Everyone has their kryptonite: Superman had...well, kryptonite; Achilles had his heel; and for me, it's shorts. I remember standing on the field during camp on a, particularly, sticky August day. Everyone around me was dressed in the ubiquitous uniform of denim shorts and a tank top, but I stood there in my dark-wash jeans, drenched in sweat, swearing that I was perfectly comfortable. Thanks to some harsh body-bashing brainwashing I had experienced over the years, I felt that my chubby legs were something to be ashamed of, something to keep covered up. I carried those body issues with me into adulthood, until one day I realized: screw it. I refuse to allow my hang-ups to prevent me from wearing what I want — especially those pieces that are generally awesome.
Now, I do that without fear of showing off my stems — thick thighs, cellulite, and all. Whether you’re like me and are just beginning your leg love affair or you’ve never shied away from a stringy pair of cutoffs, I rounded up a list of the best plus-size shorts. Ahead, find everything from chic high-waist styles to comfy sweat shorts that will let you display just as much as you're ready to.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.Madewell The Plus Curvy Perfect Jean Short in Baylis Wash
Size Range: 14W-16W
Shop Madewell
Madewell The Plus Curvy Perfect Jean Short in Baylis Wash, $, available at MadewellUniversal Standard Women's Mid-Rise French Terry Pull-On Shorts
Size Range: 1X-4X
Shop Target
Universal Thread Women's Mid-Rise French Terry Pull-On Shorts, $, available at TargetUniversal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts
Size Range: 00-36
Shop Universal Standard
Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts, $, available at Universal StandardEloquii Relaxed Bermuda Shorts
Size Range: 14-26
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Relaxed Bermuda Shorts, $, available at EloquiiA New Day Women's High-Rise Tie Waist Shorts
Size Range: 1X-4X
Shop Target
A New Day Women's High-Rise Tie Waist Shorts - A New Day™, $, available at TargetVioletaCommitted Floral Print Shorts
Size Range: M-4XL
Shop Mango
Violeta Floral print shorts, $, available at MangoVioleta Embroidered Cotton Shorts
Size Range: M-4XL
Shop Mango
Mango Embroidered cotton shorts, $, available at MangoTorrid Red Wine Mesh Embroidered Pull-On Short
Size Range: 10-30
Shop Torrid
Torrid Red Wine Mesh Embroidered Pull-On Short, $, available at TorridGirlfriend Black High-Rise Bike Short
Size Range: XS-6XL
Shop Girlfriend
Girlfriend Toasted Apricot Seamless High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at GirlfriendPhoto Courtesy of Girlfriend.Eloquii Printed High Waisted Shorts
Size Range: 14-28
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Printed High Waisted Shorts, $, available at EloquiiForever21 Plus Size Juicy Couture Shorts
Size Range: 0X-3X
Shop Forever21
Forever21 Plus Plus Size Juicy Couture Shorts, $, available at Forever21Boohoo Plus Paper Bag Waist Tailored Short
Size Range: 12-20
Shop Boohoo
Boohoo Plus Paper Bag Waist Tailored Short, $, available at BoohooStyle & Co Plus Size Bermuda Shorts
Size Range: 14W-24W
Shop Macy’s
Macy's Plus Size Bermuda Shorts, Created for Macy's, $, available at Macy'sCaslon Pull-On Tencel Shorts
Size Range: 1X-3X
Shop Nordstrom Rack
Caslon CaslonPull-On Tencel Shorts(Plus Size), $, available at Nordstrom RackOld Navy High-Waisted Printed Linen-Blend Plus-Size Shorts
Size Range: 1X-4X
Shop Old Navy
Old Navy High-Waisted Printed Linen-Blend Plus-Size Shorts -- 5-inch inseam, $, available at Old NavyLevi's Women's Plus-Size 501 Original Shorts
Size Range: 16-24
Shop Amazon
Levi's Levi's Women's Plus-Size 501 Original Shorts, $, available at AmazonDaily Practice by Anthropologie Kimberly Shorts
Size Range: 1X-3X
Shop Anthropologie
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Daily Practice by Anthropologie Kimberly Shorts, $, available at Anthropologie
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
8 Plus-Size Denim Shorts You Need Now
We Found Sweat Shorts That Are Plus-Friendly
26 Pairs Of Sweatshorts For Sweaty Spring Days
