10 Tips For Choosing The Best Shorts For Older Legs

Finding shorts that flatter older legs can be tricky but not impossible.

I’ve spent years helping women over 50 discover clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable. The right shorts can become summer wardrobe heroes instead of items you dread wearing.

Ready to ditch the anxiety and find shorts you’ll actually love wearing? Here are my top recommendations based on years of styling experience.

1. Longer Inseams Create Balance

Shorts with 5-7 inch inseams work magic on mature legs. They hit at the slimmest part of the thigh, creating a more flattering silhouette without feeling frumpy or outdated.

I recommend measuring from your natural waist down to find your personal sweet spot. Not too long that they look like awkward capris, not so short they leave you tugging uncomfortably all day.

My clients often discover that just one extra inch of fabric completely transforms how they feel about wearing shorts. The best part? This length still looks modern and pairs beautifully with everything from casual tees to dressier blouses.

2. Structured Fabrics Hold Their Shape

Cotton blends with a touch of stretch offer the perfect combination of structure and comfort for older legs. Unlike flimsy materials that cling in all the wrong places, these fabrics maintain their shape throughout the day.

Look for shorts with a bit of weight to them – they’ll hang better and won’t reveal every lump or bump. My personal favorites contain about 2-3% spandex or elastane mixed with natural fibers.

Avoid 100% linen despite its popularity – it wrinkles instantly and can make legs look rumpled. Instead, opt for cotton-linen blends that give you the breathability without the constant creasing.

3. Mid-Rise Waistbands Smooth The Midsection

Mid-rise waistbands sitting 1-2 inches below your natural waist create the most flattering line for most women over 50. They offer enough coverage to feel secure without cutting into your middle or creating the dreaded muffin top.

Shorts with contoured waistbands that are slightly higher in the back prevent the gapping that happens with straight waistbands. This design detail makes a huge difference when bending or sitting.

Avoid elastic-only waistbands that can look dated. Instead, choose styles with partial elastic at the sides or back, which provide comfort while maintaining a cleaner front appearance that elongates your torso.

4. Darker Colors Slim Visual Appearance

Navy, charcoal, deep olive, and rich burgundy create a slimming effect that bright or light colors simply can’t match. These deeper hues absorb light rather than reflect it, minimizing attention to areas you might feel self-conscious about.

You don’t have to stick exclusively to black – which can sometimes look harsh against mature skin. I often recommend navy as the most universally flattering option that pairs with everything in your wardrobe.

If you love patterns, choose small-scale prints with darker backgrounds. They provide visual interest without adding visual weight to your lower half. Vertical elements like subtle pinstripes can also create a lengthening effect.

5. Straight-Leg Cuts Flatter Most Shapes

Straight-leg shorts that fall from the widest part of your thigh without tapering in or flaring out create the most balanced silhouette. This classic cut works for virtually all body types and never goes out of style.

Avoid shorts that narrow toward the hem, as they can make legs appear wider by contrast. The ideal pair should have the same width at the thigh opening and leg opening.

Look for a relaxed fit through the thigh – not skin-tight but not baggy either. About half an inch of ease (the space between the fabric and your skin) creates the most flattering line while ensuring comfortable movement without riding up.

6. Strategic Details Draw The Eye

Small pockets positioned high on the back create a lifting effect that plain shorts can’t achieve. Front slash pockets that angle toward the center seam (rather than straight across) also create a more flattering line.

Subtle details like cuffs, small side slits, or a single vertical seam down the front can draw the eye in desired directions. Many of my clients find that shorts with minimal embellishment but thoughtful placement of seams look most sophisticated.

Avoid large cargo pockets, horizontal elements, or excessive embroidery that can add bulk. Remember: the eye goes where the detail is, so choose shorts with elements that highlight your strengths.

7. Comfort In The Thigh Area Is Essential

Shorts that fit properly through the thigh prevent chafing and riding up – two common issues that make many women avoid shorts altogether. The ideal pair should allow you to pinch about an inch of fabric at the widest part of your thigh.

Look for styles with a slightly contoured leg opening that follows the natural curve of your thigh rather than cutting straight across. This seemingly small detail makes a huge difference in how shorts feel when walking or sitting.

Many of my clients have found that shorts with a small percentage of spandex (2-3%) provide just enough give to prevent binding without looking like exercise wear. This subtle stretch means you can move comfortably all day.

8. Pair With The Right Footwear

Low wedges or sandals with a slight heel (1-2 inches) create the illusion of longer, slimmer legs when wearing shorts. The subtle lift elongates your silhouette without sacrificing comfort or looking like you’re trying too hard.

Avoid ankle straps that visually cut off your leg line. Instead, choose shoes with V-shaped vamps or nude-to-you colors that create an uninterrupted visual flow from your legs to your feet.

For casual looks, sleek sneakers or ballet flats work better than chunky athletic shoes that can make legs appear shorter. The proportion is key – the more substantial your shorts, the more refined your footwear should be to balance the look.

9. Tailoring Makes All The Difference

Having shorts professionally altered to fit your unique body can transform an okay pair into the perfect pair. Most seamstresses can adjust waistbands, hem lengths, and even leg openings for less than $20.

Take new shorts to a tailor before removing tags if you’re unsure. Small adjustments like tapering a too-wide leg opening or taking in a gapping waistband can make ready-to-wear shorts look custom-made.

Many women find that buying shorts to fit their widest part (usually hips or thighs) and having the waist taken in creates the most flattering fit. This approach eliminates the frustrating gap at the back waistband that happens with many off-the-rack styles.

10. Balance Your Proportions With Tops

Slightly longer, untucked tops that hit at the upper to mid-hip create the most flattering proportion with shorts. This length provides some coverage while maintaining a clean silhouette that doesn’t add bulk.

Avoid extremely oversized tops that can make your overall silhouette look boxy. Instead, choose styles with some shape through the waist or subtle details that draw the eye upward, like interesting necklines or shoulder details.

For a polished look, try the French tuck – partially tucking in just the front of your top while leaving the sides and back untucked. This styling trick creates waist definition while maintaining a relaxed, modern vibe that works beautifully with shorts on mature women.