Women’s pull-on shorts are summer staples. But unlike pants, they present a challenge in fit, often requiring size tinkering.
Try a lower rise if your current pair of pull-on shorts dig into your waist when you sit. Alternatively, if you carry weight in your midsection, avoid button-close and zipper-fly styles, which add bulk.
Length
Summer heat, sand, and water often signal a shopping trip to stock up on casual shorts for women. Unfortunately, shorts are a tricky wardrobe addition, combining three of the toughest-to-fit points for pants — waistband, hips and rise — in a very small package. Then there’s the fact that they provide far less fabric, which makes it harder to pit coverage preferences against figure flattery priorities.
Luckily, this essential pull-on shorts guide is here to help you avoid the trap of squeezing and pinching that can plague so many styles on the market. And it will also help you track down the perfect length to complement your shape and activity needs.
Most women prefer a short that sits no higher than the widest point of their thigh. That way, they can shield their thighs from the sun without the risk of burning or chafing. And the right length can even minimize bunching and wrinkling, especially when a pair is made from a wrinkle-resistant fabric such as linen or rayon.
Another factor to consider is how much movement you need while wearing your shorts. If you’re active or in water, look for a length that allows you to roll them up to keep the sand out and protect your legs from the sun. Or wear a pair of shorts with an adjustable hem to change the length on the fly.
Fabric
The fabric of a women’s pull on shorts plays a big role in how they look and feel. You’ll likely want a lightweight, breathable fabric for summer to avoid the claustrophobic feeling of wearing too much material. The material should also have some stretch to ensure you get a smooth, comfortable fit.
A bit of bunching around the crotch area can be unavoidable, but too much bunching can throw off your proportions. To minimize this, opt for wider leg openings or shorter inseam lengths. The fabric will also affect how easily the shorts wrinkle, with heavier fabrics like denim and twill, typically wrinkling more than lighter materials.
For an adventure-ready pair of pull-on shorts, choose a soft, stretchy organic cotton twill fabric that’s sustainably produced with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 approval. This eco-friendly fabric is durable enough to last all season long and will keep you cool and comfortable thanks to its moisture-wicking properties. This style’s relaxed styling and elastic/drawcord waistband make dialing the perfect fit easy. It’s the ideal pair for weekend getaways and warm-weather adventures.
Waistband
Gaping waistbands, stifling fabric, seams that hinder athletic butts and thighs—if you’re a woman who has ever shopped for shorts, these are familiar problems. The good news is that the right pair of pull-on shorts can make your summer wardrobe much more comfortable, even when kicking back with a drink or spending all day at the beach.
When it comes to finding the best pair of pull-on shorts for women, it’s all about finding the style and fit that works for you. These easy-to-wear styles combine the ultimate comfort of a tee with the versatility of a skirt, and they come in various lengths and fabrics for a wide range of occasions.
Try high- and midrise styles to avoid squeezing into your midsection or creating an undesirable muffin top. The higher the rise, the less they dig into your tummy—and when paired with an untucked top, no one will know the difference! Regarding the waistband, opt for a flat front to create a clean look that won’t add extra bulk to your midsection. Machine baste your waistband seamline, then try them on to check the fit before permanently stitching it to your garment. If you’re using a zip, consider adding a button extension to your waistband pattern piece to close the zipper without exposing it.
Pockets
A great pair of shorts can be a summer wardrobe essential but also provide year-round versatility. The wide range of lengths, colors and fabrics allow them to match various outfits. They can be casual or more sophisticated, featuring a hint of fashion flair. Whether you’re a minimalist or like to mix and match, a good pair of pull-on shorts for women will be a staple in your closet.
The key to finding the right pair is to know what you’re looking for. First, consider your waist and hip sizes. A pair that’s too tight in the hips can cause uncomfortable squeezing, while a size larger might add an unflattering muffin top. Look for styles that sit close to the body without pinching, and walk around in them to see how they move.
While some slight bunching is unavoidable, it should not be alarming and should not occur across the entire thigh. Look for wider leg openings to minimize this, or try a pair made from thicker fibers such as sturdy denim or twill, which tend to wrinkle less than lighter materials.
If you carry weight in your belly and find that most shorts dig into your midsection, skip the button-close and zipper-fly styles and go for pull-on and elastic waist varieties instead. They won’t bulge as much, and no one will be the wiser when worn with an untucked top.
