How to Choose the Best Shorts for Your Body Type
Our top tips to finding the perfect pair
Nothing screams “Warm weather is here!'“ more than a great pair of shorts. And while I love my favorite pairs, finding them was not easy. White, hairy legs and all I try on pair after pair until I find that just-right cut. I don’t wear shorts enough to warrant too many pairs, so 1 or 2 of the perfect fit get me through the summer. Here’s how to simplify the process and find your perfect pair quickly — and save some of your time and money for a great pedicure!
How Short Should My Shorts Be?
These are my shortest pair! They are just long enough to cover and are perfect for hot casual days at the beach or pool.
Shorts should end at the slimmest part of the leg to slim the entire legline. If you prefer to widen and round out a lean leg, end shorts at a wider part of the leg. It is easier (and still relevant) to describe it using a wide muscular calves. When we end a crop pant straight across the middle of the calf the horizontal line created highlights and widens the area, giving the illusion that the entire leg is that same width. When we instead end just below the calf on the slimmer part of the shin we highlight this slim area and create a look of slimness above and below.
End shorts and capris at slimmest part of the leg to slim the whole legline
No matter where you are wider or narrow where you end your pant or shorts will determine the area you highlight. To slim the thigh, end shorts above or below the wider thigh area. To slim the area above the knee, draw the eye up to a slimmer area at the low thigh. So go ahead and choose a length that works for your lifestyle and use these tips to make it work. Click the photo to shop these looks…
The easiest way to see how long shorts are at the store? Flip them over and look at the inseam (from seam to bottom of leg). With today’s higher and lower rises it can be deceptive on the hanger. Have a length you love? Measure their inseam and bring a tape measure to the stores!
How Wide Should My Shorts Be? Frayed
Loose wide cuts that flare off the thighs or blouson at bottom will make thighs look smaller and slimmer because of the difference in proportion. A wide short also tends to create less of a sharp horizontal line as mentioned above. (In general, horizontal lines draw the eye side-to-side and widen any area.)
A simple straight cut that glides straight off the hip without flaring out or curving in will neutralize the the curve of the hip creating a sleeker less curvy look.
A fitted, slim cut that curves in towards the bottom around hips and thighs will show off and enhance curves. Click the photos to shop these looks…
Let’s Talk Cuts
Beyond the length and width consider the cut across the bottom. A straight horizontal cut will accentuate and widen any area where it hits. A diagonal cut (in either direction) not only removes the horizontal but actually has a slimming effect created by moving the eye more up and down. In fact, any horizontal details will also widen the area. Things likes cuffs or decorated hems. Click the photo to shop these looks…
The rise on your shorts also has a big impact on the overall look…
A higher rise elongates the leg by creating the illusion that the legs “start” higher up on the body. A high waist can also create a smaller waist by hitting closer to the natural waist, which is often the narrowest (and draws the eye away from the low stomach “pooch” area!). Find your natural waist by standing up straight and bending to the side — the place where you kink is the natural waist.
A low rise short will shorten the leg line but does elongate and therefore slim the midsection. It will also draw the eye to the midsection with it’s horizontal line across your middle. This look is great if you are short waisted and struggle to accentuate a great waist, and of course creates lots of sexy skin-baring when worn with a crop.
A mid rise if the go to for most people because of it’s versatility and flattering ease. No two mid rise are exactly the same height, so choose a pair that leans in favor of your unique proportions. Short legs? Opt for the higher mid rise if you find high rise too cumbersome. Short waisted and feel like your shorts are about to hit your bust? Opt for a slightly lower mid rise so you don’t lose the waist and throw off your proportions.
The Science of Styling Shorts
Last thoughts… elongating the legs.
Matching a pair of shorts that compliment your figure with some wedges or flatforms will make your legs look longer and leaner. It will also dress up the look.
Choose a shoe that matches your skin tone to further elongate the leg line.
A shorter short naturally creates a longer look to the leg. For a more conservative look, opt for a longer short that still hits at a flattering place on the leg, or pair a short short with a flat or sneaker.
If you are tall remember while you are shopping that proportionally a short inseam will look even shorter on you.
Do you still need a pair of shorts you love wearing all summer long? Let us help you find the perfect match for your body type and lifestyle.