The Ultimate Guide to Shorts: Styles, Body Shapes & Best Brands (UK & USA)

High Street & Designer Options | Technical Fit Advice | Tellar-Approved Links

Shorts are often one of the most confusing pieces in a warm-weather wardrobe. With so many styles—from denim cut-offs to paperbag linen to tailored Bermuda—it’s hard to know what actually flatters your shape.

This guide breaks down every key short style, matches them to body types, and recommends high street and designer brands across the UK and USA. Plus, we’ll show you how to get your perfect fit every time with Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s free and unbiased sizing tool.

1. Understanding the Key Types of Shorts

1.1 High-Waisted Shorts

Sit at or above the natural waist
Elongate the legs and define the waist

Best for:

Hourglass, pear, and petite body types

Avoid if: You have a short torso—opt for mid-rise instead

1.2 Paperbag Shorts

Feature a cinched waist with a gathered or belted waistband
Create volume around the hips

Best for:

Rectangle or inverted triangle shapes (adds curves)

Avoid if: You already have a fuller midsection and want to streamline the waist

1.3 Tailored Shorts

Clean-cut, structured, often with pleats or darts
Offer a polished silhouette suitable for smart casual dressing

Best for:

All body types depending on cut length
Great for apple or athletic shapes when the fabric has some drape

1.4 Bermuda Shorts

Longer length, typically ending just above or at the knee
Slim or straight fit for a refined shape

Best for:

Tall or athletic builds, apple shapes who want thigh coverage

Avoid if: You’re petite and want to elongate the leg—opt for a 5" inseam instead

1.5 Denim Shorts

Casual staple, varies in rise, fit and length
Frayed edges = laid-back, clean hem = smarter look

Best for:

Hourglass, rectangle, pear—cut to match your curves or balance them

Avoid: Low-rise cuts if you prefer mid-section support

1.6 Cycling Shorts

Stretchy, tight-fitting, often in technical fabrics
Popular for sporty or street-style looks

Best for:

Athletic or hourglass builds

Styling tip: Pair with oversized shirts or blazers for contrast

1.7 Skorts

Shorts with a front or full overlay that looks like a skirt
Combines practicality and femininity

Best for:

Petite, pear, hourglass types who want coverage with a playful edge

2. Choosing Shorts by Body Shape

Body Shape	Recommended Shorts Styles
Hourglass	High-waisted, tailored, paperbag, belted denim
Pear	A-line, wide-leg, dark-coloured bottoms with detailing up top
Apple	Mid-rise Bermuda, elasticated waistband, flat-front tailored shorts
Rectangle	Paperbag, pleated, curved hem shorts to create volume
Inverted Triangle	A-line, wide-leg, paperbag to balance shoulders
Petite	Shorter inseam, high-rise to elongate legs
Tall	Long-line, structured Bermudas, wide-leg shorts

3. Best High Street Shorts Brands (UK & USA)

1. Arket

Structured, neutral-toned cotton and linen shorts
Great tailored fits with elevated basics feel

2. COS

Minimalist bermudas and elasticated shorts in breathable fabrics
Ideal for clean silhouettes and polished layering

3. & Other Stories

Feminine paperbag and flared styles with flattering pleating
Perfect for dressy summer events or casual dinners

4. Mango / Massimo Dutti

Linen-rich summer edits with fitted and wide-leg options
Affordable sophistication with excellent tailoring

5. Next (UK)

Smart shorts with elastic waists and easy-care fabrics
Excellent for fit consistency and wider size ranges

4. Designer Shorts to Invest In

1. Totême

Refined neutral shorts in cotton-linen blends
Minimal seams, perfect for the understated dresser

2. The Row

Streamlined knee-length shorts in luxury wools and silks
Subtle, sleek, and durable

3. ME+EM

Smart-casual city shorts in ponte and tech cotton
Excellent waist construction and formal crossover appeal

4. Joseph

Elegant bermuda and pleated shorts in fluid fabric blends
Strong work-to-weekend transition pieces

5. Styling Tips for Shorts

🔹 Layering:

Pair tailored shorts with blazers or oversized shirts for a smart summer look.

🔹 Proportions:

Match fitted tops with wider-leg shorts; or wear loose tops tucked into slim-fit shorts.

🔹 Footwear:

Flat sandals for relaxed days
Heeled mules or loafers to elevate bermudas
Sleek white trainers for modern styling

6. Fit Matters: Get the Right Size with Tellar.co.uk

Choosing the right style is only half the job—fit is everything. Too tight, and you feel restricted. Too loose, and your proportions suffer.

That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

🔧 How It Works:

Measure once: chest, waist, hips
Use the Store Size Lookup Tool
Get real-time size recommendations for brands like COS, Reiss, Arket, Next, Everlane, & Other Stories, and moreInstruction on Posts
Always free, in-browser—no downloads needed

You’ll avoid returns, sizing guesswork, and confusion between UK/US/EU charts.

7. Visit Tellar’s Free Fashion Hub

Access thousands of unbiased posts from fashion stylists and fit experts, covering every category from shorts to blazers to tuxedos.

🧵 Recommended Reads:

All content is honest, unbiased, and always free. No affiliate links. No brand partnerships. Just trusted guidance.

📲 Follow Tellar for Style and Fit Insights:

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

Final Thoughts

The right pair of shorts is about more than just length—it’s about cut, fabric, structure, and body shape. From pleated city shorts to laid-back linen Bermudas, there's a perfect fit for everyone—if you know what to look for.

Let Tellar.co.uk take the stress out of fit and sizing so you can focus on building a cool, confident summer wardrobe—one perfectly fitted pair of shorts at a time.

👉 Get started now at www.tellar.co.uk

Fit smarter. Dress better. Always free.