Which are the best shaped shorts for your body shape and proportions (cos they both matter)?
- Body shape gives you the best shape or silhouette.
- Body proportions tells you how long the shorts should be to flatter your gams.
The guidelines for flattering shorts shapes is really the same as for flattering skirt shapes.
Which Are Your Best Short Shapes?
So if you have a fit and flare body shape (A shape, V shape, X shape and I shape) then you want shorts that sit at your waist and the legs flare a little. Watch this quick video guide now.
If you have a straighter shape (H, shape, 8 Shape, O shape, I Shape) - one that suits straight skirts, then go for shorts that are fitted to your legs rather than flare out. Watch this quick video guide now.
Choosing the Ideal Length of Your Shorts
This is related to your body proportions
- Shorter Legs - go for shorter shorts rather than knee length ones - and make sure that your shoes are lower vamp too for the longest pins.
- Longer Legs - go for mid-thigh or longer shorts.
- Balanced Legs with Body - then go for mid-thigh or just the narrowest point on your thighs.
Tip for All: No matter the length of your legs - yours shorts should end on a narrower part of your thigh - so check out in the mirror where your narrower points are and either hem or fold up the shorts so that they and at this point for ultimate flattery.
Not sure of your body shape?
Take my free body shape calculator quiz here and then download your body shape bible which gives you the tips you need to select flattering clothes silhouettes for your body shape.
Not sure of your body proportions?
You can find out how to measure your body proportions here and figure them out.
If you'd like an objective professional opinion about your body shape and proportions, then join my 7 Steps to Style program so that you can get my professional advice (plus you'll also discover your ideal colour palette and so much more) - it's the style education you need to feel more confident and empowered when you shop, and stop wasting money on all the wrong clothes. Find out more now!
More Tips on Choosing and Wearing Shorts
I feel like when it comes to short it’s about more than just body proportion. The rise is also decisive for people who don’t have a thigh gap and don’t care for the short bunching between the thighs.
Have now given up on shorts and wear knee length skirts instead. So much cooler.
Hello there, I agree with you on the point in which you’re saying that your shorts should end on a narrower part of your thigh to look more flattering. The right selection of shorts really helps in feeling more confident and empowered. Keep sharing.
Imogen, thank you so much for posting this! As an 8 shape, my thigs are skinny and it’s very hard to find shorts that don’t flare out on my legs (or look like they flare out on my legs). When I saw the video, I realized that I’ve been actually choosing the right shorts for my legs, (I always buy slim Bermuda denim shorts knowing that my shorts need to be fitted) although I could go shorter because my legs are shorter. I guess being on the verge of 49 I wasn’t sure what short length is appropriate, so I’ve always gone longer with my shorts. I had resigned myself to the fact that 8 shapes just can’t wear shorts. Thank you for all the visual displays of shorts for all body types! Now I can be excited about buying new shorts in a few months instead of dreading it and picking the wrong ones.
Thanks for the tips! I’m ready for spring. Then, summer will not be far away. Time to start thinking about warm-weather clothing.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com