because they are quite dressy. They are also quite pricey.

I should say that I am tall though, I think that might make a difference to their wearability.

Oh, they look lovely midsomermurderess. I like the belt. But, yes, they’d probably look like too-short capri pants on me, and £120 is a bit out of my price range for knocking about the campsite!

www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350225707.aspx?docid=210021#srt=noSorting&shoppingtool=internalcampaign

I can never find decent shorts - placemarking!

I'm over 50 and still a shorts wearer. Like some others, unless they are fitted, longer ones can give me the dreaded "boy scout" look and are not flattering. Shorter ones look better. Also quite liking the trend for mid-thigh / above the knee cycling short styles.

My most flattering shorts are mid thigh (at the point the thigh starts to slim) and with plays at the front. I have paid from monsoon and la redoute and got the denim balloon shirts from Top Shop last summer. I also tend the bit them in one size larger so they sit on my hips and hand a littler liner than the manufacturers think they ought to.

I love wearing shorts. Chunky thighs mean dresses and skirts are uncomfortable to wear if I am walking in the heat. My calves, are one of my best features though, so I think that helps with the shorts.

I'll try that again!

My most flattering shorts are mid thigh (at the point the thigh starts to slim) and with pleats at the front. I have pairs from monsoon and la redoute and got the denim balloon shirts from Top Shop last summer. I also tend to buy them in one size larger so they sit on my hips and hang a little longer than the manufacturers think they ought to.

I love wearing shorts. Chunky thighs mean dresses and skirts are uncomfortable to wear if I am walking in the heat. My calves, are one of my best features though, so I think that helps with the shorts

Similar shape to you and found the chino shorts from Hush soooo flattering I just wish I’d found them earlier! I got them on the more generous side and they look great and are comfy, can dress up or down

www.hush-uk.com/stretch-cotton-chino-shorts-washed-black/001480-0456.html

I live in Gap chino shorts in the summer. I feel too old for skirts above the knee now but reckon I can pull off shorts above mid-thigh. The good thing about them is the turned up hem - you can spend a bit of time faffing with how many times you roll it up/how deep the turns are until you're satisfied.

My best shorts are fairly high as my thighs are actually not that bad. But loose, as I don't want anything to look squeezed!

I got a pair in Per Una a couple of years ago that were the most perfect denim shorts ever. Not sure if they bring them back every year or not.

Other than those, I've always found Next to be good, as they definitely do quite forgiving shorts that come in a couple of lengths I think.

They also do those linen shift dresses that are so popular every summer. Everyone should own one of those. Hide a multitude.

By the way, if anyone is hankering after those wonderfully flattering floaty ditsy print shorts we all wore in the 90s, I've noticed New Look have them back in at the moment.