17 Pairs Of Shorts Worthy Of Curvy Girls

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

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Madewell The Plus Curvy Perfect Jean Short in Baylis Wash, $, available at Madewell

Universal Standard Women's Mid-Rise French Terry Pull-On Shorts

Size Range: 1X-4X

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Universal Thread Women's Mid-Rise French Terry Pull-On Shorts, $, available at Target

Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts

Size Range: 00-36

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Universal Standard Next–to–Naked Bike Shorts, $, available at Universal Standard

Eloquii Relaxed Bermuda Shorts

Size Range: 14-26

Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Relaxed Bermuda Shorts, $, available at Eloquii

A New Day Women's High-Rise Tie Waist Shorts

Size Range: 1X-4X

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A New Day Women's High-Rise Tie Waist Shorts - A New Day™, $, available at Target

VioletaCommitted Floral Print Shorts

Size Range: M-4XL

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Violeta Floral print shorts, $, available at Mango

Violeta Embroidered Cotton Shorts

Size Range: M-4XL

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Mango Embroidered cotton shorts, $, available at Mango

Torrid Red Wine Mesh Embroidered Pull-On Short

Size Range: 10-30

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Torrid Red Wine Mesh Embroidered Pull-On Short, $, available at Torrid

Girlfriend Black High-Rise Bike Short

Size Range: XS-6XL

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Girlfriend Toasted Apricot Seamless High-Rise Bike Short, $, available at GirlfriendPhoto Courtesy of Girlfriend.

Eloquii Printed High Waisted Shorts

Size Range: 14-28

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Eloquii Printed High Waisted Shorts, $, available at Eloquii

Forever21 Plus Size Juicy Couture Shorts

Size Range: 0X-3X

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Forever21 Plus Plus Size Juicy Couture Shorts, $, available at Forever21

Boohoo Plus Paper Bag Waist Tailored Short

Size Range: 12-20

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Boohoo Plus Paper Bag Waist Tailored Short, $, available at Boohoo

Style & 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's

Caslon Pull-On Tencel Shorts

Size Range: 1X-3X

Shop Nordstrom Rack

Caslon CaslonPull-On Tencel Shorts(Plus Size), $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Old Navy High-Waisted Printed Linen-Blend Plus-Size Shorts

Size Range: 1X-4X

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Old Navy High-Waisted Printed Linen-Blend Plus-Size Shorts -- 5-inch inseam, $, available at Old Navy

Levi'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 Amazon

Daily Practice by Anthropologie Kimberly Shorts

Size Range: 1X-3X

Shop Anthropologie

Daily Practice by Anthropologie Daily Practice by Anthropologie Kimberly Shorts, $, available at Anthropologie

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Celebrate This Iconic Eyewear Retailer’s 50th Anniversary — & Receive A Limited-Edition Gift

Usually, a milestone birthday involves marking the unrelenting passage of time with an extravagant purchase (made by you and/or your most sympathetic friends). But in the case of Sunglass Hut turning 50, the exact opposite is true — and we’re bringing you all the details on how you can receive a limited-edition gift on their big anniversary.

To celebrate its status as an eyewear destination since 1971, the brand is offering a special promotion on two exclusive Ray-Ban styles, modeled by some of our ultra-chic friends below. Will you try the looks-slick-with-everything Wayfarer, the most recognizable sunglasses in the world? Or will it be the Jack, a hexagonal shape with rounded edges and a tech-tycoon-on-their-private-island attitude?

Whichever you choose, don’t miss out on picking up a custom artist-designed case so your new frames can sleep soundly (and in style) when they’re not protecting your retinas. How to cop? Shop the Fifth Avenue store in New York or the Beverly Drive location in L.A., and receive one as a gift with purchase of the Wayfarer or Jack. Giving presents on your birthday? Now that’s a legendary move.

Coco Bassey wearing the exclusive Wayfarer and Jack sunglasses

Bree Kish wearing the exclusive Wayfarer and Jack sunglasses

Jazzy Le wearing the exclusive Wayfarer and Jack sunglasses

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We Found Your New Go-To Pair Of Plus-Friendly Sweat Shorts

It’s officially been one year since the pandemic completely flip-flopped our routines. We swapped our fancy going out dresses, chic office wear, and killer heels for the loungiest waffle knits, actually supportive activewear, and swaddle-worthy robes. With comfort crowned queen of our wardrobes, our need for comfy-cozy (but not too hot!) sweat shorts in plus-friendly sizes is rising in tandem with the temperature.

We’ve painstakingly filtered through the most popular plus-size stocklists in order to distinguish the best shorts made from sweatshirts that money can buy. We found all the styles: from slightly longer Bermuda silhouettes to cute & cropped iterations, looser fits made to combat chub rub, and chic high-waisted pairs. Your search for the perfect pair of sweat shorts ends here because we've got something for every fat person ahead.

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.

Forever 21 Plus-Size Boyfriend Sweats

Size Range: 0X-3X
This cute pair of baby pink sweat shorts are designed with a relaxed boyfriend fit — meaning they're the ideal mix of comfy and cool. Plus, you can also snag them in an array of other vibrant warm-weather hues.

Shop Forever 21

Forever 21 Plus Size Boyfriend Sweatshorts, $, available at Forever21

Eloquii French Terry Shorts

Size Range: 14-28
The pattern on Eloquii's pair of French-terry sweat shorts has our heads in the clouds. They’re the perfect swirl of baby blue we want to lounge around in all sunshine-season long.

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Eloquii French Terry Shorts, $, available at Eloquii

Universal Thread Mid-Rise French Terry Pull-On Shorts

Size Range: 1X-4X
If you love bright colors in a classic sweat-short cut, then these lime green babies are for you. Contrast this eyecatching pair with a simple black and cropped-style top for a look that really showcases the glowy color.

Shop Target

Universal Thread Women's Mid-Rise French Terry Pull-On Shorts, $, available at Target

Athleta Farallon Bermuda

Size Range: 0-26
These Bermuda shorts are the perfect crisp colorway — just throw on your go-to pair of white sneaks with your favorite white tee for an effortless monochromatic summer look.

Shop Athleta

Athleta Farallon Bermuda, $, available at Athleta

Old Navy Mid-Rise Vintage Specially Dyed Plus-Size Sweat Shorts

Size Range: 1X-4X
These vintage-style shorts have a fun flair with the black tie-dye touch in the coloring. There’s also currently a little discount at checkout you might want to take advantage of.

Shop Old Navy

Old Navy Mid-Rise Vintage Specially Dyed Plus-Size Sweat Shorts, $, available at Old Navy

11 Honoré Remi Short

Size Range: 12-28
These shorts are made in a dreamy mint green — aka the perfect spring hue. They're roomy in the best ways with an elegant-billowy drape, and long enough to combat any riding up you may face.

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11 honore Remi Short, $, available at 11honore

LIVI French Terry Striped Short

Size Range: 10-40
These comfy French-terry shorts come in the most versatile (and summer-classic) pattern: stripes. This pattern is incredibly easy to pair with everything from a simple graphic tee to your favorite hoodie and go-to swimsuit on the beach.

Shop Lane Bryant

LIvi LIVI French Terry Short, $, available at Lane Bryant

Rue21 Plus Black Long Sweat Shorts

Size Range: 1X-4X
These are a plus-friendly version of your classic black sweatshirt. The longer length and the matching drawstring waistband make it ideal for curvier bodies. The price is excellent, too.

Shop Rue21

Rue21 Plus Black Long Sweat Shorts, $, available at Rue21

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Rihanna’s Going-Out Look Included A Leather Blazer & Sheer Pants

Rihanna is on a street style roll. Over the last month, the singer-designer has been debuting impeccable look after impeccable look. What makes them superior? For every one, she seamlessly combines a mix of new, covetable pieces by the likes of Celine’s Hedi Slimane and Rick Owens and older, vintage finds from brands like Tom Ford-era Gucci. 

On Monday, Rihanna went and did it again, debuting a monochrome brown look while in NYC to celebrate her mother’s birthday. Specifically, she wore a brown, leather blazer with matching leather gloves, see-through brown pants, and white heels. Not only is it a chic going-out ensemble, but it’s the perfect transitional weather look for the remainder of this confusing spring-to-summer weather, with the leather jacket chill-proof and the pants breathable. (Tip: Lose the gloves and swap out the leather blazer for a similar style made of cotton or linen once the temperature rises above 60 degrees to take this look well into the summer.)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Rihanna is seen in the Meatpacking District on April 05, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Once again, Rihanna plucked pieces from different brands, with her blazer being from Saint Laurent’s most recent runway collection and the gloves from Bottega Veneta‘s current line. Her white heels, called the Amber, are from The Attico and are currently in stock (but only if you’re a lucky size 35), and her necklace is David Yurman. Of course, we don’t all have the Savage x Fenty founder’s fashion connections, making it tricky to get our hands on the same kinds of designer duds. That doesn’t mean we can’t recreate it for less, though.

Below, shop some affordable alternatives to Rihanna’s monochrome look.

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.

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