The Best Shorts for All Shapes and Ages

Last updated on December 27th, 2021 at 10:41 pm

Summer is here and that means shorts wearing season is here too. But how do you know what style of shorts is best for you? We’re here to help with our guide to the best shorts for all shapes and ages. Whether you think you’re “too old” to wear shorts (spoiler alert: you’re not) or don’t like your legs, trust us, there is a style of shorts that works for everyone, including you! (Please note: as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases)

Selecting Shorts Based on Your Shape

Knowing your body shape can help you determine the best shorts style for you. If you’re not sure what your body shape is, we recommend this article on healthline.com. Check it out and then read on for the best shorts for all shapes and ages!

Shorts that hide muffin top
- Look for styles with a wide waistband
- No big pockets or pleats to draw attention to the area
- Mid- or high-rise that hits at your thinnest point
Best Shorts for Pear Shapes
- Go for bermuda shorts!
  - A hemline that hits lower on your thighs slims your legs and gives balance to your top half
- Try to draw the line above or beneath the hip line
  - This can be done by wearing a pair of high-waisted denim shorts, which highlights the narrowest point of the body, or a pair of slim-fitted bermudas.
Hourglass Shape
- Hourglass figures usually have fuller hips and busts and a smaller waistline
- Have fun experimenting with different styles – like high waisted shorts and a cropped top (and yes, you can pull it off!)
Best shorts for apple-shaped
- Rock those short shorts!
- Look for a pair that hits at your upper thigh, and avoid too tight shorts (unless those are your favorite, then rock it!)
- Look for shorts with minimal embellishments or studs, as the added bulk can be counter-intuitive
Boyish shapes
- A boyish body shape is categorized as one that doesn’t show as much curve around the midsection of the body, and a small bust line. To help you create the illusion of an hourglass figure, look for shorts that add bulk.
- High-waisted styles work well because they help to create waist definition and more balance to your shape

Jen’s Body Shape

Since the start of the pandemic, I know I’ve gained some weight. I don’t weigh myself because it’s not great for my mental state, but needless to say I need to look for some new shorts for the summer.

As far as my body-type goes, I don’t have a “shape”. I am a shape. And that shape is a rectangle. I’ve always been this way too, except my bustline is probably a little bigger now.

We spend a lot of time at the lake in the summer, so for the most part what I wear is pretty casual. We’re hanging out around the house, outside, or maybe with family.

Dianne’s Body Shape

I would classify my shape as an hourglass, based on the definition. That said, I do struggle with that “middle age belly”, so while I look at shorts for the hourglass shape, I do keep in mind the tips and tricks for hiding that muffin top. I find in the winter time I can hide those few extra pounds a little bit easier but wearing looser fit, tunic type tops. But that doesn’t work with shorts. So I have to be a little more creative with selecting my shorts/tops but I am always on the hunt for the best shorts for all shapes and ages.

Age and Shorts – Dianne’s Perspective

As far as age goes, I remember when my mom stopped wearing shorts outside of the house for several reasons. She got to a point where she felt “too old” and she also didn’t like the spider veins that started to appear. I am probably approaching the age she was when she stopped wearing them, but I don’t plan to stop, at least not for a little while. And not just from a fashion perspective – when it’s hot, I prefer to wear shorts!

I have made adjustments to the type of shorts that I wear. Wearing short shorts probably stopped in my 30’s and replaced them with a more mid-thigh length. I am only 5’3″, so I don’t feel that longer shorts, like bermudas look good on me. Through trial and error, I find that shorts with a 5″ – 6 inch inseam work best for my height (and my age). They are still youthful, but appropriate. They give me a longer leg and I will frequently wear nude sandals with shorts to make my legs look even longer.

I will admit to having a few spider veins, but I don’t worry about them too much. One of my favorite “tricks” in the summertime is to use Sally Hansen Leg Makeup. I’ve used it for years and I love it. I don’t use it for everyday wear, but for special events, I will make sure to use it. Jen and I also wrote an article on how to apply sunless tanners, which is also an option. But, I would recommend having the Sally Hansen leg makeup on hand because you can use it at a moments notice.

We’ve selected some of the best shorts for all shapes and ages below.

Jean Shorts: From Jen

For jeans, I go for mid-rise styles. Curvy style jeans that are meant to nip you in at the waist usually end up suffocating me a little.

For jean shorts, I’ve been on the lookout for baggier styles. Do you know the style I’m talking about? They’re intentionally baggy, but not like you bought a couple sizes too big. And they’re looser around the thighs, so your legs look skinnier. Super easy to find, right?

I need my jean shorts to be comfortable, a little on the looser side, and somewhere between a 3” to 5” inseam. I’ve also been looking for raw-edge jean shorts, instead of cuffed shorts.

American Eagle Denim Baggy Jean Shorts

Madewell Relaxed Denim Shorts
Madewell High-Rise Summerweight Shorts
Abercrombie Mid-Rise Mom Shorts

I have all these shorts on my want list, but I’m waiting 1. For a sale and 2. For when I feel comfortable trying them on in the store.

Paperbag Shorts: From Dianne

These are new for me this year. I wasn’t sure I could pull them off, especially with the higher waist. But remember that “belly issue” I referred to above? These do help with that. I have both the Simply Vera and the Target brand pair and I love them both. I especially love the “dressiness” of the ivory Simply Vera pair (as shown below). They are a little big longer than I am used to, but being able to wear a slight heel helps elongate the look.

Dianne Paperbag Shorts - Shorts for any age or body shape — “Simply Vera” Vera Wang Soft Paperbag Shorts

Kohl’s “Simply Vera” Vera Wang Soft Paperbag Shorts
Target “A New Day” Striped Paperbag Shorts
Loft Paperbag Denim Shorts

Bike Shorts – From Jen

I resisted bike shorts for so long (for no reason), and last year I gave in. I figured if I’m going to wear leggings, why not wear a shorter version when it’s hot out? Perfect for laying around the house.

Xhilaration Cotton Bike Shorts
Amazon Compression Biker Shorts
Aerie Bike Short

Sweat shorts – From Jen

I’m leaning into sweat shorts this summer. Probably won’t wear these out in public anytime soon, but like the sweatpants I wear every day right now, these could be in pretty steady rotation.

Aerie Sunrise High Waisted Short
Champion Women’s Sweat Short
MWL Breeze Drawstring Shorts

Classic Shorts: From Dianne

For everyday wear, I will usually go with a classic short in a twill or even seersucker. I especially love seersucker shorts, for some reason they remind me of summers in my youth. They are somewhat nostalgic for me.