A formula for well fitting shorts

[Thinkle]

To kick off this isn’t about age or size or cellulite, this is about silhouette and comfort.

I avoided the things for years and even now I find them the hardest item of clothing to buy. I have figured a few things out like shorter is often better even when I don’t have thin toned legs and I’ve never had a thigh gap, but I’m keen to hear your criteria for a good pair of shorts and why that works for you.

I prefer the shorter side of short.

In general I don't find shorts very flattering on me, and prefer dresses or coulottes for the summer. The odd pair I do have, though, are longer in length, slim fit and hit just below the knee.

But my question for both of you is why those styles work for you

Need to be long or I'm waddling like a cowboy after 5 minutes. My skin is very prone to chafing...

Don't care about the aesthetic, it's all about pain avoidance

But my question for both of you is why those styles work for you

I have toned legs, a pert bum, and my thighs don’t rub together.

Its also an item of clothing that eluded me for a long time.

I've settled denim or chino shorts - gap tend to do a good one - I feel I need the slightly tailored waist band compared to pull on one as I have a bit of a belly. I go shorter because anything longer just cuts my legs and makes them look shorter and dumpier, and I always sized up because I hate that look of tight shorts cutting into thighs when you sit down, so think boyfriend style jeans as opposed to slim.
And like jeans I think its often less of a shorts problem than a tops problem, I wear them with a baggy linen white shirt, as I don't find teeshirts or vests flattering.

Shorts are definitely the hardest thing to buy. I struggle to find any that fit well on both hip and waist (am quite hourglass, not ridiculously so though) If they are at all loose on the waist, I find they wiggle upwards as I walk. And I have to constantly tug them down

But they also need to be loose on the thigh to be flattering. I hate the bulge of thigh under fitted shorts as I walk.

@Zazdar I have to admit I’m very jealous I have none of these features

@randomsabreuse ouch, I’ve never experienced that (not sure why though) but I do have the thing where one of the inside legs rides up as I walk because I don’t have any kind of thigh gap. Because of that I need quite structured cuts or firm fabric.

@NameChangeNameShange it sounds like you have been on a similar ‘journey’ to me. In fact I once cut a pair of boyfriend jeans into the right type of shorts for me. The other reason to size up of course is wanting something looser in the heat.

One of the reasons I started the thread is because I have picked up some shorts that on paper I should hate, the inseam is longer than what I had thought was ideal for me but I think they look good. I’m trying to work out if I like them now because they are different to my others but in reality I won’t actually reach for them in summer.

@Aniita Asos do an 'hourglass' range for those whose waist is a size smaller than their hips. These look good www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-hourglass-denim-high-rise-vintage-fit-shorts-in-blue/prd/14639929

I think short shorts look better on all shapes and sizes. I think they flatter at that length. Anything past the knee makes legs look an odd shape and i think shorten the look of legs. Weirdly midi skirts don't make legs look weird!

Weirdly midi skirts don't make legs look weird!

That's a matter of opinion!

Weirdly midi skirts don't make legs look weird!

They make mine look weird. I don’t own any for that reason.

My favourite pair is from Hush (some years ago), well fitting but roomy (bf or gf cut I think). At full length, they come to just above the knee but I can roll them up. They just seem to work in most weathers. I have short, squat but muscly legs and agree with you that longer is not necessarily more flattering.

I don’t like myself in shorts much but I accept that sometimes practically they’re what I need to wear, I found Italian magic shorts a couple of years ago (google them) I wear them to my knee which I prefer, but they can be rolled up shorter.