Shorts can be a contentious piece of clothing. For many, they symbolize casual comfort and the relaxed vibe of summertime. For other women, they are unflattering and uncomfortable. If you fall into the latter category, fear not. There are options out there for you—yes, even if you don’t love your legs. So here we go: I call to order the first meeting of the Women Who Hate Shorts club!
The president of WWHS is our very own Annie Barker, Director of Member Experience, who always looks fabulous. You won’t catch her in shorts, ever—not even to try on new styles. Years ago, she tried sewing a couple pairs for herself, then avoided mirrors just to feel comfortable in them. “I struggle with length and rise and fit when I sit down,” she said. “If I liked my legs more I’d probably wear them. They look cute on other people.”
Annie has a message for all y’all in the WWHS Club: you’re not alone.
If you hate shorts, what to wear instead
Annie admits that being an anti-shortsite makes getting dressed in the summer a little trickier, so she shares her go-to styles for hot weather. “I find if my ankles can get a breeze, I’m pretty comfortable,” she said.
If you hate shorts because you don’t love your legs
Try these instead:
Linen trousers: Linen is a natural fiber known for its breathability. It allows air to flow easily, keeping you cool and comfortable even in hot weather. It’s lightweight and doesn’t cling to the body. Linen has excellent moisture-wicking properties, meaning it can absorb and evaporate sweat quickly. This keeps you dry and reduces the likelihood of feeling sticky or uncomfortable.
They’re typically loose-fitting and offer a relaxed silhouette, providing comfort and ease of movement, perfect for casual outings or leisure activities. Linen trousers come in various styles and colors, making them versatile and easy to pair with different tops, and can be dressed up or down. Linen has a natural, slightly textured appearance that gives it a laid-back, effortless charm. Made from flax plants, linen requires less water and fewer pesticides compared to other crops like cotton. Choosing linen can be a more sustainable option for environmentally conscious women like us.
Cropped jeans & trousers: Obviously, cropped lengths allow for better air circulation around the ankles and lower legs, helping to keep you cooler in warm weather while still offering coverage. The shorter length can offer greater freedom of movement, making them ideal for outdoor activities and casual summer outings.
The casual, laid-back vibe of cropped jeans and trousers makes them easy to wear and pair with other summer essentials. Available at Armoire in numerous styles, cuts, and fabrics, cropped jeans and trousers offer a wide range of options to suit different body types and fashion preferences. From slim fit to wide leg, there’s a cropped style for everyone.
Bonus: Cropped lengths are perfect for showing off summer footwear like sandals, espadrilles, and sneakers as they work with nearly every kind of shoe.
Midi dresses: Midi dresses typically fall between the knee and ankle, providing a comfortable length that allows for ease of movement and ventilation. The midi length offers more coverage than a mini dress, making it a modest option that still feels light and breezy. This can be particularly appealing for those who prefer not to show too much leg.
The elegant midi can be dressed up or down, paired with sandals for a casual look or dressed up with heels for a more polished appearance, and they can be layered with lightweight cardigans or jackets for cooler evenings or air-conditioning. Whether it’s a fitted silhouette or a flowy, A-line shape, there’s a midi dress to complement every figure at Armoire.
Pencil skirts: With a form-fitting silhouette that can flatter a variety of body types, pencil skirts emphasize curves in a stylish and sophisticated way. They offer a polished look that can easily be incorporated into a casual summer wardrobe, providing an effortlessly chic and put-together appearance. Many casual pencil skirts come with stretchy materials or elastic waistbands, offering comfort and ease of movement. Some designs include slits or vents to provide more mobility.
Wear this classic style casually during the day and dress it up with a change of top and accessories for an evening out. They also pair well with flat sandals, sneakers, or espadrilles.
If you hate shorts because you don’t love the casual look
“When I lived in New York City after college and worked in publishing, no one wore shorts—ever,” said Annie, “No classy professional women wore shorts in the city. It seemed touristy.”
First and foremost, times are a changin’. Wear-to-work shorts are one of the hottest trends of this summer. Fabulously fashionable career women are rocking this look. Tailored, professional shorts are in abundant supply at Armoire, offering a more polished aesthetic.
If shorts are firmly off the table, direct your attention to all-day dresses. As the name suggests, all-day dresses are designed to be versatile enough to wear from morning to evening. They transition well from casual daytime activities to more relaxed evening outings, making them ideal for busy summer days. These dresses often look stylish with minimal effort, making you look put-together with little fuss. An all-day dress is a one-piece outfit, so getting dressed is effortless. There are countless styles of all-day dresses available at Armoire, from maxi dresses to midi and mini lengths, in various cuts like A-line, wrap, and shift. If you don’t hate your legs, a short t-shirt dress is a gamechanger in the summer. Look for dresses made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to wear in hot weather. They allow for good airflow and reduce the feeling of heaviness.
12-step program to repair your relationship with shorts
1. Choose the Right Length
One of the main reasons people dislike shorts is the fit and length. Shorts that are too short can feel exposing, while those that are too long might look frumpy. Finding the perfect length for your body type and comfort level is key.
- 5-inch inseam: These shorts hit around the mid-thigh, providing a balance between short shorts and longer styles.
- 7-inch inseam: This length typically reaches the lower thigh, offering a bit more coverage while still maintaining a casual look.
- 9-inch inseam: Shorts with a 9-inch inseam often fall just above the knee, providing a modest and comfortable option that is still stylish and versatile.
- 11-inch inseam: These shorts generally hit at or just above the knee, offering the most coverage while remaining in the mid-length category. Bermudas are back, baby!
2. Focus on Fabric
The fabric of your shorts can significantly impact their comfort and appearance. Heavy materials can make shorts feel restrictive. On the other hand, they’re the best bet for camouflaging cellulite. Silky rayon blends may be forgiving, but they won’t have enough structure to define your silhouette.
- Cotton and linen: These breathable, lightweight fabrics are perfect for summer and can help keep you cool and comfortable.
- Stretch denim: If you prefer a denim look, opt for shorts with a bit of stretch to allow for better movement and comfort.
- Athletic fabrics: Moisture-wicking and quick-dry fabrics used in athletic shorts can be great for staying comfortable in hot weather.
3. Find the Right Fit
Ill-fitting shorts can be a major turnoff. Ensuring your shorts fit well can make a huge difference in how you feel wearing them.
- Waist Fit: Ensure the waistband sits comfortably on your natural waistline without pinching or gaping. Look for shorts with adjustable features like drawstrings, elastic bands, or belts for a customizable fit.
- Rise: The rise of the shorts (high-rise, mid-rise, or low-rise) should complement your body shape and comfort preferences. High-rise shorts can provide more coverage and support, while mid-rise and low-rise options can offer a more relaxed fit.
- Leg Fit: Ensure the leg openings are comfortable and not too tight or too loose. The fit should allow for easy movement without riding up or feeling restrictive.
- Cut and Style: Different cuts and styles, such as A-line, tailored, or relaxed, can suit various body types. Choose a cut that flatters your shape and matches your personal style.
- Comfort and Mobility: Look for shorts that offer comfort and ease of movement. Features like stretchy materials, gussets, or side slits can enhance mobility.
- Pockets: Consider the placement and depth of pockets, as well as whether they add bulk or lie flat. Functional pockets can be a practical addition without compromising the fit.
4. Try These if You Hate Shorts
If you’ve always worn the same style of shorts and hated them, it’s time to try something new. Recovered haters have had success with these styles:
- Paperbag waist shorts: These feature a gathered, often elastic waistband that can be tied with a belt. They are stylish, comfortable, and can help create an hourglass silhouette.
- High-waisted shorts: These can elongate the legs and provide a vintage-inspired look. They are perfect for tucking in tops and creating a more defined waist and flattering proportion.
- The new cargo short: Modern cargo shorts have evolved from their bulky predecessors. Opt for slimmer, more streamlined versions for a practical yet stylish option.
5. Style It Right
Play with different pairings until you feel comfortable and confident. Some ideas:
- To tuck or not to tuck, that is the question: How about a half tuck? It’s the best of both worlds. Cover your bum with a longer shirt, but do a little tuck in front to reign in the proportion and signal that you do, in fact, have a waist.
- Footwear: Leg-haters, listen up—a wedged heel will elongate your leg. Try an espadrille style for the seasonal look, or a stacked sneaker for more casual ensembles.
- Top it: Don’t want to reveal too much, but don’t want to be the only one on the boat in pants? Try a topper for a Bohemian vibe. For a more formal affair, a tailored blazer is the answer.
6. Flatter Your Body
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when wearing shorts is body confidence. Remember that everyone has insecurities, and the key is to find what makes you feel good.
- Know your body type: Armoire’s Body Shape Quiz can help you find the cuts and designs that best suit your figure, no measurements required.
- Flattering choices: Choose wider-leg styles versus straight if you’re insecure about your thighs. A bell cut will keep proportions in check as the waist is more fitted. If your butt is your enemy, you’ll probably prefer shorts with back pockets to visually break up your backside. Avoid too much detail on the pockets so you’re not drawing unnecessary attention back there.
- Confidence: It’s essential to feel comfortable in whatever you choose. Confidence is the best accessory you can wear. It will be helpful if you don’t remind yourself all day that you hate shorts.
7. Get Comfortable
If wearing shorts feels weird after all of these years of abstinence, start small. Gradually introduce them into your wardrobe in low-pressure situations.
- At home: Start by wearing shorts at home where you feel most comfortable. This can help you get used to the feeling of being naked from the knees down.
- Casual outings: Try wearing shorts for casual, relaxed outings with friends or family before stepping out in more public settings.
- Exercise: Give your yoga pants or joggers the day off and work out in shorts instead. May I suggest leg day?
8. Lean in
Armoire members have the benefit of crowd-sourcing when considering a pair of shorts.
- Armoire Community: If you like what you see on other renters in the member-exclusive community feed, you can rent the exact pair. Styling inspo is a major bonus.
- Reviews: Armoire members are generous about sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly via item reviews. Hear if they run large or small, how they feel, and if they flatter. It’s helpful to look at the reviewer’s height along with the review photo to determine how long the shorts will be on you. Trust me, there are reviews from others who hate shorts like you.
9. Experiment
What you dislike today, you might love tomorrow. Be open to trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Try new brands: Different brands have different cuts and fits. What didn’t work for you from one brand might be perfect from another.
- Stay updated: Fashion trends evolve, and new styles emerge. Stay updated with current trends to find new ways to incorporate shorts into your wardrobe. You may discover a fresh look that makes you question why you hate shorts at all.
10. Compatibility
Consider how the shorts will pair with a favorite Armoire top or a garment from your forever closet. Having an emotional support blouse may be just what you need to ease your fears.
11. Try Multiple Sizes if You Hate Shorts
Throw out everything you know about your current size; shorts are different. As they say, “Don’t hate the shorts, hate the game.”
- Ignore the number: So what if you need to go up a size to get the baggy fit you’re after? There is a difference between fitting and flattering. Go with the latter.
- Rent multiples: As an Armoire member, you have the option to add bonus items into every case. Why not use this functionality to order a size range? You’ll get it right the first time and hate shorts a little less.
12. Seek Professional Advice
If you’re unsure what styles or fits work best for you, seek advice from an Armoire stylist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your body type and preferences. Bonus: it’s free for Armoire members! See how Armoire’s personal styling works.
Wearing shorts doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience every time the summer months roll around. By focusing on the right fit, length, fabric, and style, you can find shorts that make you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, fashion is personal, and the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel good. Embrace the summer with a fresh perspective on shorts and, come fall, you might just find yourself sad to put them away. Your love affair with shorts is just beginning.
This meeting of the Women Who Hate Shorts Club is adjourned.