Fashion Experts Told Me These 3 Things Are the Key to Finding Flattering Shorts

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

When it comes to summer clothing, shorts are often deemed to be the most anxiety-inducing subject. I, personally, am not confident about my legs and have avoided shorts for years. This has increasingly weighed on me with every cute outfit idea with shorts that I come across, further inspiring my mission to find the perfect pair. The variety of styles and fabrics alone is overwhelming—not to mention having to determine which of those endless options will not only flatter you most but also make you feel great while wearing them.

With this in mind, I reached out to three fashion experts at Agolde, Nordstrom, and Good American to have them weigh in on the never-ending search for flattering shorts. The main takeaway was that you should always go for a pair that you feel your best in. However, there were three helpful tips that the experts gave that are the key to finding the shorts that are the most flattering for your shape and size.

Keep scrolling to read their recommendations and to shop a variety of shorts that fit the bill.

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(Image credit: Agolde)

"The thigh area should have some ease to it and sit away from the leg, especially at the outseam/outer thigh area. At Agolde, we always create a 'V' shape at the bottom opening that is a bit longer at the inseam and shorter at the outseam to help create a flattering shape that is elongating at the thigh. I think a slightly longer inseam in shorts makes them a bit more wearable and comfortable but still modern and sexy at the same time."

Shop Shorts With a Longer Inseam and Shorter Outseam

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(Image credit: Good American)

"One thing to look for in a pair of shorts is how they fit your body and how they make you feel. At Good American, we never sacrifice fit and style for the sake of inclusivity, and we are all about making women feel confident in our denim, and shorts are no exception. I love high-waisted denim, so I'm a fan of our Good Icon shorts, which we've redesigned this season to be vintage inspired yet still flattering on every body."

Shop High-Waisted Shorts

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(Image credit: Nordstrom)

"Don't underestimate an elastic waistband. There are so many versatile options these days, and as many of us ease back into a hybrid work model, comfort remains top of mind. Shorts with an elastic back waistband will help create definition while still allowing you to feel like you're lounging in your sweats from home."

Shop Shorts With an Elastic Waistband

Next up: I'm Stepping Up My Outfit With These Under-$100 Game-Changing Pieces

Jennifer Camp Forbes
Contributing Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently the shopping updates editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.