How to Find the Perfect Pair of Shorts

By Brian Maynor

 

As we welcome humidity and hot weather, shorts are going to become an essential part of your wardrobe, but finding the perfect pair can be cumbersome.

With various lengths, materials, styles and details it’s hard to know what is flattering from all angles and covers the essential areas without looking frumpy. Here are a few tips to help you in the hunt for your perfect shorts:

1.    Leg length. With shorts ranging from 3” to 10” there are a lot of options when it comes to length, so finding the perfect length for you means trying on several pairs. If you have great legs and want to show them off try 3-5” lengths. These are very short, so if you’re at all worried about your thighs you need to try the 7” selections. When you get to 9-10” shorts you want to make sure the legs are tailored and slim to avoid looking sloppy, and it helps if you have long legs to keep the lines balanced.

If you ever get stuck remember the knee is key. Shorts that fall one hand’s width above your knee will always look flattering, but avoid any that fall right across your knee.

2.    The right rise. Like most pants, shorts typically come in three rises: low, mid and high, and knowing which works for you depends as much on your body shape as the top you’re going to wear.

High-waist shorts are great for preventing muffin tops, but don’t lend themselves to tuck in your shirts.

Mid-rise are great if you have a little extra weight around the middle, but have slim legs and arms, but keep in mind summer tops can be shorter than others, so you want to always check to make sure you can sit or bend over without exposing yourself.

Low-rise shorts are great for people who are short-waisted, because they help balance proportions. Otherwise you run the risk of creating muffin tops and exposing your rear.

3.    Size matters. Shorts fit differently from pants, so when you go to try them on take your normal size and the next larger size. Depending upon how they are cut you may need to adjust the size anywhere from one to even two sizes larger than normal. I know this can be shattering to those of us attached to the number, so I recommend cutting out the tag, once you’ve purchased them of course.

4.    Try them out. As I’m sure you know, shorts have a tendency to ride up when you walk around in them awhile, so you need to account for that when you try them on. Don’t just slip into them and turn around checking the back to see that they look great. You need to walk around the room, or even the larger area and see how they move with you. While you can’t eliminate all bunching or rubbing, certain styles, fabrics and leg widths are more prone to it than others.

Whether you love shorts or loathe them, they are really a summer essential, here in the South especially. Don’t discount them altogether. Like finding the perfect pair of jeans or swimsuit, it may take time and trying on lots of pairs, but these tips will at least give you some help in knowing where to start.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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