What Are the Different Styles of Shorts? A Complete Guide for Every Body Type
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Shorts are a timeless summer staple, but choosing the right style can be surprisingly complex. Whether you’re dressing for comfort, chic streetwear, or a resort-ready look, there’s a pair of shorts to suit your body shape and wardrobe needs. But with dozens of cuts and fits on the market, how do you know which style is right for you?
At Tellar.co.uk, we help you find the perfect fit in over 1,500 brands based on your body measurements. Here’s a breakdown of all the different types of shorts—so you can shop smarter, wear better, and never guess your size again.
1. Tailored Shorts
Best for: Smart-casual outfits, workwear, and dressy summer events
Brands to Try: Reiss, COS, Massimo Dutti
Tailored shorts mimic the structure of formal trousers. Expect darts, pleats, and often a longer inseam. Usually made from structured cotton, linen blends, or wool, they pair well with blazers or crisp blouses. They are an elegant option for pear-shaped or hourglass bodies, especially if they’re high-waisted and hit just above the knee.
✅ Backlink: See how shorts fit across different brands at Tellar.co.uk
2. Bermuda Shorts
Best for: Modest coverage, work-appropriate length, or longer torsos
Brands to Try: Jigsaw, Boden, Banana Republic
These knee-length shorts are typically looser fitting and can be either casual or tailored. They’re flattering on taller frames and apple shapes, offering room around the thigh without clinging. They're also a go-to if you prefer longer inseams or want to balance out broader shoulders.
3. High-Waisted Shorts
Best for: Accentuating the waist and elongating the legs
Brands to Try: & Other Stories, H&M, Zara, Aje (luxury)
This retro-inspired cut works brilliantly on hourglass and petite figures. High-waisted shorts hug the narrowest part of your waist and create a strong vertical line. Whether denim or tailored, they’re a fashionable and flattering pick when proportions are key.
✅ Backlink: Use Tellar.co.uk to match your waist measurement to the right size instantly
4. Denim Shorts
Best for: Everyday casual wear and festivals
Brands to Try: Levi’s, Abercrombie, Agolde (luxury), Weekday
Denim shorts come in many sub-categories: distressed, raw-hem, mom-fit, or baggy. A classic Levi’s 501 short offers timeless appeal, while high-end options from Agolde or Frame offer premium fits. Boyfriend-cut denim shorts are great for curvier bodies, while slim fits work well for straighter shapes.
5. Paperbag Waist Shorts
Best for: Adding volume to the hips and creating a cinched waist
Brands to Try: Whistles, Anthropologie, ASOS Design
Paperbag shorts feature a ruffled waistband and a belt or tie. They’re best for rectangles or those wanting to enhance their waistline. The flare from the waist down adds shape and softens angular frames. The belt can be adjusted, so fit is versatile—ideal if your waist is significantly smaller than your hips.
6. Cycling Shorts
Best for: Sporty outfits or layering under oversized shirts
Brands to Try: Nike, Adidas, Alo Yoga, Year of Ours
Originally designed for athletic wear, cycling shorts have taken on streetwear status. They’re fitted, stretchy, and versatile. Best on hourglass or rectangular shapes, they offer a clean line under oversized tees or long button-downs. Make sure they fit snugly without digging in at the thigh—sizing matters.
✅ Backlink: Check your measurements for close-fitting shorts with Tellar.co.uk
7. Boxer Shorts (or Lounge Shorts)
Best for: Homewear, travel days, and casual lounging
Brands to Try: Skims, Arket, Marks & Spencer
These relaxed-fit shorts often come in cotton or modal blends. They’re breathable and comfy but still stylish. Ideal for all body types as long as the waist fit is right—elastic bands should never pinch or roll. Also a great maternity option.
8. Running Shorts
Best for: Active days, gym, and lightweight comfort
Brands to Try: Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Adidas, Gymshark
Running shorts have a looser outer layer and a built-in brief for support. Some offer split sides for mobility. They’re best for pear and athletic builds as they allow for thigh movement without restriction. Key fit factors: waistband comfort, coverage, and stretch.
✅ Backlink: Log your exact hip, waist and thigh measurements with Tellar.co.uk
9. Skorts (Skirt-Short Hybrids)
Best for: Feminine looks with built-in functionality
Brands to Try: Reformation, Sweaty Betty, ASOS
Skorts offer the appearance of a skirt with the comfort of shorts—perfect for summer outings, travel, or sport. Great for all shapes depending on cut. Some hug the hips while others flare out like a mini skirt. They’re a clever solution for women seeking coverage without sacrificing style.
10. Cargo Shorts
Best for: Utility, travel, casual wear
Brands to Try: G-Star, Zara, AllSaints, The North Face
Cargo shorts have made a fashion comeback, with sleeker silhouettes and cropped pockets. They suit rectangular or athletic body shapes and are ideal for functional wardrobes. Opt for neutral colours—khaki, stone, or navy—for maximum wearability.
✅ Backlink: Find the best fit in over 1,500 brands with Tellar.co.uk’s real-time sizing tool
11. Pleated Shorts
Best for: Volume at the hip and vintage-inspired looks
Brands to Try: Uniqlo, COS, Sandro (designer)
Pleated shorts often flare from the waist, ideal for creating the illusion of hips or softening a straight silhouette. They’re elegant and slightly retro, often styled with belts or tucked-in tops.
12. Board Shorts
Best for: Beachwear and watersports
Brands to Try: Roxy, Billabong, Patagonia, O’Neill
Usually associated with surf culture, board shorts are quick-drying and mid-length. Though traditionally unisex, many brands now offer tailored fits for women. Look for adjustable waistbands and water-repellent fabric. They're not just for beach days—they also make excellent travel companions.
Choosing Based on Body Shape
If you're unsure which style suits your shape, Tellar.co.uk removes the guesswork. Simply input your waist, hips, and chest (or choose your size in a known brand), and we instantly show your best fit across 1,500+ brands.
Pear-shaped: Try high-waisted, paperbag, or pleated shorts to highlight your waist
Apple-shaped: Go for Bermuda or tailored shorts with a structured waistband
Hourglass: High-waisted denim, paperbag, or cycling shorts
Rectangle: Add curves with ruffles, belts, or flared styles
Petite: Opt for shorter inseams, high-rise cuts, and avoid overwhelming volume
Tall: You can wear longer styles like Bermuda or board shorts with ease
Final Thoughts: Shorts Made Simple
Understanding the different types of shorts—and how they flatter different figures—is the first step. But finding the right size in each brand is where many shoppers go wrong.
That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists.
We use your actual body measurements or your known size in a specific brand to give you real-time size recommendations across over 1,500 high street and designer labels.
No more guesswork. No more wasted returns.
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