The Short Short Version
- Plus size shorts come in five main styles worth knowing: denim, biker, linen/lightweight, athletic, and Bermuda. Each has a different purpose and sweet spot.
- Chub rub is a physics problem, not a body problem. Longer inseams, anti-chafe products, and slip shorts are your three best defenses.
- Fabric matters more than most people realize. Moisture-wicking blends, linen, and cotton-spandex mixes are your best bets for all-day comfort in summer heat.
- The best brands for plus size shorts right now go past a 3X and include Torrid, Universal Standard, Good American, Eloquii, Lane Bryant, ASOS Curve, Old Navy, and Target.
- Shorts work for every occasion. Casual errands, elevated brunch, night out, beach day… it’s all about how you style them.
Plus size shorts shopping has no business being this hard. And yet, every summer, we’re out here wading through options that are cut too short, hemmed too long, or shaped like they were designed in a lab by someone who has never actually met thighs before. The struggle is real. But so is the glow-up.
Because here’s the truth: the options have gotten genuinely good. Brands are finally understanding that plus size bodies deserve shorts that fit, flatter without trying to hide anything, and actually hold up past the first wash. This season’s lineup? Worth your time and your coins.
Whether you’re team denim, all-in on linen, or a ride-or-die biker shorts loyalist, we’ve rounded up the best plus size shorts across styles, fabrics, and size ranges. Hot girl summer belongs to all of us. No asterisks. No exceptions.
Types of Plus Size Shorts That Actually Deliver
Not all shorts are created equal. Knowing which style works for your vibe (and your body) takes the chaos out of shopping entirely.
Denim Shorts
The classic. The workhorse. The pair that goes with everything in your closet and half of what’s still on your floor. Denim shorts come in short, mid-thigh, Bermuda, and longer inseams, and the right pair will carry you from brunch to beach without a second thought.
One note: look for styles with stretch built in. Pure cotton denim feels authentic right up until hour two, when you realize “am I cutting off circulation?” is not a rhetorical question. A perfect denim-spandex blend keeps things breathable and moves with you all day.
Biker Shorts
Biker shorts went from gym bag staple to full street style moment, and they deserve every bit of that energy. They’re perfect for anyone who wants coverage, compression, and the ability to exist comfortably in 90-degree heat without negotiating with their thighs.
Pair them with an oversized tee, a blazer, or a cropped tank. The move is confidence plus a waistband that actually stays where you put it.
Linen and Lightweight Shorts
For the person whose number one priority is not melting. Linen shorts are the move when humidity is not playing around. They’re relaxed, breezy, and make you look like you have your whole life together even when you very much do not.
Fair warning: linen will wrinkle if you look at it wrong. Embrace it. That’s the aesthetic.
Athletic and Performance Shorts
Performance shorts are a different animal than biker shorts. Where bikers are fitted and fashion-forward, athletic shorts are built to move… loose or relaxed cut, technical fabrics that wick sweat and dry fast, and often a built-in liner so you’re fully covered no matter how much you’re moving.
These are your running shorts, your hiking shorts, your “I have a full outdoor day and need to not think about my outfit once” shorts. Function is the whole point, and the good ones do it really well.
Bermuda and Longer Inseam Shorts
Bermuda shorts hit right at or just above the knee, which makes them the Goldilocks length for a lot of plus size bodies. Polished enough for a casual office setting, comfortable enough for a full weekend. The longer inseam also means less chafing, which brings us directly to our next topic.
Let’s Talk Chub Rub (Because Pretending It Doesn’t Exist Helps Nobody)
Thigh chafing is not a you problem. It is a physics problem. Skin plus skin plus heat plus movement equals friction. The solution is not shrinking. The solution is strategy.
Longer Inseams Are Your Best Friend
The longer the inseam, the less skin-on-skin contact. A 7-inch or 9-inch inseam can be the difference between a comfortable afternoon and raw, angry thighs by noon. Know your number AND your level of comfort.
Anti-Chafe Products Are Not Gimmicks
Brands like U.B.B., Body Glide, Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel, and Megababe Thigh Rescue are genuinely effective. They create a barrier that cuts down on friction before it starts. Apply before you get dressed. Reapply when you’re sweating. Your future self will send thanks.
Slip Shorts and Thigh Bands
Slip shorts go under your regular shorts or skirts and act as a protective layer between your thighs and the world. Bandelettes and silicone thigh bands sit on your thighs directly and do the same job with a lower profile. Both work. Both are game-changers. Pick whichever feels best on your body and run with it.
Fabric Choices Matter More Than You Think
Cotton absorbs moisture and holds onto it, which increases friction. Moisture-wicking synthetic blends keep you drier and reduce chafing risk. If you’re going full cotton, make sure the fit is right and consider layering with slip shorts underneath.
Materials That Keep You Cool All Summer Long
Fabric is everything when it comes to plus size shorts. The wrong material will have you regretting your choices before you even make it to the car.
Cotton Blends
Soft, breathable, and familiar. Cotton blends (think cotton plus spandex or polyester) give you natural fiber comfort with a little stretch and shape retention. The best of both worlds.
Linen
Maximum airflow. Minimal structure. Linen is the fabric equivalent of a deep exhale on a hot day. It wrinkles, yes. It also keeps you cooler than almost everything else. Worth it.
Performance and Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Polyester, nylon, and spandex blends designed for activewear pull sweat away from your skin and dry fast. These are your go-to for workouts, outdoor events, or just surviving summer in a city that refuses to cool down.
Tencel and Modal
Sustainable, silky, and genuinely breathable. Tencel and modal are plant-based fibers that feel luxe against your skin and keep you cool without overheating. They’re showing up more in plus size lines lately, and we are here for every bit of it.
Where to Find the Best Plus Size Shorts Right Now
These are the brands doing the work. Bookmark accordingly.
Torrid
Torrid’s denim shorts come in multiple inseams and washes with consistent sizing. They also carry linen, jersey, and performance styles. Sizes go up to 6X.
Universal Standard
Clean lines, quality fabrics, and an inclusive size range from 00 to 40. Universal Standard’s shorts are minimal, versatile, and built to actually last past one season.
Old Navy
Affordable, accessible, and available in stores. Old Navy’s plus size shorts include denim, linen, and activewear options up to 4X. A solid starting point when you want options without a shopping marathon.
Lane Bryant
Denim shorts in multiple rises and lengths, plus casual and dressy options up to size 38/40 in select styles. Lane Bryant’s fits are reliable, and their sales run frequently. Worth keeping an eye on.
ASOS Curve
Trend-forward styles at mid-range prices. ASOS Curve carries denim, cargo, paperbag-waist, and tailored shorts in sizes up to 26. Great for when you want to experiment without committing to a full investment piece.
Eloquii
Elevated basics and statement pieces in sizes 14 to 28. Eloquii’s shorts lean polished without sacrificing comfort, which is a very underrated combination.
Bloomchic
If you want trend-forward styles without the trend-forward price tag, BloomChic is worth bookmarking. The brand carries shorts in sizes 10 to 30, and the cuts are designed specifically for plus size frames, not scaled-up straight sizes with a prayer attached. Most pieces land in the affordable range, and they run seasonal sales and promos regularly, which makes experimenting with new styles feel a lot less risky. Size up if you’re between sizes, and check the size chart before you order.
City Chic Online
An Australian brand that designs exclusively for plus size bodies, not a straight-size line with a size extension tacked on. City Chic’s shorts lean fashion-forward, with denim, linen, and casual styles that actually have personality. Sizes run from 12 to 26, and the fits are built with curves in mind from the start.
Good American
Premium denim with serious stretch. Good American’s shorts are designed to fit curves without gaping at the waist or pulling across the thighs. Sizes run from 00 to 30.
How to Style Plus Size Shorts for Any Occasion
Shorts are a full outfit opportunity. Here’s how to work them across different vibes.
Casual and Effortless
Denim shorts plus a tucked or half-tucked tee plus sneakers or sandals. Add a crossbody bag and sunglasses. That’s it. That’s the outfit.
Elevated and Polished
Tailored Bermuda shorts plus a button-down or relaxed blouse plus loafers or mules. A structured tote and simple jewelry and you’ve got brunch, farmers market, or casual Friday energy nailed.
Athleisure Done Right
Biker shorts or cotton sweats plus an oversized hoodie or cropped sports bra plus chunky sneakers. A belt bag across your body. That is a complete look and anyone who argues otherwise is wrong.
Beachy and Relaxed
Linen shorts plus a tank or bralette plus slide sandals. Layer on a lightweight kimono or open button-down if you want extra coverage. Keep jewelry minimal and let the fabric do its thing.
Night Out Energy
Faux leather or satin shorts plus a bodysuit or fitted top plus heeled sandals or boots. Add a clutch and a bold lip. Shorts can absolutely go out after dark, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
A Few More Styling Notes Worth Knowing
- Proportion is your friend. Loose, flowy shorts pair well with a more fitted top. Structured shorts give you room to go looser up top. Balance is the move.
- Play with length. Cropped tops, tucked shirts, and high-waisted shorts create visual interest and make legs look longer. Experiment before you commit to a look.
- Shoes change everything. Sneakers keep it casual. Sandals keep it breezy. Even a low heel adds a layer of polish that elevates the whole outfit.
- Accessories are not optional. Sunglasses, a good bag, simple jewelry. These are the details that pull an outfit together. Do not skip them.
The Hem Notes
Plus size shorts are not a compromise. They’re not a placeholder until you find something “better.” They are a summer wardrobe essential and a completely valid way to exist comfortably when it is hot outside, which it will be.
Find the styles that work for your body. Invest in anti-chafe solutions that actually help. And stop apologizing for taking up space in shorts. You deserve to be cool, comfortable, and confident all summer long.
Now go forth and short.
The Fitting Room: Your Questions, Answered
What are the best plus size shorts for thick thighs?
Biker shorts and longer inseam styles (7 inches or more) are your best options when you want coverage and comfort. For denim, look for a relaxed or wide-leg cut with stretch built in, rigid denim tends to pull and bunch at the thighs. Brands like Torrid and Good American are specifically designed with this in mind.
How do I stop chub rub when wearing shorts?
Three-pronged approach: choose a longer inseam, apply an anti-chafe product like U.B.B. Stick by Pretti Much, Megababe Thigh Rescue or Body Glide before you get dressed, and consider wearing slip shorts underneath. Any one of these helps. All three together? Game over, friction. You lose.
What inseam length is best for plus size shorts?
It depends on your preference and the occasion, but 5 to 7 inches hits the sweet spot for most people. A 3-inch inseam is on the shorter side and works best for lounging or the beach. A 9-inch or Bermuda-length inseam is ideal if you want more coverage or a polished look. When in doubt, size up on the inseam, you can always cuff a longer short, but you can’t add fabric back.
What brands carry plus size shorts in extended sizes?
Torrid and Bloomchic goes up to 6X. Universal Standard sizes up to a 40. Rebdolls carries options to a 30/32. Lane Bryant goes to a 38/40. ASOS Curve sizes to a 26. Old Navy and Target both carry options up to 4X. If extended sizing is your priority, Torrid and Universal Standard are consistently the most size-inclusive on this list.
Can plus size shorts be worn to work or dressy occasions?
Absolutely yes. Tailored Bermuda shorts in a neutral or structured fabric read polished and professional. Pair them with a blazer and loafers for a business casual look, or dress them up with a bodysuit and heeled sandals for an evening out. The key is fabric and fit… linen, ponte, or a tailored woven material elevates a short from casual to occasion-ready quickly.
How do I style plus size shorts to elongate my legs?
A few reliable moves: wear a nude-to-you sandal or heel to create an uninterrupted line from leg to foot. Choose high-waisted styles to visually lengthen the leg. Tuck in or half-tuck your top to show more of your waistline. And if you’re going for a monochromatic look, same tone shorts and top, that’s one of the cleanest ways to create the illusion of a longer silhouette without trying too hard.
This article, Plus Size Shorts That Actually Fit: Your Complete Guide first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Marie Denee.
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