Shorts problems

anne

Just typed out this whole thing and lost it... ok starting again

I'd like your advice on buying some shorts for the very hot days of our Australian summer. I felt last summer that shorts were a wardrove hole. For "pleasant summer" I had clams and long shorts. but they don't cut it for me once it get above about 32.
I purged 2 old pairs of shorter shorts because they looked so unflattering - would always wrinkle around the leg crease.

For those who don't know what I look like, I have a pearish bottom half with short legs, chunky thighs and the widest point ( from the front) of my hips is actually a few inches down my leg

I had wondered about getting shorts in a flowy fabric but I don't really know what would be best and would love to hear your thoughts

Thanks in advance

11 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Kat

Veteran

I had some terrific mid-length (about 5" inseam, where an 11" inseam is bermuda length on me) linen shorts in a slouchy cut. I'll look to see if I can find a pic for you, but the fabric was great for the weather, I loved the slouch because I just can't do snug or stiff fabrication- like chino material or denim- when it is hot. For me, it was similar in coolness to wearing a linen skirt and I prefer shorts and pants to skirts so found it more comfortable. As it was linen, the creasing didn't bother me, but I don't know if the "creasing" would be an issue for you. And I've almost always got to have an inch or so taken in on waistbands because I've got a bit of a bum, so I can relate to your pear issues with shorts, but this pair (and many linen shorts I've seen) had an internal drawstring, so I could adjust as I needed to. Good luck!

ETA: couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, but here's a link to something similar http://www.vincecamuto.com/lin.....34305.html

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I have a similar figure and short shorts - for me anything under ~5-6" - is a no go. I do have a couple that length, preferably in twill or broadcloth because denim is just too hot, that I wear when the temps are high. Personally, once it gets to over 32C/90F, flattery is a secondary consideration and comfort is more important.

I agree that skirts can be a good option too. Surprisingly cooler and more comfy than shorts when it's hot.

11 years ago

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I do recall that there was a lot of scissoring going on earilier in our summer. The ladies cut up some of their pants they no longer loved and made shorts out of them. Perhaps you could thrift some pants with an eye to doing that if you can find anything decent pre-made?

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I like mid thigh shorts with wider leg openings (like the VC ones Kat linked). I don't like fitted legs on shorts because, like you, my thighs are chunky and I feel like a sausage with casing on the widest part! In a looser leg, your thigh looks smaller in comparison. If you don't like the appearance of creases you could try a patterned pair.

Oh, and I like linen or cotton blends. Denim is too hot, and poly-heavy fabrics are sweaty and sometimes itchy.

11 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

I would wear baggy short-shorts in a light fabrication if I had to cope with hot Australian summers. Looser is always better in the heat, and often more flattering, too. If short-shorts are not an option, I'm going to second what others have said about looser mid-thigh shorts in a linen blend. (Some linen blends are less prone to mad creasing than straight-up linen!).

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Oh, and one more thing. I always buy a size up in shorts. I like them baggy and it's cooler that way anyway.

11 years ago

Dee

Veteran

My shape sounds similar to yours, and I really enjoyed boyfriend shorts this summer (like the Gap ones below). They tended to be cut a little longer and looser, but could be rolled to whatever length and didn't cut across the thigh the way some styles do.

I do have a linen pair that hits mid-thigh with a wider leg opening, but I think the boyfirend shorts are more flattering on me.

Gap

Boyfriend roll-up shorts

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Top Pick

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I wore the Gap ones that Dee links to. They were terrific for really hot days and the length is adjustable.

I also have a pair of drapey sarong shorts from Zara but they were knee length on me (actually, just below the knee) so not what you are talking about.

11 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I have these, which are great for super hot weather:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....ategory-pe

I didn't wear them anywhere near as fitted as the model.

I think we have similar body types, at least the bottom half. I find that short shorts (3" inseam or so) and bermudas are good, and that everything in between is stumpifying. Bermudas work better tapered and a bit fitted - like slouchy skinnies cut off at the knee - and short shorts work best loose and flowy.

I am a lot more comfortable, psychologically, in bermudas, but when it hits 35 it's nothing but short shorts and tanks.

11 years ago

anne

Veteran

I knew you guys would have lots of good ideas . Thanks!
I do generally prefer skirts and above all dresses in that high summer weather but sometimes I'd like shorts too. Only one pair so I'm not going overboard.
I had never thought of linen or boyfriend shorts. Thanks again.

11 years ago

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