I never thought I'd hear myself complain about how big my butt was until I went shopping for denim shorts. Don't get me wrong: I absolutely love my pronounced butt, but finding the right pair of shorts for a big butt can be a real struggle. For curvy women, finding products that fit extreme hip-to-waist ratios can be challenging. But it's not impossible.
As someone who has a lot of junk in the trunk, I know personally how difficult it can be to find a pair of shorts that don't ride up, expose your butt, or have a gap in the back. Even worse is when you take your measurements, thinking the extra fabric will accommodate your tucha, only to find out that the shorts fit your thighs but not your waist. Or look super baggy and shapeless.
The truth is, not all shorts (or booties) are created equal. The key is to find a shape that works in your favor. Here are some general tips to consider when you're trying to find shorts that fit comfortably around your hips.
- Avoid cuts to ultra-low-rise buildings at all costs.
- Skip anything too short (look for a three- to four-inch inseam).
- Look for shorts that fit around your waist, not your hip line.
- Don’t buy something that has big and bulky pockets.
- Stay away from cuffs that are too tight around the thighs.
- Stick to soft, stretchy materials that provide room to breathe.
Now, check out this list of great shorts to shop for below.
1. Levi’s Classic
If you're looking for jeans that fit a variety of body types, look no further than Levi's. Made from 100% cotton, these retro-style shorts are an updated version of the classic 501 shorts that Levi's fans love. In my experience, they are a little small, so be sure to buy the large size.
Levi's 501 shorts, $45, Levi's
Similar: Levi's 501 Shorts by Echo Park, $58, Amazon
2. Girlfriend shorts
One of my personal favorites, girlfriend shorts are a great option and sit high on the waist. This product comes in a beautiful light blue wash. The security of the button and zip fly also helps keep everything in place.
Top Shop Moto Bleach Girlfriend Shorts, $52, T opShop
3. High waist favorite
Everyone knows that American Apparel focuses on high-waisted short games. The pair is available in black and white and mainly covers larger assets.
American Apparel Stretch Bull Denim High Waist Cuff Shorts, $58 , Amazon
4. Cut-off shorts
Citizens of Humanity is known for its incredibly soft and durable denim. This gray-black wash is the perfect shade when you want to switch from traditional blue. A beard and frayed bottoms add to the vintage feel.
Citizens of Humanity Chloe high-waisted goth shorts , $188, citizenof humanity.com
See similar products: Joe's Jeans Charlie Short by Amaya, $148, Amazon
5. Mom shorts
Designed by ASOS Curve, these mom jeans are a great choice if you want to keep your butt super comfortable.
ASOS Curve High-Waist Denim Mom Shorts, medium wash , $54, A SOS
Try: 7 for All Mankind Casual Roll-Up Shorts, $148, Amazon
6. Loose thighs
Available in light and medium denim washes, these shorts are perfect for big boots thanks to their relaxed fit.
Forever 21 distressed denim shorts, $20, F orever21
Try: DL1961 Karlie Roll Up Shorts, $77, Amazon
7. Soft denim
These River Island shorts are great. Not only do they have huge stretch appeal, but they also come in black. Throw on your favorite sandals and you're ready to go.
River Island light wash patch pocket denim shorts , $56, us.riverisland.com
8. More mom jeans
Don't let the style names fool you, as Topshop's mom shorts are suitable for women of all ages. These high-waisted shorts feature ample coverage in the back and stylish tears in the front for the perfect late-summer look.
Top Shop Moto White Ripped Mom Shorts, $58, TopShop
9. Poster style
BDG's classic Urban Outfitter shorts are made from a blend of cotton, spandex and polyester that allows room to breathe without being too tight.
BDG Four-Pocket Pin-Up Shorts — Charlie, $40, Urban Outfitters
See similar items: Pink Ice High-Waist Stretch Denim Shorts, $17, Amazon
10. Super stretch
If comfort is your number one priority, NYDJ’s Bermuda Style Shorts are a great option.
NYDJ Briella' rolled-hem stretch denim shorts , $60, nordstrom.com
See similar products: Levi's Women's Bermuda Shorts, $27.99, Amazon
11. No front zipper or buttons
These River Island shorts give off major pin-up vibes in a rich, vibrant blue. These shorts feature a non-traditional design with buttons on the side of the waist for a sophisticated look, especially when paired with wedges.
River Island bright blue high-waisted button-up shorts , $56, riverisland.com
Try: 7 For All Mankind Biancha Shorts with Exposed Buttons, $101, Amazon
12. Simple high-waisted shorts
Levi's High Waist Shorts are given this cool acid wash rinse and are a fun alternative to regular old black or blue denim. The traditional five-pocket design isn't too bulky so it holds my hips in place.
Levis high-waisted shorts, $38, Levi's
13. Cuffed shorts
This is easily one of the most popular shorts styles American Apparel sells, and I've been a huge fan for nearly a decade. This style is made from thicker material, which may feel tight at first, but will soon begin to stretch, creating a looser feel.
American Apparel High Waist Jean Cuff Shorts, $58, American Apparel
See similar products: Vintage High-Waist Denim Shorts, $17.99, Amazon
14. More poster styles
This shoe is perfect if you want your shorts to look short but don't want to worry about your big butt being exposed when you bend over.
BDG Dolphin Pin Up Shorts, $40, Urban Outfitters
15. Super stylish
These shorts will mold to your hips instantly. However, be careful if you choose the white option as this style is very sheer.
Forever 21 Cuff high-waisted denim shorts, $18, Forever21
See similar products: True Religion Jayde Boyfriend Shorts in White, $79, Amazon
16. Simple mid-rise house
These shoes are edgy and chic without riding up or showing off big cracks. The frayed hem also adds a vintage feel. Wear your favorite espadrilles for the ultimate summer look.
7 for all Mankind, rigid vintage indigo high-waisted cut-off shorts , $90, 7forallmankind.com
17. Loose high-waisted pants
These distressed high-waisted shorts are perfect for anything from outdoor festivals to casual walks in the park. ASOS captures this effortless style just right.
ASOS Clapton mid-wash denim high-waisted shorts with side slits and tears, $50, one pair SOS
So show off your love for your butt in a great pair of shorts that won't make you feel like your assets are about to take center stage. Image: courtesy brand
