Now that summer is here, it’s time to start dressing to stay cool and comfortable. But the options are slim when it comes to finding bottoms that both keep you cool and make you feel pretty.

Shorts suck. There I said it. I hate shorts. They either make my butt look flat and show off the stretch marks on my thighs or they ride up in all the wrong places and show just a hair too much of leg than I’m comfortable with showing.

Shorts are a tricky article of clothing to get right.

https://youtu.be/40_tWHpbits

Finding shorts that look cute and flatter thighs is HUGE struggle. Maybe you dread this. I know I do. Or perhaps because shorts can basically suck for girls with fuller figures and thighs, flat butts, or as we’ve already made clear because shorts suck maybe you’re looking for an alternative to shorts; something you can run around in without flashing the world.

If you struggle to find shorts that are both cute and flattering or are looking for an alternative to shorts for the summer, then this video is for you. We’ll be talking about the do’s and don’ts of shorts, some styles I recommend, and some alternative to shorts that will make you happy!

Let’s get some things out of the way. The don’ts.

Please don’t wear “shorts” that come down the knee or that hit just below the knee. This style tends to be unflattering. If you need to wear things at either of those lengths because you don’t like showing too much of your leg, then stay tuned for alternatives.

Try to stay away from shorts that have a lot going on like pockets, straps, dangling things, sparkles, bows, or ruffles.

And this is just because it amazes me that women (teenagers) still wear these. Don’t wear pajama shorts or “workout” shorts that show every single nook and cranny of your behind. It’s gross.

If you have pale skin, avoid wearing khaki colored shorts.

Always buy true to size. Not too small or tight, not too large.

Do’s that will work for you

Look for high-rise or high-waisted shorts. If you have a flat butt like me and you feel comfortable showing a bit more leg, you will need to wear shorts that are a bit shorter. This could be that they are cuffed or that they are just quite short. This gives the appearance of a booty. Make sure the pockets on the butt are larger.

Try to apply the finger-tip rule. When standing if the shorts hit above your fingertips with your arms at your side they are too short.

If you are full-figured, stick with shorts that are true to size and don’t be afraid to let them hug your body. Looser items on full figures don’t “hide” anything. Tailored garments always make you appear slimmer are more flattering to your figure. Try shorts that are a heavier weight, more structure material.

Everlane is on the ethical side but you can also check out these from Universal Thread, Target’s attempt at producing some ethical items. I have to give their designers some credit. Their team did a fantastic job. And they designed with various body types and sizes in mind.

I know it can feel like when wearing shorts that you are showing the entire world your body, and you kind of are. You’ll have to make a choice that works for you. As I’ve said before, people aren’t looking at you and judging you. They are mainly focused on themselves and judging themselves…as said as that is. If someone is judging you, that’s more of a reflection on them than it is on you. You deserve to be comfortably cool for summer.

Alternatives to shorts

However, shorts aren’t your only option for staying cool this summer. Believe it or not, I still own a pair of skorts. Is it a pair? Or is it a skort? In any case, skorts are a real thing. If you don’t know what a skort is, it’s a blend between a pair of shorts and a skirt. It looks like a skirt but has shorts underneath.

I own a skort that I got at a thrift store. It’s from 2000 Banana Republic and it might be one of my favorite closet items. It’s high waisted, black, has pockets, hits at the right place on my thigh, and I never ever have to worry about thy rubs or flashing people accidentally.

Skorts come in all styles and are a great compromise to shorts.

You can also just go the traditional route and find a pair of nice super thin bike shorts that you can wear underneath skirts and dresses. This actually works really well if you’ve ever wondered and I have used this trick before and was super comfortable.

Finally, I recommend wearing Capri length wide-leg pants. They are incredibly breathable and flattering if you just can’t abide shorts, skirts, or dresses!

I love these from Hackworth and the Zara, and Gap.

In conclusion

If you hate wearing shorts for summer because of the inevitable thy rub, try these recommendations out. Look for shorts that will work for your body type, stick with heavier weight materials, and you may consider having longer shorts tailored to fit you perfectly.

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