In the summer wardrobe, it is absolutely impossible to do without a pair of shorts. However, in the face of a dazzling array of styles in shopping malls and a variety of fabric introductions on the Internet, many people will fall into the dilemma of “choosing the right one”: does the high-waisted model really show long legs? What fabric is comfortable to wear when exercising? Which versions should I avoid with a pear-shaped figure? Today’s guide will help you choose the most suitable “god pants” for you from 7 core dimensions such as style, function, and fabric.
1. Style design: Choosing the right fit is more important than buying expensive
The style of shorts directly determines the upper body effect, and the body advantages and style positioning corresponding to different versions are completely different. Instead of blindly following the trend, it is better to find out your body characteristics first and then start.
Style type | Core strengths | Adapted to the figure | Real dressing cases |
|---|---|---|---|
High-waisted shorts | Raise the waistline, optimize the proportions, and visually show the leg length of 5cm+ | Small man, slightly fat waist and abdomen | 158cm colleague Xiao Lin, wearing high-waisted denim shorts with a short top, became a “three-seven-point” figure in seconds, and was asked for links three times when commuting |
A-line version | The hem is widened to modify the width of the hips and thick thighs | Pear-shaped body, apple-shaped body | My girlfriend is a typical pear shape (hip circumference 92cm), and after wearing A-line pleated shorts, her crotch line is perfectly modified and she looks like she has lost 10 pounds |
Suit wide-leg shorts | The drape is strong, with its own capable temperament, and the flesh is not bloated | Working women, all kinds of body types | Our HR director wears dark suits and wide-leg shorts all year round, with shirts and high heels, which are formal and refreshing, and are more neat than wearing trousers |
Sports cycling pants | It is not tight and has good support | Athletic crowd, slender figure | Fitness coach Sister Zhang said that the high-elastic design of cycling pants can reduce muscle friction during exercise, and the students she brings have two hands |
In addition, ripped and worn denim hot pants are suitable for creating a street style, ruffled shorts can add a girly look, and paper bag waist shorts have become a favorite of retro style lovers with their unique waist design. When choosing a model, keep in mind one principle: choose a tight model that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, and choose a loose model when it is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.
2. Functional scenes: A pair of shorts worn for all occasions? Don’t step on the pit
The functional design of shorts is to serve specific scenarios, and wearing beach shorts for running by mistake is not only uncomfortable but also may cause injury. The following is classified according to high-frequency scenarios to help you accurately match your needs.
- Sports scenarios (yoga fitness, running training, tennis training): The core needs are elasticity, quick drying, and support. Give preference to models with four-sided stretch and quick-drying sweat-wicking functions, such as sports shorts with spandex components. Night runners must look for the reflective design of night running, and data shows that sports equipment with reflective strips can reduce the risk of accidents at night by 80%.
- Vacation scenarios (beach vacations, outdoor hiking): focus on breathability and sun protection. choose loose cotton and linen shorts on the beach, which are moisture-absorbing, breathable and not stuffy and sweaty; For hiking, choose a quick-drying model with UPF50+ sunscreen, which can not only block ultraviolet rays, but also quickly drain sweat during exercise.
- Everyday scenarios (daily commuting, home leisure): Comfort is key. choose suit shorts or high-waisted denim shorts for commuting, taking into account both decency and comfort; At home, give priority to shorts made of modal cotton or organic bamboo fibers, which are soft and skin-friendly, and there are no restrictions on movement.
3. Fabric technology: Don’t just look at “pure cotton”, these materials understand you better
Many people only think of pure cotton when buying shorts, but in different scenarios, the experience of technological fabrics far exceeds that of traditional materials. Let’s break down the most mainstream shorts fabrics at the moment.
The core formula of fabric purchase: scene needs + somatosensory preferences = the best choice. For example, if you are afraid of heat, choose ice silk coolness, choose moisture-wicking if you are easy to sweat, and choose recycled polyester for environmental protection.
Fabric type: | Core features: | Adapt to the scenario | Care tips |
|---|---|---|---|
Modal cotton | It is 1.5 times softer than pure cotton and is moisture-wicking and breathable | Home, daily commuting | The water temperature should not exceed 30°C to avoid exposure to the sun |
Ice silk coolness | The contact coolness coefficient is ≥0.2, and the cooling is 3-5°C in summer | High temperature commuting, outdoor play | Wash gently by hand, do not wring out vigorously |
Recycled polyester | Environmentally friendly (made from recycled plastic bottles), wear-resistant and wrinkle-resistant | sports, outdoor hiking | Machine washable and dries quickly |
Mesh breathable | Increased air permeability by 60% and accelerated air circulation | High-intensity sports such as running and tennis | Avoid machine washing and drying to prevent mesh deformation |
There are also fabrics for special needs, such as antibacterial and deodorant fabrics, which are suitable for long-term wear after exercise and can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria; pregnant women can choose elastic fabric shorts with a belly support design for comfort and support.
4. Size and fit: Refuse the “one-size-fits-all trap”, every body should be tolerated
“Buy a size smaller to look slimmer” is a misunderstanding of many people, ill-fitting shorts are not only uncomfortable to wear, but also expose the shortcomings of the figure. A good size fit should be “inclusive of the figure” rather than “picky about the figure”.
Key points for purchasing different body types:
- Pear-shaped figure: Look for a pear-shaped figure-friendly A-line or wide-leg version, and choose an adjustable design at the waist to avoid tight-fitting styles that fit close to the base of the thighs. My student Ms. Li is pear-shaped, and she always showed wide hips when she wore skinny denim shorts before, but after changing to wide-leg denim shorts with raw edges, the overall proportions are much more coordinated.
- Small people: Give priority to cropped shorts for small people, with a length above the middle of the thigh, to avoid over-the-knee style pressing on height. Paired with a high-waisted design, it further elongates the leg line.
- Pregnant women: Choose pregnant women’s abdominal support shorts, the waist is made of elastic fabric, which can be adjusted with the increase of gestational age, and the length of the pants should not be too short to avoid discomfort when walking around.
- Slightly chubby figure: Fattening up and increasing size is the basis, and it is necessary to pay more attention to the design of apple waist and abdomen, which can quietly tighten the waist and abdominal fat, and at the same time choose dark colors to make you look thinner.
In addition, size-free stretch shorts are suitable for people who are afraid of trouble, and high-stretch fabrics can be adapted to a variety of body types, but people weighing more than 140 pounds are recommended to choose a special large size to avoid overly tight fabrics.
5. Popular elements: Don’t blindly follow the trend, choose the right style to be more attractive
The trend of shorts changes every year, but really fashionable people will combine popular elements with their own style. The hottest trending elements of 2024, see which one suits you.
Y2K low waist: It has a retro sweet and cool feel, suitable for people with a thin waist and obvious waistline, paired with a short crop top, instantly full of hot girl atmosphere. However, sisters with fat in the waist and abdomen are recommended to choose carefully, as it is easy to expose shortcomings.
American retro: represented by high-waisted denim shorts, paired with printed T-shirts and canvas shoes, casual and age-reducing. My latest pair of worn-out American retro shorts have not deformed after washing them three times, and they are very cost-effective.
French linen: It has a lazy temperament, the fabric is breathable and skin-friendly, suitable for vacation or daily commuting, and it is a standard French outfit with a striped shirt. The disadvantage is that it is easy to wrinkle, so it is better to iron it before wearing it.
TikTok hits: Most of them are uniquely designed styles, such as patchwork shorts and irregular hem shorts, which are suitable for young people who like to try new things. However, this type of style has a short life cycle and is not recommended to buy too expensive.
There are also ins bloggers with the same style and celebrity airport show with fire, when purchasing, pay attention to combining your own figure, such as the oversize model worn by celebrities, small people may look dragged when wearing.
6. Color pattern: Wearing the right color is whiter than makeup
Colors and patterns are the “appearance” of shorts, and the right choice can not only show whiteness and boost the atmosphere, but also echo the atmosphere of different occasions.
There is no mistake in basic colors: minimalist black, white and gray are universal colors, and they will not step on thunder with any top; Denim blue is divided into light blue, dark blue, washed gradient, etc., light blue is suitable for summer, and dark blue is more thin.
Bright color shows vitality: Dopamine bright color is a big hit this year, pink, yellow, orange and other colors can instantly enhance the complexion, suitable for fair-skinned people; Sisters with yellowish skin can choose the color of creamy macarons, which are gentle and not picky.
The pattern is exquisite: the small daisy print is fresh and age-reducing, suitable for the student party; houndstooth and college stripes are more exquisite and suitable for workplace commuting; Zebra print and tie-dye blending are suitable for hipsters who pursue individuality, but pay attention to pairing them with solid color tops to avoid being too fancy overall.
7. Matching combination: a pair of shorts, wear 10 styles
The versatility of shorts is its core advantage, and mastering different matching techniques can make one pair of shorts play the value of multiple pants.
- Workplace style: blazer + shorts, paired with high heels and a simple necklace, formal yet feminine, suitable for summer commuting.
- Sporty style: sports bra + shorts or cycling pants + oversize T, with sneakers, full of energy, suitable for fitness or going out.
- Resort style: denim shorts + suspenders, with a resort straw hat + straw bag, the seaside photo is out of the picture.
- Retro style: high-waisted shorts + crop top, paired with loafers and mid-leg socks, turn into a retro girl in seconds, suitable for dating or shopping.
- Winter transition style: down jacket + shorts, using the “missing bottoms” wearing method, with long boots, warm and fashionable, to solve the problem of bloated winter clothes.
Procurement perspective: When choosing shorts, quality is more important than style
Hello everyone, I’m Yigu, and I’ve been engaged in clothing procurement for many years. From a purchasing point of view, choosing women’s shorts cannot only look at the surface design, the gram weight of the fabric, the density of the stitching, and the recovery rate of elasticity are the keys to determining the quality. For example, denim shorts, high-quality denim jackets usually weigh 10-12 ounces, and are not easy to deform after washing; Sports shorts should pay attention to the spandex content, generally 15%-20% spandex ratio, the best elasticity and support. In addition, many brands are now making environmentally friendly fabrics, such as recycled polyester shorts, which are not only not inferior in quality to traditional fabrics, but also in line with the trend of green consumption, which is worth recommending. It is recommended that when buying shorts, pay more attention to the fabric ingredient list on the tag, don’t buy inferior products at a low price, it is not cost-effective to wear it a few times and it will loosen and deform.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about women’s shorts
- Q: What should I do if denim shorts fade after washing? A: When cleaning for the first time, soak in cold water with a spoonful of salt for 20 minutes, which can effectively fix the color; When washing, wash on the opposite side and avoid mixing with light-colored clothes.
- Q: How to avoid showing hip width when wearing shorts with a pear-shaped figure? A: Choose an A-line version or a wide-leg version, the length of the pants is controlled in the middle of the thigh, and a loose top covers the crotch to avoid tight tops that expose the proportions of the body.
- Q: Do I need to buy sports shorts with built-in safety pants? A: It is recommended to give priority to styles with built-in safety pants, especially when running, yoga and other sports, which can avoid being exposed and improve the sense of safety when wearing.
- Q: Are ice silk shorts easy to snag? A: Ice silk fabric is relatively delicate, avoid contact with sharp objects, use gentle mode when cleaning, and fold and store after drying, which can reduce the snagging situation.