By That Girl Whitney Team
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Warm weather means shorts season, and for a lot of plus size women, that means the ride-up struggle. You put on a pair of shorts, take a few steps, and feel the legs creep up your thighs. By lunchtime you’ve tugged them back down a dozen times. It’s enough to make you swear off shorts and suffer through summer in jeans.
Ride-up happens for a few reasons. The inseam may be too short for your thighs, or the leg opening may be too narrow to move with you. Sometimes the problem is the rise, since shorts that sit too low pull down at the back and up at the legs when you walk.
The good news is that the right pair of shorts stays put. Once you know which inseam and cut work for your body, you can shop with confidence and spend summer comfortable.
This guide explains what causes ride-up, then shows you the styles that tend to stay in place on plus size bodies.
Why Shorts Ride Up
Understanding the cause helps you pick a better pair.
The inseam is too short. Short inseams sit right where your thighs meet, so every step pushes the fabric up. A longer inseam rests lower on the leg, where there’s less movement.
The leg opening is too tight. If the hem hugs your thigh, it moves with your thigh. A slightly wider leg opening lets your legs move inside the shorts.
The rise is too low. Shorts that sit below your natural waist get pulled down at the back when you sit or walk, and the legs pull up to compensate. A mid or high rise keeps the shorts anchored at your waist.
The fabric is too stiff or too slick. Rigid denim fights your movement, while very slippery fabrics slide around. Look for fabric with a small amount of stretch that still holds its shape.
Shop it: anti-chafe slip shorts
Choosing the Right Inseam
Inseam is the measurement from the crotch seam to the hem. It’s the single biggest factor in whether shorts ride up.
Five-inch inseams look sporty and casual, but they’re the most likely to ride up on fuller thighs. They work best in stretchy fabrics or as athletic shorts.
Seven-inch inseams are a sweet spot for many plus size women. They cover more of your thigh and stay in place better, while still feeling like summer shorts.
Nine-inch and Bermuda lengths hit just above the knee. They’re the most stable choice for travel and long walks. They also look polished with sandals and a tucked blouse.
Check the product details for inseam length, since brands don’t always use the same names for their cuts. A “mid-length” short at one store might match a “long” short at another.
Shop it: Lee relaxed-fit Bermuda short
Styles That Stay in Place
Some shorts styles are naturally better at staying put.
Bermuda shorts have a longer inseam and a relaxed leg. They’re the most ride-up-resistant option and come in denim and linen.
Pull-on shorts with an elastic waist move with your body. Look for a wide, flat waistband that won’t roll or dig.
Bike shorts hug your legs with stretchy fabric and grip at the hem, so they stay in place. They’re great on their own for walks and errands, and they work as an anti-chafe layer under dresses.
Paperbag waist shorts sit at your natural waist with a gathered, belted top. The higher rise anchors them and keeps the legs from riding up.
Our chub rub guide covers more ways to keep your thighs comfortable when you wear shorts in the heat.
Shop it: Just My Size pull-on shorts or 10-inch plus size biker shorts
Where to Shop for Plus Size Shorts
Start with retailers that list inseam lengths for each style. Retailers like Old Navy and Lane Bryant usually show inseam measurements in the product details, which makes comparison shopping easier.
Amazon is a great option for basics like bike shorts and pull-on shorts. Search for the style plus “plus size” and your preferred inseam, then read reviews for comments about ride-up and stretch. Canadian shoppers can run the same search on Amazon.ca, where sellers and sizes differ. If you’re between sizes, size up in shorts with rigid fabric and stay true to size in stretchy styles. Stretch fabric relaxes as you wear it, so a slightly snug fit usually loosens to just right.
When you find a pair that works, buy it in a second color. Shorts that fit well and stay put are worth having in multiples, especially once summer heats up.
Shop it: high-waisted Bermuda jean shorts
Enjoying Summer in Shorts You Love
The right plus size shorts stay put through cookouts and long summer walks. Choose a longer inseam with a mid or high rise, and you’ll spend less time tugging and more time enjoying the sunshine. Once you find a cut that works, build your summer outfits around it with breezy tops and comfortable sandals.
Shop Whitney’s favorite plus size finds on her Amazon storefront. Follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.
