Alternative to shorts for hot weather

[Atissue123]

So I do not like my legs! I’m not overweight (9st2lb, 5’5) but my legs aren’t a great shape and my knees aren’t great and I’m out of shape not very toned currently. I am slim overall and therefore legs look better clothes in my opinion! I do wear shorts when I have to (eg cycling). I’ve never liked my legs but when fit and toned they were acceptable!

But I’m going on holiday somewhere very hot (33 degrees) we will be spending time in a city / walking about a lot and I don’t really want to get my pasty chubby legs out! Often I think who cares but on this occasion I do care as will be with some friends and colleagues. When by the pool I won’t care (will just be with family then).

Anyone have any stylish, cool, flattering alternatives? I just look better in stuff that’s below the knee. But it’s gonna be hot…and I’ve got to walk about and ‘do stuff’ so needs to be practical. Eg linen jumpsuit? Culottes? Just wondering if anyone has found anything nice recently.

i am 42. Usually shop in Hush, Nobody’s child, Sezane, Oliver bonas type places and sometimes M&S or H&M

Nobody's Child has some lovely linen trousers, I've bought two pairs for the summer. They have a few different types so you could try a few out.

Also adding a photo as my husband says I’m mad not wearing shorts. Maybe I am? Looking at photos and thinking maybe I should just get a spray tan and not give a fu*k. I guess they’re only going to get worse with age - probably! The thigh is rather flabby which I don’t think the photo shows very well. But I guess maybe long shorts and a tan = problem less of an issue. But when I wear long shorts I feel it makes my knees look even worse.

i do realise this is a pretty minor problem in life! Worrying about wearing shorts. I would not share IRL!

Cropped or 3/4 length trousers/jumpsuits/culottes/skorts.

Your dh is right. And he's probably the only person outside your own head who actually looks at your knees or cares about them. And from the sound of it he likes them just as they are.

Honestly, your legs are fine (not sure what you’re seeing). If it makes you feel better get a spray tan.

Your legs and knees are fine! One of my legs is both of yours put together - and if it's hot I wear the damn shorts! Sod what everyone else thinks if they don't like they don't have to look!

Wear the shorts xx

Definitely wear the shorts. You have great legs. I hope you enjoy your trip 😀

I hope you read this and feel better - your legs are perfectly fine. You have a great pair of legs, and knees! Honestly when you are 85 years old you will regret not wearing the shorts at 42... you (like all of us) aren't getting any younger so it's now or never! Just wear some cute linen shorts, buy some fake tan and take your pretty legs on holiday and enjoy them!

I have to say your legs are fine. You should see my legs! Very nicely balanced shape wise. I don't even think you need a first tan although that always make everything look better!

But if you want something cool that covers you up, I wear these all summer:

www.forgottentribes.com/collections/harem-pants-uk/products/peacock-harem-pants-high-crotch

Super comfortable and cool and come in multiple colours. I get lots of compliments on them, even by my male dentist! Also means you don't need to worry about sun creaming your legs constantly. Very comfortable and practical.

*spray tan

Ok thank you all. I shall wear the shorts (and spend the money on a tan!)

What?? Omg you've got lovely legs, seriously.

Thanks @INeedToClingToSomething i do like the harem pants style. I wore loads of that sort of thing in my 20s when travelling and loved it. In fact thinking back I was quite a bit bigger then and didn’t care. Not sure why I’m bothered now. I’ve been ill for a few years and not able to exercise properly so I think I just feel untoned but actually I’m realising nobody cares and it’s fine. But yes harem pants are a good idea especially as I hate the creaming of legs as you have reminded me.

@INeedToClingToSomething what are those trousers like for size? I like them but I'm right on the boundary size wise.

You have lovely legs! I think you'd look nice in anything summery. Maybe just go to the shops and try lots of things on and see what makes you feel good.

OP your legs knees etc. are absolutely fine, but you are you.

I use men's shorts (day) and swim shorts (pool), the legs are longer and the ordinary (day) ones have great secret pockets too.

I'm old though and don't give a F. If it's any use to you I have used light tapered jersey trousers full length. They are brilliant and despite being full length the tapering means they have plenty of room around the waist and thighs and it lets the air in! So comfortable and this is in weather in the 30s degrees. Wash and go and no ironing either! Something like this....

Jersey Drawstring Tapered Trousers | M&S Collection | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

Three quarter length trousers look so daft (to me). I think they make me look ridiculous, so it's either knee length or full length, no in betweenies!

You probably have better legs than everyone else on the trip. Wear the shorts

You've got a great pair of pins, wear the shorts. If you're really uncomfortable in yourself, I wore billowy linen maxis in Rome in very hot, humid weather with comfort shorts or using eg https://beyouonline.co.uk/products/anti-chafing-cream?variant=30389899427891 which was brilliant and I was really comfortable and cool.

OP, it's only you that's looking.

I have (had) half decent legs, but thanks to five pregnancies I now have varicose veins that make my legs look like a map of the London Underground. But, guess what? I wear shorts and nobody has recoiled in horror yet.

Enjoy your legs. They are fine.

I think your legs look fine, op.
Try shorts of different lengths to see if that feels any better. I found that actually shorter shorts looked better on me (to my horror as didn’t want to reveal more flesh! 😆).

Your legs are fine, the insecurities sound like body dysmorphia which is very difficult to live with so I'm sure for you they feel very real. To an outsider your legs look perfectly average and normal. Take culottes and wide trousers in linen or viscose or bamboo just in case you feel too vulnerable and fragile.

ok I’m taking the advice. Will wear the shorts! DH will be pleased 😂.

I have remembered when young my mum told me my legs weren’t my strong point and I’ve remembered that for my whole life. She is otherwise a lovely person but that statement stayed with me forever. And also she has great legs so I always thought I’ll just keep mine away! Ridiculous I’m realising now.

@TheAmpleBiscuit definitely not body dysmorphia but thanks for the concern. I actually have a very positive self image overall. I know I am blessed figure wise and always have been / in proportion etc. clothes always fit me well but I just never liked my knees out of clothes but I’m realising nobody cares and it’s fine.

thanks for the tips all!

@Neverwrestlewithapig i actually think this might be the case for me! The longer ones weirdly make them look more stocky. I’ll try a few types.

Your legs are gorgeous.
If I were you, I'd wear the shortest shorts I could, and wear some shoes with a bit of a block sole. Then your legs will look even more fabulous!

I couldn't not add, to say that your legs are great, and you should definitely wear the shorts with confidence. Have a great trip!