It’s important to get someone else’s perspective when shopping, since too often people are their own worst critics. Especially if your self-confidence is low, you will see “flaws” that nobody else would notice. Make sure your buddy is someone you can trust to be honest. If a pair of shorts is legitimately unflattering, you want your shopping buddy to be honest and tell you. Many people are afraid of offending people and won’t give good advice in these situations. On the other hand, don’t go shopping with someone who is hypercritical. If your buddy never has a good word to say, you may feel too self-conscious to buy shorts at all. [1] X Research source
If you have issues with clothing texture, be sure to look for shorts made of materials you find comfortable. You might find the chicest, most flattering pair of shorts, but if you think they’re ugly and uncomfortable it will be difficult to look confident. Self-confidence is essential for looking your best. [2] X Research source
Do you want to look sexy, casual, or both? There are some shorts that can work as part of a dinner outfit, and there are shorts that are better suited to wear around the house. There are different lengths of shorts from sexy ones meant to show off your butt to modest shorts that reach past your knees. Are you looking for athletic shorts? If so, for which activities? The best shorts for playing basketball aren’t the same as shorts designed for running. [3] X Research source
To accentuate curves, wear shorts that are longer [4] X Research source and/or have an A-line silhouette. [5] X Research source . To make your legs look longer or to look taller, wear shorter shorts[6] X Research source and/or ones with higher waists. [7] X Research source Low-to-midrise cuts will make your torso look longer and your legs shorter. [8] X Research source Wear “skinny” or fitted-cut shorts if you have thin legs that you would like to look fuller. Likewise, if you legs are on the thick side, wider cuts will flatter them more. [9] X Research source
Muffin tops. When you wear shorts that have waistband that’s too small, your tummy will bulge out in a way that many people find unappealing. Anyone, even thin people, can get a muffin top when wearing too-small shorts. Sliding off. This is caused by a too-wide waistband. Your shorts should only hang low if that’s your style. Riding up. For a lot of people, especially women, even the best-fitting pair of shorts may ride up over time. However, if you find a pair riding up right after you’ve put them on, just think how uncomfortable they’ll get later in the day. If this happens, look for a looser style with a wider leg. [10] X Research source
Which styles and cuts work well will depend on the type of shorts you’re wearing. Of course, if you want to show off your underwear, then go ahead. In that case, make sure your underwear looks just as nice as the rest of your outfit. Most people aren’t into tighty whities that are stained and full of holes. [11] X Research source
Limit the number of patterns in one outfit. If your shorts are made of a patterned fabric, you’ll look best if the rest of your clothing and accessories are solid colors. Use dashes of complementary colors. Complementary colors are pairs that are opposite each other on the color wheel: red and green; yellow and purple; and blue and orange. For example, blue shorts can look great when paired with an orange belt and shoes. If your shorts are one of the “neutrals” in fashion (browns, grays, black, and navy blue), don’t mix another neutral into your outfit. For example, if your shorts are black, pick a black jacket to go with them rather than a navy blue one. [12] X Research source Try to make sure your shorts just look right with an outfit. Collared shirts generally look out of place when paired with shorts. [13] X Research source
Sneakers or a flat pair of tennis shoes will work with casual and athletic shorts. Don’t wear dress shoes with athletic shorts. If you choose to pair sneakers or tennis shoes with a nicer pair of shorts, make sure those shoes are clean and in perfect condition. For more feminine styles, high heels and/or thigh-high boots will make nicer shorts even sexier. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source
People of all shapes and sizes can look good in shorts. What’s important is that you like how your legs look. If you want your legs to look more muscular, be sure to do leg exercises regularly throughout the year. If you want your legs to look thinner, try losing weight through diet and exercises that don’t bulk up the legs. You can burn calories with light aerobics or strength training your upper body. Remember that your genetics plays a major role in how your legs look. It’s possible that no amount of diet and exercise will make your legs look like your ideal. If that’s the case, learn to love your body.
Depending on your body hair pattern and the type of shorts you’re planning to wear, it may also be a good idea to shave your inner thighs. Other methods of hair removal like waxing will also make your legs shorts-ready. Don’t be pressured into shaving if you don’t want to.
Avoid causes of dry skin like harsh soaps, heat, and low humidity. Always wear sunscreen on your legs when wearing shorts during the day. Staying well-moisturized can actually make your legs look longer. [16] X Research source
