Look and feel cool when it's hot outside in the best plus-size shorts for your body type
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15 Plus-Size Shorts to Wear This Summer
Updated on Aug. 13, 2024
Warm weather is here and it’s time to pull out the swimsuits, sandals and shorts. And while there’s no shortage of options this time of year, it can be difficult to find plus-size shorts that are both comfortable and stylish while offering a good fit.
To help make your shopping easier, we scoured the top retailers to find the best shorts for figures of various shapes and sizes. You’re bound to find at least one (or maybe three) you’ll want to add to your cart this summer!
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Lane Bryant Silky Chino City Short
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Eloquii Distressed Denim Short
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Spanx Sunshine 10-Inch Shorts
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Lane Bryant Boyfriend Bermuda Jean Short
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Hutch Pleated Utility Shorts
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Casual Drawstring Shorts
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Lane Bryant Livi Towel Terry Short
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Torrid Retro Chic Ruffle Hem Short
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Good American Always Fits Plissé Shorts
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Lane Bryant Linen Bermuda Short
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Eloquii Satin Short
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Maurices Belted Weekender Short
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Open Edit Linen Blend Bermuda Shorts
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Colette Faux Leather Shorts by Maeve
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Under Armour “Fly By” 2.0 Running Shorts
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VIA MERCHANT
Lane Bryant Silky Chino City Short
Made from modal, polyester, cupro and spandex, these chino-style shorts offer a relaxed fit that feels silky and lightweight no matter how much the weather heats up. Four pockets hold those daily essentials in addition to a stretchy waistband that moves with you for optimal comfort. Wear them over a bodysuit for a put-together look at a birthday party or casual dinner out. They come in three colors and sizes 12 to 28.
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Eloquii Distressed Denim Short
You may already know and love the brand Eloquii for its of-the-moment stylish pieces for larger bodies. Available in sizes 14 to 32, this pair of distressed denim plus-size shorts is super on-trend, featuring a frayed hem, five pockets and a contoured waistband that rests right at the hips.
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Spanx Sunshine 10-Inch Shorts
With four-way stretch, these sunshine shorts from Spanx move with you. With their modest 10-inch length, they’re great for activewear with little more leg coverage. Beach-friendly, the fabric is chlorine- and salt-water resistant and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. (Just don’t forget the sunscreen on your bare legs.) They come in two colors and plus sizes 1X and 3x.
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Lane Bryant Boyfriend Bermuda Jean Short
Bermuda shorts are one of the best semi-casual pieces of clothes one can own. Not only are they versatile, but very comfortable and flattering. Available in sizes 12 to 40, these boyfriend-cut Bermudas offer a loose fit from the hip to the knee and stretch denim for easy movement. For a more form-fitting look, size down from your usual size.
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Hutch Pleated Utility Shorts
The pleats on these utility shorts are in all the right places to give them the business-casual look of traditional slacks in a cooler cut. Front slant pockets and a side-patch pocket hold daily essentials while giving your hands a place to rest. They come in three colors and sizes 1X to 3X.
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Casual Drawstring Shorts
These mid-rise elastic shorts from Amazon Fashion come in over 33 colors and patterns and sizes to 3X, so you’ll find ones that will go with anything! The breezy fabric is made of a polyester, cotton and spandex blend that feels just as appropriate for Sunday brunch as it does for errands.
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Lane Bryant Livi Towel Terry Short
When it’s time to hit the beach, get a pair of shorts that provide coverage and keep you dry. With a stretchy elastic waistband and side pockets, these terry shorts absorb water when tossed over a wet bathing suit to serve as a cover-up. These plus-size shorts are available in sizes 14 to 40 and come in both white and honeysuckle pink.
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Torrid Retro Chic Ruffle Hem Short
Add a fun and playful pattern to your traditional wardrobe with the vibrant floral and fruit design of these ruffle hem shorts. Made from rayon, these plus-size shorts have a flirty 3.5-inch length and feel ultra-lightweight and breathable, while skimming your curves for a flattering fit. They come in Torrid’s proprietary sizes, which translate to plus sizes 10 to 30.
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Good American Always Fits Plissé Shorts
Hop on the Barbiecore trend with these slinky plissé shorts that come in bright fuchsia (as well as chartreuse and black). They offer the same comfort and breathability as joggers but the textured fabric elevates the style. The adjustable drawstrings help achieve the right fit, in sizes up to 5XL.
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Lane Bryant Linen Bermuda Short
With their gentle pinstripes, these navy mid-rise Bermuda shorts dress up with high-heeled sandals or down with your favorite casual sneakers. The best part? The linen material is super breathable so you won’t get too sweaty. These plus-size shorts come in sizes 14 to 28.
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Eloquii Satin Short
Jazz up a night out with these hot pink, high-rise satin shorts. They stop right at the waist with a double-belt to flatter figures sizes 14 to 32. For optimal styling, pair them with some confident-boosting shapewear.
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Maurices Belted Weekender Short
Show a little leg with these 5-inch mid-rise shorts. This belted pair nips the waist without binding and the length stops right at the mid-thigh for a short-but-not-too-short fit. The neutral toffee or olive green colors coordinate with different shirts and come in sizes 14W to 24W.
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Open Edit Linen Blend Bermuda Shorts
Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with these linen blend Bermuda shorts from Open Edit. The lightweight fabric drapes beautifully from the waist to just above the knee in a cheerful lilac hue. The rear elastic waist adds more room for movement and flexibility as you go about your day. They come in sizes 1X to 4X.
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Colette Faux Leather Shorts by Maeve
Feeling edgy? Show off your wilder side with these faux leather shorts. The 2.5-inch inseam shows off your legs, or wear the shorts with no-tear tights for a bit more modesty. Choose among sizes 16W to 24W in black or gray.
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Under Armour “Fly By” 2.0 Running Shorts
Every closet needs at least one pair of workout shorts. Cut loose and made of fast-drying woven polyester with mesh inserts, these UA running shorts wick away unwanted moisture as you move. Find them in a slew of colors ranging from vibrant to neutral in sizes up to 3X.
