For the past four years, I’ve been pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or in some overall stage of motherhood. Suffice it to say, my body has been in flux. My wardrobe tells the story of just how much my body has changed throughout motherhood. You’ll find a variety of sizes and styles in my closet, none of which work.
This includes a key element of a spring closet staple: shorts. I suddenly didn’t have any shorts that fit well. At eight months postpartum, I’m just finally starting to feel a bit more “me.” So, I was ready to find a few pairs of shorts that would fit a curvy, petite body shape.
When it comes to the perfect pair of shorts, I’m pretty picky. As a mom to two young kids, I’m looking for shorts that are comfortable, flattering, and easy to move around in. At 5’2,” it’s also important that I have shorts that can work on a petite, curvy body and fit into my daily life. And in my search for the perfect pair, I’ve found a few true standouts.
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How I chose the best curvy petite shorts
Whether you’re going in-store or ordering online, trying on shorts is the best way to find what works for your body. The next step is to narrow down your selections. I did this by looking through reviews, which helped me determine fit, style, and sizing. This is important, as sizing and fit vary greatly across brands.
First, I looked at a few brands that I’ve either used and loved or have been recommended time and time again. A few that were favorites of mine for jeans naturally felt like a great place to start my search for shorts.
While a few of these brands offer petite options, that doesn’t typically matter as much when picking out shorts, which are inherently, well, short. However, there are a few other specific factors that I look at when picking out shorts for myself.
What I look for in shorts
- High-Rise: I’ve had two c-sections, so scar tissue has caused me to carry some lower stomach shape. With that in mind, a high-rise is a non-negotiable for me. Not only does it offer more support and coverage, it also helps create a more defined waistline. Plus, it feels more comfortable for all-day wear.
- Length: Length can make or break a pair of shorts, especially on a petite and curvy frame. I typically look for an inseam that’s long enough to prevent chafing but short enough to avoid overwhelming my height.
- Curvy Style: Shorts designed with a curvy fit in mind are essential. I look for styles that have more room through the hips and thighs without gaping at the waist. This helps avoid that all-too-common back gap and creates a much more flattering, comfortable fit. Some brands (like Abercrombie & Fitch) even make specific curvy styles made with these adjustments in mind.
- Fabric Content: Fabric plays a huge role in comfort, but also in structure. While I tend to gravitate towards material with a bit of stretch (like cotton blends with elastane) for jeans, for shorts, I typically prefer 100% cotton. The stiffer material stretches with wear, but also provides more support for my midsection. While it’s not a must (you’ll see some linen-blend on here!), it’s something I do consider.
- Pull-On: While I like a combination of styles, one of my favorites for comfort is pull-on. They’re easy, comfortable, and often more forgiving through the midsection. While I still love a structured pair of shorts, I can’t deny how convenient and wearable a good pull-on option can be.
- Buttons vs. Zipper: When it comes to closures, it really depends on the style. But I tend to prefer a traditional zipper with minimal bulk. Too many buttons can feel restrictive or dig in when sitting, while a clean zipper closure keeps things simple and streamlined (though there are some exceptions).
The best curvy petite shorts I’ve tried
I tried on dozens of different options from a variety of brands, and these were the favorite curvy petite shorts I tracked down.
PAIGE Dani Short
Let me just start off with the pair of shorts that fit every box on my list: the PAIGE Dani Short. While definitely in the investment category of shorts, there’s a method to my madness here. The Dani Short manages to be comfortable, flattering, and the perfect length all at once.
It’s an ultra high-rise style, with stitch-front pockets that feel incredibly stylish. The length is ideal, providing coverage, but not feeling overly long on my shorter legs. The fabric composition is 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane, so there’s also some stretch around the curves. Honestly, out of every pair on the list, I’d say these are the comfiest.
Quince Bella Stretch Vintage Shorts
If what you’re looking for is stretch, look no further than the Quince Bella Stretch Vintage Shorts. I was a big fan of the brand’s Bella Stretch Jeans through the cooler months, so I knew what to expect when trying the shorter selection.
The style is high-rise, with a front-zip and button closure. The most notable thing about these shorts, though, is the stretch. Made from 73% organic cotton, 26% Lyocell Tencel, 1% spandex, these are absolutely the stretchiest pair from my selection. It’s an attribute I love about the full-size jeans, and equally adore with this style. For anyone who loves the feeling of bike shorts or leggings, this is a great alternative for the spring and summer.
Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Linen-Blend Denim Shorts
When it comes to curvy styles, I always recommend Abercrombie & Fitch. The brand offers a Curve Love collection of shorts and jeans, which come with extra room in the hips and thighs. One of my favorite new styles from them this season is the Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Linen-Blend Denim Shorts.
The style is made with a blend of cotton, linen, and elastane, making it stretchy, comfortable, and breathable. While the length isn’t as long as some other options I’ve gravitated towards, it passes the bending down test (all-important for playground trips). I also love the front pockets and A-line leg shape that make these feel particularly flattering.
Marea Denim Shorts
While warm days have been few and far between thus far in New York, when the temperatures have soared, I’ve been reaching for the Marea Denim Shorts. The Connecticut-based brand has become one of my go-tos for closet essentials, and their denim shorts are no exception.
The pull-on waistline comes with a hidden zipper and closure, along with a cotton drawcord (which acts as a stand-in belt, essentially). With a 3″ inseam, the all-cotton shorts are the perfect length, providing a comfortable, loose fit without ever feeling baggy. I can already tell these are going to be my go-to for pool days or at the beach, when I’m going between the water and hanging with the kids.
AGOLDE Park Long Shorts
While I have always preferred a zipper to a button closure on jeans and shorts, there is one pair that will always be an exception—the AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts. At their price point, there’s no denying these are an investment style. However, if you are looking for a longer pair of shorts to bring out year after year during the warmer months, this is it.
A looser, mid-rise style, the AGOLDE Parker Long Shorts are 100% cotton, meaning they’re meant to be a bit stiffer at the waist at first, but will provide some support. They’re a great length, and definitely the pair I recommend to friends who want something that they won’t feel the need to constantly be pulling down throughout the day. One thing I will note is that I did size down in these, so I found them to run a bit larger.
Free People Shortalls
While technically not just “shorts,” the Free People Ziggy Shortalls need a definite shout-out for fellow curvy, petite girls. I’ve had a pair of these in my closet for at least three years now, and they’re a frequent part of my summer rotation. The style is naturally loose, meant to be a relaxed fit and silhouette.
The length is somewhat adjustable, with frayed cuffs and adjustable straps. I find they fit pretty true to size for a nicely relaxed fit, but you can also size up if you’re looking for something more purposefully oversized (as I did here).
Shop more of our favorite curvy petite shorts
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Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.
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