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A pair of shorts can turn everything around for your wardrobe. Depending on where you’re going, the right pair of shorts aren’t just comfortable, they’re sexy. But when it comes to choosing which shorts fit you best, there are so many styles and cuts to choose from, so it can be tricky to figure out which shorts work best for your body shape.
The good news is we have you covered! In this blog, I will help you out and show you how to put yourself in the best shape for your body. Whether you have a pear, hourglass, or straight shape, we’re breaking down the best short styles for every body shape.
1. Pear-Shaped Bodies: Use A-Line and High Waisted Shorts
If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips and thighs are usually fuller than your waist and shoulders. The key to the perfect shorts is to elongate your legs and draw attention to your waist.
Best Shorts for Pear Shapes:
- High-Waisted Shorts: High-waisted styles are great for drawing the eye towards how small your waistline is and your silhouette. Find a pair that is slightly loose through the thighs for a comfortable fit, but also for some more styling.
- A-Line or Pleated Shorts: Because these shorts flare out from the waist, they provide you the room in the thigh area, while still showing your curves. They are flattering and functional, but not overwhelmingly so, thanks to the pleats that give them body without taking your figure over.
- Tailored or Paperbag Shorts: A paper bag style with a tie belt or a tailored cut with a cinched waist will show off your curves naturally while making you look more streamlined through your hips.
Styling Tips:
- Put high-waisted shorts with a tucked-in blouse or fitted tank top to emphasize your waist.
- On the bottom side, opt for light-colored or patterned shorts to steer the conversation out of the thighs and create balance with dark-colored tops.
2. Apple-Shaped Bodies: Go for Flowy and Relaxed Cuts
If you are more of an ‘apple’ shape, you will carry the weight around the middle with a larger bust and smaller hips. The idea here is to make your legs and district any definitions where it needs it, while drawing attention away from your waist and towards a more balanced shape.
Best Shorts for Apple Shapes:
- Flowy or Relaxed Shorts: Opt for a loose fit around the waist and thighs when you’re seeking slouchy styles with loosened, relaxed shorts. They are these styles that are neither clingy to the waist, nor does it offer a lack of comfort.
- A-Line Shorts: The gentle flare takes shape without packing weight in the middle at the waist on A-line shorts. They also help balance out your proportions — especially with a fitted top.
- Bermuda Shorts: Bermuda shorts (knee length or slightly above) are a flattering choice for an apple-shaped figure as they do not call undue attention to your waist and still provide a structured slimming look.
Styling Tips:
- Balance: Pair loose shorts with a fitted or structured top, it will draw attention upwards, and to balance it you can pair it with a fitted or structured top.
- Wearing a blazer or cardigan with a well-fitted blazer or cardigan open can enhance definition and elongate you.
3. Hourglass Bodies: Fitted and Structured Shorts — Show Off Your Curves
A defined waist with balanced proportions between the bust and hips; the term refers to an hourglass shape. It’s all about loving your curves and finding shorts to complement your natural shape without being too tight or too loose for this body type.
Best Shorts for Hourglass Shapes:
- Tailored or Fitted Shorts: If you want shorts that don’t hang off the waist, you will want to look for shorts that are fitted around the waist and hips. These structures will show off your waist without going overboard on the hips.
- Paperbag Shorts: Those paperbag shorts are perfect for hourglass figures because the loose fit around the waist alongside the cinched belt accentuates the waist, yet still looks relaxed.
- Bermuda Shorts: For a modest option that’s still a little sexy, pair navy Bermuda shorts with a tailored crew neck (made for a body you want your guests to notice). It is just the right length to elongate your legs and express your curves.
Styling Tips:
- Pull your blouse or top towards your waist to attract attention to your curves or frame your waist! Don’t go for too loose tops that can overmask your shape.
- To emphasize your waist use accessories such as a belt, or wear tops with V necks that have very little break and are balanced by the rest of your body.
4. Rectangular or Athletic Bodies: Creating With Volume And Texture
If you have a rectangular or athletic body shape, your waist, hips, and shoulders are approximately the same width. Ways to create curves and define the waist so they look good on this body type are the key to styling shorts for this body type.
Best Shorts for Rectangular Shapes:
- High-Waisted Shorts with Frills or Ruffles: To create a more defined waist, high-waisted shorts that sit above the natural waistline will work. Manipulating the ruffles, frills, and pleats located at the hips will give your figure curves and shape.
- Cuffed or Rolled Shorts: Fuller hips can be “sleeked” with cuffed shorts with a little bit more volume at the hem. You can pair them with a fitted top in order to enhance your waist and make you look more hourglass.
- Cargo Shorts: The cargo shorts with pockets, plus a relaxed fit, can provide structure and volume around the hips, which brings about an illusion of balance to your body.
Styling Tips:
- Pull in your tops to have your waistline showing. Great for those with curves — tops with a slight V-neck or belted options.
- The bottom should be light, textured fabrics, and the top pair of lighter dark solids for contrast and shape.
5. Petite Bodies: If legs don’t work, go for Shorter, Fitted Styles That Elongate the Legs.
If you’re small, you don’t want your shorts to make you appear too big. Sliding the legs and finding styles that elongate the legs while styles that are too heavy are what the key is.
Best Shorts for Petite Shapes:
- High-Rise, Short Shorts: Shorts that make you look like you have high-rise legs can be done as shorts for petite bodies. Don’t get swamped with fabric so go for shorts that hit mid-thigh or just above the knee.
- Tailored and Slim-Fit Shorts: You’ll get shape but not dominate your body if you opt for fitted shorts that hug the waist and thighs. Find comfortable, but flattering options that are structured, but not too tight.
- Bermuda Shorts (but with a Twist): Bermuda shorts, just above the knee depending on your build (if you have long legs, they can work, but they have to be slim cut and not too wide to not shorten your legs) can work but just make sure they are slim. If you keep it loose and baggy then avoid it or look for options with a subtle hem or roll-up detail.
Styling Tips:
- High-waist shorts look best tucked in with a blouse or crop top to accentuate ladies’ waists and get legs longer.
- Continuing to elongate your frame, choose shoes such as strappy sandals, wedges, or ankle boots with a bit of heel to them.
Conclusion
Be it tall, short, too skinny, or too curvy, there’s a perfect pair of shorts for you. If you know your unique proportions and pick the right cuts to your own best features, you’re giving yourself the best chance of looking not only perfect but comfortable and stylish too. From denim with a high waist to breezy A-line, or even tailored Bermudas, the perfect fit is all in the proportions and balance, whatever you’re doing rocking. Do it; wear whatever you want, be you, love your body, and get out there in those shorts you feel fabulous in!