Best styles of shorts for heavy legs

[RedRobyn2021]

I have heavy legs and big calves and ankles, I haven't worn shorts since I was a child.

I'm sick of being hot I want to buy a pair of shorts, please give me your fashion wisdom

Im a size 12-14

Firstly, any style! Wear what you want and embrace it we all have different bodies! However as someone with chunkier thighs I always perfect wearing looser shorts and find they compliment me more. I like paper bag style shorts or mom style denim shorts! Even cycling shorts with an oversized tee xx

@Hopeful1992 thanks for the advice, I'm really trying to be more like that. I've got hang ups about my legs from my mum and my daughter has inherited the same legs as me, I don't want her to feel the same way so trying to overcome it! 😊

I have the same legs as you. I have just bought my first pair of shorts in years. They're Uniqlo linen mix shorts, £19.90. They're really comfy, but size up so they're nice and loose.
With larger legs you need shorts that have nice wide legs so you don't look like you have sausages in a case. Anything loose and floaty is good.

I have sturdy legs too and didn’t wear shorts for years until I started to figure out what I needed to look for. Agree relaxed/loose fit around the thighs and also if possible a bit of an angle or cut out at the side (think 80s running shorts) seem to elongate.
Cos have some nice relaxed fit denim shorts but my new favourites are my Hot Shot Harem shorts from Free people.
I think shoes also make a difference too and I avoid trainers and anything that straps anywhere near the ankle. So mainly go for slides/birks/Menorcan sandals.

I carry all my weight on my thighs so find shorts difficult too. Not because I care about how they look, but because they can be uncomfortable! If they're too short I get chub rub and longer ones in straight styles dig in around the thighs.

I have found that linen shorts from Boden are the answer. They do a choice of lengths and they are cut wider than most shorts. Expensive, but as I have one pair I live in all summer quite good value in £ per wear.

I am also similarly afflicted in the thigh area and second Boden linen shorts.
I am 5'6" and I have the middle length ones as the longer ones made me look like an 80 year old golf player from Florida !
The mid length are very flattering.

What about no shorts and wear a short dress or skirt instead? No need to worry about coordinating a top, or tucking it in/out.

There are a few recommendations for Boden linen shorts on here. Which style do you find flattering (there are a few variations)? thanks.

Same. It's a nightmare.

I normally look terrible in shorts but have now ordered Boden pleated linen shorts on the back of the recommendations on here !
Will they be the holy grail of shorts ?
Will report back thanks for the thread OP

The key things I find are that the shorts are not too tight to your legs, they need to be loose or flare out slightly. The length is also important, they need to sit mid thigh where your thighs are slimmest. Too long looks frumpy.

I am large of thigh and calf and my legs are short in comparison to my height. Ive just started wearing shorts at 40. Agree that nice and loose is the key and shorter rather than longer as the longer the shorts the more it seems to accentuate the pad of fat on the insides of my knees. Ive got some relatively high waisted levis that show off that my waist is decent , they probably make my bum look huge, but I try not to think about that

@TheStarofCountyDown
I have the pleated linen shorts if that helps .

Ahh I have the answer to this!! Hang on...

H&M have some really nice loose cheesecloth cotton shorts at the moment, they're comfy and cool and loose fitting on the leg with a flattering curved hem

I have last year's version of these, from M&S:

www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-high-waisted-shorts/p/clp60539373?extid=ps_ps-bpla_ggl_ww_ch__-UK-_-_baussc&gclid=CjwKCAjwquWVBhBrEiwAt1KmwkfuJIUPHTU95jfV36mnSy9koSUYaTSyM_mxNX_7v8tqhfoT0hQ3VRoCyWQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The chambray colour is really lovely but I have them in black too. They're a good length (longer than average but not bermuda style...I have a horror of tight knee-length shorts 😱), have pockets and an elasticated waist. Last year's didn't have a drawcord but these seem to have. Worth looking on Vinted/eBay for last year's actually (that's where I got mine). They're SO comfy and just seem to be a flattering, stylish shape and length on me, and that doesn't always happen with shorts! Having said that I am a big shorts advocate - you can do anything in shorts!!

Thank you OP- you literally described my body, my issues, my size.
following!
i wish I could wear denim shorts, with slim legs- effortless chic- Alas not gonna happen!

The Hush denim shorts are pretty loose on the leg

Thank you spagbog5

A dress! Shorts aren't cooler - all that material up in your crotch , sweaty , sweaty and then you have the issue of what you wear with it.

@SkeletonFight

I have two words to say on the matter of skirts-CHUB RUB .

I love dresses/skirts but have to wear chub rub shorts under them so sometimes normal linen shorts are lovely for a freer feel !

Mom fit would be best. High well fitted waist, slightly baggy around hips and thighs and short in length (above min thigh). I think all legs look best in short shorts.

Deodorant inside your thighs is your answer for chub rub. Roll on works but I find the 'stick' creamy ones work best. Life changing.

flared out ones are best. And a sandal with a v that elongates. My legs look much better when I wear my flip flops. And fake tan!

I have fat thighs and have just bought shorts from M&S, they're cheap at £12.50, and look more like a divided skirt than shorts. They look (reasonably) fine paired with a fairly long floaty top.