25 of the best shorts for thick thighs, according to stylists

CNN

2 days ago

Best shorts for thick thighs quick picks
Longer denim shorts: Good American Good Standard Long Shorts
Size-inclusive linen shorts: Universal Standard Juniper Linen Easy Pull-On Shorts
Shorts for the gym: Girlfriend Collective Ultralight Run Shorts
Tailored twill shorts: Spanx SPANXsupersmooth Stretch Twill Short, 5-Inch The summer temperatures and sun beckon us to bare our legs and pull our favorite shorts out from the back of our wardrobes. The start of a new season might even inspire you to update your current fashion staples and find a new style to flaunt. But if you have thick thighs, it can feel much easier to opt for a flowy maxi skirt or summer dress than risk buying a pair of shorts that ride up, gap at the waist or lead to uncomfortable chafing.
At times, it can feel like women's clothes aren't cut with curves in mind, but everyone deserves shorts that can move with their body instead of fighting against it. That's why we consulted stylists to find the best shorts for thick thighs that will make great additions to any summer wardrobe.
Madewell The Curvy Denim Emmett Short
Personal stylist and size-inclusive fashion expert Michaela Leitz said that this style from Madewell proves that a structured design can still be comfortable. 'The Emmett cut is made for curves, with more room through the hip and thigh and a contoured waistband that doesn't gape,' she said. 'The patch pockets add a subtle vintage touch, and the mid-length inseam makes it both flattering and practical.'
Pistola Kennedy Mid-Rise Shorts
Grace Na, founder of Pistola, said that the right fabric is important when shopping for shorts for thicker thighs. 'Comfort is key, so look for styles that are made with soft stretch fabric to help mold and move with the body,' Na said. She recommends this flattering Kennedy shorts style, which is made of comfort stretch denim.
Good American Good Standard Long Shorts
If you're looking for something sleek that will still give your thighs plenty of room, Leitz likes these longer shorts from Good American. 'The 5-inch inseam is that perfect middle ground — long enough to prevent rubbing, short enough to still show some leg,' she said. 'They're stretchy, sculpting and cut with curves in mind. Plus, the high rise keeps everything feeling secure and smoothed out.'
Universal Threads Women's High-Rise Long Denim Shorts
'High-waisted denim long shorts are my favorite as a girlie with thicker thighs because they are comfortable on my legs,' said Derria Underwood, a wardrobe stylist and content creator. She likes that these affordable Universal Threads shorts can be styled several ways and can pair with everything from chunky boots to sneakers.
Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Shorts
All throughout high school and college, I had given up on finding a pair of denim shorts that made my thicker thighs both look and feel good. That is, until I found these Madewell shorts. Made in the same style as the Madewell Curvy jeans I already own and love, these shorts have enough length to give me coverage without cutting my legs into awkward proportions. I love sporting these when I run summer errands, though I do think they run a bit tighter in the hips than my Madewell Curvy jeans, so consider going one size up if you've got a larger bottom.
Pistola Saige High-Rise Shorts
Shorts with a more generous leg opening can offer a more comfortable fit for those with thicker thighs, like these Saige shorts, which Na said have a flattering A-line shape that hugs the hips and a relaxed, wide-fit at the legs. Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw has a pair and likes their A-line silhouette, which can provide more shape for straight body types.
Lane Bryant Eyelet Hem Boyfriend Fit Jean Short
If you're in need of a plus-size option for thicker thighs, Leitz likes these comfortable, flattering and elevated-looking Lane Bryant jean shorts. 'The relaxed boyfriend fit gives your thighs breathing room, while the 5.5-inch inseam hits that sweet spot: not too short, not too long,' Leitz said. 'And the eyelet hem? A soft, feminine detail that makes these feel thoughtful, not basic.'
Good American Jeanius Good '90s Shorts
Style coach and founder of Style Yourself Chic Megan LaRussa Chenoweth is also a fan these denim-effect Good American shorts for those with curvier figures and thicker thighs. They feature a denim print, but follow in the footsteps of this year's "sweatpant jeans" trend and are made with a soft cotton terry. 'They provide slight compression, allow for more room through the hips and nip in at the waist nicely,' LaRussa Chenoweth said. Plus, these mid-rise shorts have a relaxed fit and a raw hem to help you nail that effortless '90s aesthetic.
Hollister Low-Rise Baggy Jort
For a baggy fit with a low-rise, try these Hollister jorts. Designed with a generous leg opening, these jorts come in nine different washes and are perfect for adding a laid-back attitude to any ensemble.
Pistola Marissa High-Rise Utility Short
When it comes to rise styles, Leitz is a fan of a high-rise short. 'It helps balance proportions and gives the legs more length, plus it just feels more secure when you're walking, sitting [and] living,' she said. Na likes these Marissa Utility shorts, which, in addition to being high-rise, are made with a relaxed fit and a cotton and spandex fabric blend for added comfort.
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High-Rise Loose Short
Abercrombie & Fitch's Curve Love line is a favorite among CNN Underscored editors and Underwood is a fan too, especially for those who struggle with finding shorts with enough room in the thighs. These loose-fit denim shorts from the Curve Love line have a generous 6.25-inch inseam, offering plenty of front and back coverage for your legs.
Universal Standard Juniper Linen Easy Pull-On Shorts
Universal Standard is known for its inclusive sizing that aims to dress all body sizes and shapes comfortably, and Leitz said these pull-on linen shorts are a dream for those with thicker thighs. '[They're] lightweight, breathable and cut to move with you, not against you,' she added. 'The relaxed fit and elastic waistband offer real comfort without sacrificing style, and the print gives them just enough edge to feel elevated.'
Quince 100% European Linen High-Waisted Shorts
If you're looking for a styling option for spring and summer, Leitz said linen blend shorts can work well, so long as they're not too stiff or sheer. These Quince linen shorts come in eight core colors, including black, navy, red and pinstripe, which offer more opaque coverage than classic white linen styles (though the brand has those as well).
Gap 365 High-Rise Linen-Blend Shorts
For linen shorts with a more tailored look, try this option from Gap. Available in regular, tall and petite sizes, these shorts have polished details like pleats, a hook and bar closure and front and back pockets that help the heavyweight linen-blend fabric look more upscale.
Loft Curvy Palmer Shorts in Twill
LaRussa Chenoweth said these Loft Palmer shorts are a favorite among her clients, across all body types. Available in regular and petite sizes, these shorts also come in a denim version if you're looking for a different option to this cotton twill style.
Suk Workwear Tinnie Shorts
Australian workwear brand Suk is on a mission to design durable clothes that can comfortably fit all bodies. These Tinnie shorts are designed to fit higher on the waist while still giving plenty of movement through the thighs. Made of heavy-duty cotton drill, these shorts are a feminine take on a functional workwear style.
Old Navy High-Waisted Crinkle Gauze Shorts
A cotton short that's breezy and not clingy, this Old Navy style has a relaxed fit through the hip and thighs with a 4-inch inseam that can better suit a curvier bottom half. Grab it in one of seven colors or prints, or if you want a fully summer-ready outfit, pair it with the matching button-down shirt.
Spanx Stretch Twill Short, 5-Inch
LaRussa Chenoweth said Spanx is a go-to brand for her when she's looking for shorts that fit clients of all body types beautifully, but added that it's especially good for curvier folks. The elastic waist panel in these stretch shorts smooths over the front and back of the body to better flatter the waistline. Plus, LaRussa Chenoweth said the structured but stretchy fabric tends to stay in place when moving throughout the day.
Halara UltraSculpt SoCinched High-Waisted Biker Shorts
'I am a sucker for an athleisure moment,' Underwood said. 'A token pair of spandex biker shorts will give you all the flexibility you'll need if you have thicker thighs.' For everything from running errands to sweaty workouts, Underwood recommends these Halara shorts, which she said won't ride up or roll down uncomfortably.
Cabana Life Skort
If shorts just aren't for you, LaRussa Chenoweth said skorts are always a great summer option too. She likes this Cabana Life skort, which is made of moisture-wicking fabric, has built-in hidden shorts and offers UPF 50 protection.
Vuori Villa Shorts
CNN Underscored associate testing writer Gareen Puglia said that these lightweight Vuori Villa shorts have become her go-to for warm weather hiking, heading outdoors or running errands. Puglia not only likes the flattering fit of these shorts, but appreciates that the flowy design keeps her cool and the longer length keeps her thighs from chafing.
The Gym People Shorts
Drawstring shorts can be a great option for those with thicker thighs, since they allow you to cinch in the waist to create a more secure fit. These shorts from The Gym People have deep pockets and an elastic waist to make the high-rise design even more comfortable.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Sweat Shorts
These fleece shorts from Old Navy are made with a dolphin hem, designed to give you a greater range of motion and create a leg-lengthening look. Though they have a relaxed fit to accommodate thicker thighs, these shorts are made to sit higher up on the legs and the elastic-drawstring waist has an extra-high rise design to offer more coverage over the stomach.
The North Face Aphrodite Shorts
Your shorts shouldn't stop you from getting outdoors and exploring. These North Face shorts are a favorite of mine for hiking, traveling and hitting the beach. They're easy to slip on and off, have an adjustable drawstring waistband and pockets. They're one of the only adventure-ready shorts I've found that don't ride up or squeeze my thighs as I move.
Girlfriend Collective Ultralight Run Shorts
Girlfriend Collective is one of our favorite sustainable brands, but it's also inclusive, offering every garment in sizes from XXS to 6XL. These Ultralight Run Shorts are cut from fabric made from 90% recycled water bottles and 10% spandex, for a soft, stretchy and secure fit. Too often, shopping for shorts becomes a game of guessing which sizes and cuts will best flatter your body. Underwood said those with thicker thighs often struggle to find shorts that fit their thighs without having to try the next size up, where the shorts might fit loose at the waist.
A few of the shorts called out by the stylists we talked to are curvy fit styles, meaning they're designed to fit larger hips, thighs and bottoms without gapping at the waist. 'It just makes everything sit better on the body — more comfort, less adjusting and a fit that actually respects your shape,' Leitz said. 'Once you find the right curvy cut, it feels like someone finally designed something for you, not against you.
For those with thick thighs, Underwood said to look for shorts with an inseam between 4 to 7 inches, which can typically offer good coverage without looking too long or out of proportion. Na added that shorter inseams tend to ride up and accentuate thicker thighs in ways that aren't comfortable or flattering. Shorter inseams can also lead to a greater likelihood of thigh chafing as well.
Fabric also makes a big difference when you're looking for comfortable shorts. 'You want something that has a bit of stretch, but still holds its shape,' Leitz said. 'Think cotton with a touch of elastane, or soft denim with structure. That way, it moves with you without getting baggy or riding up.' For athletic shorts, Underwood likes spandex styles that allow movement but tend to hold in place at the waist and thighs.
Ideally, you want shorts made of breathable fabric, but that still have enough structure to stay put and define your body shape. 'Super-thin, floppy fabrics tend to twist and cling in the wrong places,' Leitz said. 'You need materials that support your body, not fight it.' She added that if a fabric feels too 'light' in the dressing room, it's probably not going to hold up well in real life. Instead, you should look for shorts with a little bit of weight and shape in the fabric.
For the best fit, the stylists recommend looking for A-line shorts or styles with wider, relaxed leg openings that can create room for the thighs while still keeping your proportions balanced. Leitz added that a straight-cut short can also work for those with thicker thighs, but only if the leg opening is large enough.
The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, Michaela Leitz, Grace Na and Derria Underwood.
How do I keep shorts from riding up my thighs?
How do I keep shorts from riding up my thighs?
Leitz said that the cut and fabric of your shorts make all the difference in whether or not your shorts ride up. 'If shorts are riding up, they're usually either too tight on the thigh or too narrow in the leg opening,' Leitz said. 'The fix is to look for a style that gives your thighs some room to breathe: A-line cuts, relaxed fits or tailored shorts with a bit of drape are your best bet.'
Both Leitz and LaRussa Chenoweth added that you still want shorts that have some structure in the fabric. 'Super thin or stretchy shorts might feel comfy at first, but they tend to creep up fast,' Leitz said. 'A thicker fabric with a clean hem will stay in place better.' LaRussa Chenoweth recommends looking for shorts made of gauzy cotton fabrics and stretchy denim shorts, especially those in curvy fit styles
Finding the right inseam length for your legs also matters. 'That little extra inch or two can make all the difference in how they move with your body instead of against it,' Leitz said. 'Don't be afraid to size up if it means a better fit on the thigh — it's about the overall look, not the number on the tag.'
If your main concern with your shorts riding up is the potential for chafing, LaRussa Chenoweth recommends grabbing an anti-chafing stick like Megababe's Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick to help offer relief.
How do I choose shorts to suit my body shape?
How do I choose shorts to suit my body shape?
Deciphering your body type can help you find cuts that better flatter your silhouette. To find your body type, LaRussa Chenoweth said you must first take your four main measurements — shoulders, bust, waist and hips — and then compare those measurements to find your proportions. 'For example, are your shoulders broader than your hips?' she said. 'If so, you are an inverted triangle and should opt for shorts that better fit someone with straighter hips, or if your shoulders and hips are roughly the same measurement and your waist is smaller, you are an hourglass. Hourglass women often do best with curvy fit shorts to avoid the dreaded waist gap.'
For those with fuller thighs or hips, Leitz recommends opting for A-line shorts, longer inseams or high-waisted cuts that can help define your waist and float over your curves. If your body type is more straight than curvy, Leitz said you can play more with pleats, volume or paper bag-style waists to create more curves and dimension.
Though at the end of the day, Leitz said there is no 'right' shorts style for each body type. 'The best shorts are the ones you feel good in,' Leitz said. 'If they make you stand taller, walk bolder and stop adjusting every five minutes — that's the one.'
What shorts can make thighs look slimmer?
What shorts can make thighs look slimmer?
Identifying your body shape can help you better understand what shorts styles are most flattering for your figure. Underwood said that many people with thicker thighs have an apple- or pear-shaped body type. 'With both body types, A-line shorts or wide-leg shorts can create balance in regards to proportions and create an illusion of an hourglass figure,' Underwood said.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, style coach and founder of Style Yourself Chic
Michaela Leitz, personal stylist and size-inclusive fashion expert
Grace Na, founder of Pistola Denim
Derria Underwood, wardrobe stylist and content creator
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted four stylists to find the best shorts styles to flatter those with thicker thighs.