The 11 Most Flattering Shorts Even If You Hate Your Legs
by The Candidly Team
Ok stop. Just stop it. Your knees aren’t ugly. Your thighs aren’t ugly. Your ankles aren’t ugly.
You know why we hate all those things about ourselves?
Our mothers. Ok our mothers and magazines.
Mothers and magazines are why you won’t wear a dress shorter than a midi length. So today, we say no more. Perhaps our knees aren’t just not ugly, perhaps our knees are….cute? Perhaps when we see that outline of a pug’s face in our knee dimples we will think “awwww” instead of “ewwwww.”
And then again? Perhaps we won’t. And that’s also fine. Which is why some of these shorts absolutely cover the knee. You go at your own pace, bb.
1. The Linen Shorts That Snatch The Waist
Gap 365 High Rise Linen-Blend Shorts
A tailored short is pretty genius because every detail makes it flattering on curves: the high waist, the smart pleating, the ideal not-too-long and not-too-short length. It’s like your best-fitting pair of pants … just shorts.
And if you like something a little longer on the leg, THESE are equally skimming.
Price: $50
2. The Jean Shorts That Aren't Booty Or Bermuda And Are Therefore Perfect For Us Over-40 Ladies
The Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Short
SO high waisted, SUCH generous leg holes. The length is perfect to give you full bum coverage without being a frump fest. Madewell is just doing some very smart things with shorts. And the size range is amazing. Go look at all the styles! They’re all good.
And once again, if you require a bit more length that still reads cool and classic, try THESE.
Price: $78
3. The Magic Fabric Shorts That Are Excellent On Curves
The Colette Shorts by Maeve: Magic Fabric Edition
We have been talking non-stop about how magical the pants version of these shorts are. They’re made from the stretchiest, most smoothing material. The pockets in front are perfect on belly pooches, and the legs go out just enough to make us feel like we have enough comfort and coverage. They come in plus, petite, and a handful of colors, 3 of which are currently in our cart.
Price: $80
4. The Best Budget Shorts
Gap Factory 4" Mid Rise Pull-On Linen-Blend Shorts
Easy linen shorts that give you great shape are just a necessity in the heat. Especially with a pull-on elastic waist. These come in many colors and striped versions colors and size up to XXL.
Price: $28
5. The "Cool Girl" Skort Cause Skorts Are Cool Now
The A&F Scarlett Curve Love Mini Skort
Truth is 90% of the time, we prefer a skirt to shorts. Skorts make it possible for us to wear cute little skirts without fear. They’re fancy enough to wear to a nice party, the office, or out to dinner. It’s kind of a new world my friends. This one from Abercrombie comes in lots of colors/ prints and is made for curves.
Price: $60
6. The easy Utility Shorts
Everlane The Utility Short In Buttersoft
These are the comfy, classic shorts for those of us who live in whisper soft white tees and perfect-fitting tanks and skin-toned, leather flips. The ringleader of this effortless style is Jennifer Aniston. And you just can’t go wrong channeling Jennifer Aniston.
Price: $88
7. The Chic, Trouser Shorts
Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Shorts
For the sophisticated among us who wear shorts with chic white button-downs, dark sunglasses, and luxe, leather sandals. But oops, the only cost $40.
Price: $40
8. The Most Comfortable Shorts On This List That Come In 3 Lengths
Cozy Earth Women's Bamboo Ultra-Soft Bermuda Shorts
The same exquisitely soft fabric mentioned above, but we love that this pair has a nine-inch inseam, so we feel cool and breezy, while also getting a little more leg coverage. Get 30% off using the code CANDIDLY.
Price: $85 - $115
9. The I'll Never Ever Care To Show My Knees Shorts That Are Somehow Very Cute
Free People Lucca Culotte Shorts
Elastic waistband for max comfort but structured fabric so you could almmmmmost wear them with like a loafer and a blazer if you believe in “formal shorts.” Click in to witness the darling orange gingham pattern if nothing else.
Price: $50
10. The Smoothing, Buttery Bike Shorts
Beyond Yoga Spacedye Team Pockets Biker Short
Do we personally love bike shorts? No. In fact we wrote a SCREED about it here. Do bike shorts work for some people? Yes. And a HIGH RISE is truly genius. And there’s none better than this one which is wildly size inclusive. Oh and the colors. *Chef’s kiss.* You literally will not believe how flattering these are. Or how comfortable.
Price: $72
11. The Shorts Everyone Keeps Telling Us Look And Feel Incredible On
Anthropologie The Kit High-Rise Utility Shorts by Pilcro
Glides over your butt. Nips you in at the waist. Excellent for thick thighs.
Price: $98
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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