How to pick shorts for your body type

Now that summer has arrived, you might be keen to update your wardrobe with some new shorts. However, if you’ve not purchased a pair in a long time and you’re not entirely sure which type will suit your body type, you might be stuck wondering what style to pick, or even what size you are.

At Chums, we believe that you should love the clothes you wear. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you work out which type of shorts you should go for this summer, as well as tips on how to work out your perfect fit.

What type of shorts should I wear?

First and foremost, it’s important to realise that when it comes to wearing any item of clothing, you should ultimately wear it because it makes you feel good. Your confidence and comfort should be your top priority, therefore you should dress however you want to.

That being said, sometimes it can help to know what type of clothing suits you best, especially when it comes to shorts. With so many different styles, cuts and lengths available, finding the perfect pair can be tricky. So, if you struggle to find shorts that look and feel great, we’ve taken a look at some of the most popular women’s and men’s shorts to help you determine which pair is the right fit for you.

High rise

High rise shorts, or high waisted as they are sometimes called, are often available for both men and women, and they offer both a flattering and stylish cut. The high cut of the shorts means that they sit at the highest part of your waist rather than lower down towards the hips. The style of these shorts means that they skim down over the stomach, which can be a comforting feature for some. For women, high rise shorts can help enhance a curvier, hourglass figure, while they can be equally flattering for men.

Cargo

Featuring multiple pockets for carrying your essentials and providing unbeatable comfort, there’s no denying that cargo shorts are a classic summer wardrobe staple. They are an especially popular item of clothing among men, yet it is possible to find stylish cargo shorts for women too. The loose fit of cargo shorts makes them a comfortable choice, and the lightweight fabric provides ease of movement and breathability. What’s more, cargo shorts are ideal for most body types.

Bermuda

Typically, Bermuda shorts offer extra length in the leg down to around the kneecap. They are often loose fitting within the leg, and they are often more fitted around the waist. The long line structure of Bermuda shorts means they are particularly flattering for those with tall, slim or athletic builds as the length of the short itself can help accentuate the leg to give an even longer and leaner appearance.

Denim

Denim shorts never seem to go out of style. Just like a pair of jeans, they are extremely versatile, making them a must-have summer staple for your wardrobe. This style is perfect if you prefer a short that’s a little more fitted, although it is possible to find denim shorts that have a looser fit too. Denim style shorts can be worn by both men and women, and there are plenty of different cuts to choose from. For example, shorter style denim shorts are ideal for short, petite women as they can help give the illusion of a longer leg.

How to determine shorts size

Once you’ve settled on a pair of shorts that you like the look of, you’ll next need to select your size. You might know exactly what size you are, but if it’s been a while since you’ve updated your wardrobe and you’re not quite sure which sizing to go for to guarantee the best fit for your body shape, it helps to know how you can determine this.

Find out below how to measure your shorts size.

How to measure shorts size

For both men and women, measuring your shorts size is similar to how you would measure for a pair of full length trousers, and the good news is that it is quick and easy to do.

Simply start by measuring your natural waistline at the height you would normally wear trousers. Alternatively, you could measure across the waistband of a pair of trousers you already own and fit you well, then multiply the measurement by two.

For women, it’s also a good idea to measure across your hips. You should take this measurement about 20cm below your natural waistline.

Once you have these measurements, you should be able to apply this against the clothing size guide provided by the retailer to establish what size you should purchase to ensure the perfect fit.

Posted by Stephen R on 05 July 2021

Stephen works with email and social media at Chums. He specialises in men’s fashion marketing.

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