Cute but comfortable. Trendy but not tacky. The best shorts for curvy women cover all the fashion bases and pay attention to silhouettes that flatter. You can go short short to draw attention to great legs. You can relax into a midi length and high waist. Curvy women find stretchy fabric adds an extra element of ease and comfort to shorts, while denim is your BFF for classic and distressed styles. Finding the silhouette that works with your body type will put you ahead of the fashion game.
If you’ve got curves, a structured pair of denim shorts with flattering details such as buttons, ruffles or slits is just what your stylist ordered. A high waist shows off the slimmest part of your curvy figure. Women with the classic hourglass figure of rounded hips and small waist should look for a silhouette that cinches in at the waist before fanning out. Hourglass goddesses should belt their cutoffs or tuck in their tops.
The woman who has an apple shape of a round shoulder line and good legs will find a slouchy style with a frayed hemline a good bet. You’ll feel most comfortable and look your best in denim that’s not skintight but a little loose. If your hips are slightly broader than your waist, you’ll show off your pear shape and look great in short cutoffs with exposed pockets. A higher hemline creates the illusion of longer legs, while your upper thighs will get a bit more coverage from the exposed pockets.
Denim Midi Short, $25, ae.com
One reviewer who calls herself a “curvy chick” praised these denims as an excellent fit. She said they’re long enough to prevent “chub-rub” but short enough to stay out of the Bermudas zone. The denim material is thick enough to make these the perfect white summer shorts (not see-through!) but stretchy. They won’t bind your thighs in a tight squeeze.
Curvy High-Waisted Short Short, $30, ae.com
Say goodbye to waistband gapping and sizing up. These curvy shorts treat you to a flattering high-waisted fit that’s super soft, super comfortable and flexible without the prospect of stretching out over time. They won’t bag out. Ever.
3” Chambray Drawstring, Short, $16.50, jcrew.com
These will be your new “go to” summer shorts. They fit true to size and are loose enough to wear just below the waist; but they’re not baggy. These are light weight, comfortable and easy to wear. They combine the put together look of jeans with the comfort of an elastic waist. Hint: One reviewer who is 5’5” and 160 pounds who had just had a baby said she ordered a medium and they were an excellent fit.
High-Waisted Denim Midi Short, $35, ae.com
Great fit and perfect length! Not too short, not too long. These shorts are trendy but also appropriate (i.e. They cover your behind.) If short shorts are just a bit too short for you, these midi shorts are just the right length to cover your rear and still show off your legs!
Curve Chino Short with Double Pleats, $29, asos.com
These chinos are good to go wherever your summer day takes you. The high waist and double pleats strike a fashionable note. Trendy and comfortable is what we’re talking here.
Bermuda Short, $80, eloquii.com
These fit the bill perfectly if you need shorts to wear to the office. Material, length and fit are standouts and the elastic waistband makes for total comfort. Accents include an adjustable self-tie belt and two pockets.