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:

🧍 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:

1. Enter your bust, waist, and hips or existing brand size

2. Use the Store Size Lookup Tool

3. Tellar shows your exact size in any store

4. 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:

• The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

• The Ultimate Guide to SmartCasual Blazers for Women’s Body Types

• The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Tuxedo Suits

📲 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:tellar.co.uk

Create your profile:/create-profile/

Store Size Tool:/store-size-lookup/