The Ultimate Guide to Shorts: How to Shop for Your Body Shape and Age (UK & USA)

Shorts are a wardrobe essential—practical, stylish, and versatile. But finding the right pair that suits your body shape, age, and style preferences can be a challenge. Whether you’re curating your summer staples or upgrading your holiday wardrobe, this detailed guide breaks down exactly how to shop for shorts that flatter your figure, feel great, and suit your lifestyle. We’ll also introduce Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s leading sizing tool—and show you how it helps match your body to the right size in any brand, in real time.

🔍 Choosing Shorts Based on Body Shape

Understanding your body shape is key to picking shorts that fit well and flatter your frame. Here's a breakdown of the most common shapes and the shorts that work best for each.

1. Hourglass (Balanced bust and hips with a smaller waist)

Go for: High-waisted shorts that accentuate the waist
Best styles: Belted shorts, paperbag shorts, tailored high-rise cuts
Avoid: Boxy or low-rise styles that hide the waist

2. Pear Shape (Wider hips than shoulders)

Go for: A-line silhouettes that skim over the hips
Best styles: Skort-style, structured Bermuda shorts, dark-wash denim
Avoid: Tight-fitting short shorts or anything with excessive pocket detail on the hips

3. Apple Shape (Weight around midsection)

Go for: Mid-rise shorts with a flat front
Best styles: Flowy, soft fabrics with elastic backs, longer line shorts
Avoid: Thick waistbands or clinging fabrics around the stomach

4. Rectangle (Similar measurements throughout)

Go for: Shorts that create the illusion of curves
Best styles: Pleated, ruched, or belted styles, and high-rise fits
Avoid: Super-straight cuts with no definition

5. Petite (Shorter stature)

Go for: Shorter inseams (3–5 inches) to elongate the legs
Best styles: Slim-fit tailored shorts, vertical stripes
Avoid: Wide or oversized Bermuda styles that cut the legs visually

👵 Shorts by Age: Style with Confidence

In Your 20s:

Experiment with prints, raw hems, and bold colours. High-rise denim shorts, sporty co-ords, and linen sets all work brilliantly.

In Your 30s:

Refine your wardrobe with elevated basics—tailored shorts, cuffed chino styles, and soft cotton pull-ons for summer-to-evening transitions.

In Your 40s–50s:

Aim for balance and comfort. Try high-waisted knee-length options, crisp Bermudas, or wrap-style skorts. Stick to structured fabrics that offer coverage and movement.

60+ and Beyond:

Smart-casual styles in breathable fabrics are your friend. Lightweight cotton or linen in neutral tones looks elegant, while elasticated waists offer discreet comfort.

👖 High Street & Designer Options (UK & USA)

Whether you’re shopping affordable or investing in designer, there’s no shortage of brands offering flattering and long-lasting shorts.

UK High Street Favourites

Marks & Spencer: Great for structured cotton shorts and inclusive sizing
Next: Known for mid-rise chino styles and comfortable denim
River Island: Stylish co-ords and curve-friendly fits
Whistles: Linen blends and minimalist tailoring for elegant looks
H&M: Budget-friendly, especially in basics and pull-on shorts

See: What Size Am I in Next? The Ultimate Guide

See: Finding Your Clothes Size – The Ultimate Guide

USA Retailers to Explore

Everlane: Clean, ethical shorts with sharp silhouettes
Gap: Excellent options for all ages and shapes
J.Crew: Preppy style with modern fits and lengths
Madewell: Known for curve-friendly denim shorts
Banana Republic: Tailored looks for work-to-weekend versatility

Explore brand fits: UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes – The Ultimate Guide

Designer Brands Worth the Investment

The Row: Luxurious linen Bermuda shorts
Tibi: Contemporary tailoring and minimalism
Zimmermann: Feminine and statement styles, great for resortwear
Isabel Marant: For elevated bohemian aesthetics
Max Mara Weekend: Perfect for 40+ smart casual styling

See: The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

🧵 Materials Matter: What to Look For

Shorts should be breathable and tailored to your daily use. Here's how to shop by material:

Material	Best For	Tip
Linen	Hot weather	Lightweight and breathable, slightly creased look
Cotton Twill	Smart casual	Holds shape well, ideal for structured shorts
Denim	Everyday	Go for stretch-blend denim (1–2% elastane) for comfort
Viscose/Modal	Lounge or holiday	Soft drape and cool feel on skin
Polyester blends	Dressier styles	Often wrinkle-resistant and holds pleats well

🧍 Styling Shorts: Pro Tips from Stylists

Balance your silhouette: If your shorts are slim, go with a looser top; if your shorts are wide, opt for a fitted or tucked-in blouse.
Add a belt: Defines the waist and adds polish—especially for hourglass and rectangle shapes.
Choose the right inseam: Petite? Try 3–4 inches. Prefer more coverage? Go for 6–9 inch inseams.
Layer smart: Throw on a blazer for city looks, a linen shirt for the beach, or a denim jacket for weekend errands.

💡 Why Shorts Fit Differently by Brand

A UK 12 in River Island might not feel the same as a UK 12 in M&S—and don’t get started on US sizes. Fit depends on brand charts, body proportions, fabric tension, and rise. That’s why guessing your size across stores often fails.

Enter: Tellar.co.uk — The Ultimate Sizing Solution

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool. It uses your real measurements to calculate your exact size across 1,500+ brands, from Zara to COS to Reiss—in real time. No downloads. No apps. Always free.

✅ How it Works:

Enter your bust, waist, and hips or existing brand size
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool
Tellar shows your exact size in any store
Access a printable tape measure for home use

💡 Result: Fewer returns, better fits, and effortless shopping from high street to designer.

Start here: Create your profile

Or try the tool: Store Size Lookup

BONUS: The Fashion Hub – Always Honest, Always Free

Tellar.co.uk isn’t just a sizing engine. It’s a free fashion hub featuring thousands of stylist-written posts with:

Body-shape specific style advice
Brand comparisons
Best buys for denim, dresses, outerwear and more
Age-appropriate fashion tips
Material quality breakdowns

✔️ 100% honest

✔️ Independent

✔️ Affiliate-free recommendations

Explore now:

📲 Follow Tellar for Real-Time Advice

Stay in the loop with expert tips, sizing science, and wardrobe planning:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

Final Word

The right pair of shorts should make you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish—no matter your shape or age. From petite cotton shorts to designer linen Bermudas, your perfect fit is out there.

And with Tellar.co.uk, you don’t have to guess.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”

Start now: https://www.tellar.co.uk

Create your profile: https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

Store Size Tool: https://tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/