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Original poster

Where to buy shorts if you have big thighs?

35 replies

CarPour · 17/07/2023 17:46

As the title. I have big thighs compared to the rest of my body and I struggle so much with shorts that fit.

My waist is about a 10, but my thighs are probably more a 14. If I buy a 10 they won't fit my thighs. A 12 often is still too tight on the thing and then a 14 is absolutely massive and falls down, but at least my thighs are comfy.

What I want is shorts that are roomy in the thigh region and reasonably high waisted. I don't have bad legs, just big so I don't mind if they are short but Id prefer them to cover the tops of my thighs. Help me MN! I've tried so many varieties of short and I just end up hating them, but I want to wear shorts in summer!

OP posts:
Original poster
CarPour · 17/07/2023 17:48

Essentially I want shorts that are triangle in shape rather than straight up and down. But a lot of pictures make them look like that and I try them on and yet still no thigh room. Please help!

OP posts:
CountryStore · 17/07/2023 17:50

Could you get shorts that are made for women who left weights, maybe? There must be a company that caters to them?

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 17/07/2023 17:51

My thighs are definitely a 16, my waist more of a 14. I must have tried 12 or more pairs of shorts earlier this summer, until I found these beauties Brakeburn shorts.
You may need to channel your inner David Attenborough!

Soontobe60 · 17/07/2023 17:52

You need drawstring waist styles like these
https://www.next.co.uk/style/st349504/d46540#d46540

That way, you can pull the waist cords tight enough, and the legs wont be tight on your thighs.
Avoid denim or other thick fabrics. Failing that, go for cycling shorts!

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https://www.next.co.uk/style/st349504/d46540#d46540

LilyAndTheKing · 17/07/2023 17:53

Ooh I've just bought a pair of shorts from Bon Marche and they are very wafty/ roomy in the thighs. Almost feels like a skirt with legs stitched up the middle. I'll find a picture, hold on.

Original poster
CarPour · 17/07/2023 17:56

Soontobe60 · 17/07/2023 17:52

You need drawstring waist styles like these
https://www.next.co.uk/style/st349504/d46540#d46540

That way, you can pull the waist cords tight enough, and the legs wont be tight on your thighs.
Avoid denim or other thick fabrics. Failing that, go for cycling shorts!

The problem with this is they still need to be roomy for my thighs because if I buy too big a waist and cinch it I get a big pouch of fabric at the front!

OP posts:
LilyAndTheKing · 17/07/2023 17:57

Mine are similar to these

Where to buy shorts if you have big thighs?
Original poster
CarPour · 17/07/2023 17:59

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 17/07/2023 17:51

My thighs are definitely a 16, my waist more of a 14. I must have tried 12 or more pairs of shorts earlier this summer, until I found these beauties Brakeburn shorts.
You may need to channel your inner David Attenborough!

They don't have my size 😪

OP posts:
grisen · 17/07/2023 18:57

SKIMS. Trust me.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 17/07/2023 21:37

Niftythrifter · 17/07/2023 18:54

Did you mean to post maternity wear?

Soontobe60 · 17/07/2023 23:15

CarPour · 17/07/2023 17:56

The problem with this is they still need to be roomy for my thighs because if I buy too big a waist and cinch it I get a big pouch of fabric at the front!

Show quote history

I am the same measurements as you, buying a size 16 will be fine.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 17/07/2023 23:34

There are a few high waisted shorts around. I have a narrow waist and chunky of thigh and these have been good purchases as they are all pretty loose in the thigh:
mango
Zara denim
Zara linen

MrsJellycat · 18/07/2023 00:23

Those Bon Marche shorts are beyond awful. Surely no one would seriously wear them?!

OP, next used to do a Curve range of shorts and jeans for those that are pear shaped. They might still do them?

justasking111 · 18/07/2023 00:53

Mens shorts?

justasking111 · 18/07/2023 00:54

My DS big rugby player has big thighs. We treat him to Spoke shorts

Niftythrifter · 18/07/2023 05:19

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads no, just realised they are maternity. I just typed in paperbag shorts and they came up. Didn’t click on all of the details. No offence was meant but I think paperbag as a concept might work.

LostWithoutDottyP · 18/07/2023 06:34

Fat face shorts with belt loops work for me.

Crimblecrumble1990 · 18/07/2023 06:42

MrsJellycat · 18/07/2023 00:23

Those Bon Marche shorts are beyond awful. Surely no one would seriously wear them?!

OP, next used to do a Curve range of shorts and jeans for those that are pear shaped. They might still do them?

Apart from the person who kindly suggested them to the OP in case they worked for her?

Rina66 · 18/07/2023 06:54

If you like more of a floaty shirt than a structured one, these are great, deep shirred waist so no muffin top, pockets and a good length...they come in lots of colours. I wear mine over swimming costumes and bikinis too.

https://manamou.co.uk/products/floaty-shorts-khaki?pos=2&&sid=97aadf00e&ss=r

Original poster
CarPour · 18/07/2023 08:58

THankyou everyone for your suggestions! I'm going to try a few and see what works

OP posts:
Original poster
CarPour · 18/07/2023 09:00

Soontobe60 · 17/07/2023 23:15

I am the same measurements as you, buying a size 16 will be fine.

Show quote history

I find with a 14 there's too much fabric at the top and it looks silly so not sure how a 16 will help? A 14 is fine on the thighs but I just get a big collection of fabric around the waist

Maybe I just need to get a bigger size and get it taken in at the waist?

OP posts:
Mammillaria · 18/07/2023 09:07

Not quite what you asked for, but Zara have lots of short a-line skorts at the moment. I have a couple and they are more a-line than the online photos would suggest.

I can't find the 2 I have, but this one is similar
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/animal-print-skort-p02298222.html

Failing that, low and mid rise styles seem to be back in fashion again, so that might be an option?

LondonLovie · 18/07/2023 09:09

Lots in cos that are more triangle shape, loads about at the moment because longer, more flared is in fashion. I also have some elastic waist ones from Albray which have more space for the thighs