Plus Size Shorts for Women

Select Retailers That Boast Style & Size Variety

The best way to find a pair of shorts that fit well is to frequent retailers that specifically cater to plus size women. All of the top chains carry shorts in styles that flatter curves. They include:

• Ashley Stewart
• Lane Bryant
• Fashion Bug
• Torrid
• Catherine's
• Just My Size

Those are just a few of the retail options for shorts for full-figures. You can also find cute styles in the plus size departments of boutiques and major department stores. The key is to look for shorts that fit comfortably at the waist (with enough breathing room around the tummy) and cover any hotspots around the thighs.

Make sure your plus size shorts have a nice, relaxed fit --- if they are too tight, you might see unsightly bumps and bulges. Avoid shorts that are very short. Remember, it is important to stay stylish, but classy. Plus size shorts should fall to the middle of your thighs for a solid, casual look. If you are looking for an exceptionally sexy style, go an inch or two higher, but stop there. Or, you can choose a skort, which is a variation on a shorts style. For a more professional look, don a pair of below-the-knee shorts, with a cuff, and a button down shirt with fabulous accessories, such as bold jewelry or a stylish belt.

Liven Up Plus Size Shorts for Women With Color

When it comes to adding funky plus-size shorts to your spring or summer wardrobe, consider colorful styles. Warm weather is a time when fabrics get lighter and color rebounds from the browns, blacks and navy blues of winter. Hot pinks, cool blues and whites are great colors for summer shorts and can be easily mixed and matched with other seasonal separates in your closet. Solid colors are better than prints.

Some experts recommend going darker on bottom to de-emphasize curves. However, if you have proper fitting plus size shorts, bright colors can look great! The idea is not to cover up curves, but rather to find great shorts styles that make the most of them.

Pick Fabrics to Flatter Curves

Cotton is the best fabric for plus size shapes because it is comfortable and drapes well over different bodies. Linen is also a solid option and makes plus size shorts look neat and crisp. Stay away from fabrics with a lot of spandex because it tends to cling to curves in an unflattering way. A small amount of spandex can be beneficial for form-fittnig styles, but don't go overboard.

Denim is a great fabric for casual shorts styles. However, keep it simple for denim styles; too many embellishments can make shorts look too busy and unstylish. Additionally, since plus size shorts are primarily worn in spring and summer, stay away from heavy fabrics, such as wool or corduroy. The key is to keep fabrics light, airy and comfortable.

Try Them On Before Purchasing

If possible, try on shorts before you purchase them as fits vary between designers and retail brands. If you are purchasing plus size shorts for women online, try out one pair first to take note of the size and fit before purchasing additional pairs. Sizes can fluctuate up and down at least two sizes, depending on the brand.

Armed with the right information, finding a fabulous pair of plus size shorts to add to your summer wardrobe can be a breeze..