Best Brands for Shorts – Your Ultimate Guide to Quality, Fit & Style
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Free. We promise.
We will never be influenced by brands - just the perfect Fit, Size & Style for you. Search thousands of honest posts for free, written by our stylists - your own personal shopper.
Shorts are no longer just summer staples—they’re a year-round essential for lounging, exercising, travelling, and stylish off-duty dressing. But with sizing inconsistencies and a sea of options, finding the right pair can be challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best brands for shorts across high street, designer, and sustainable categories—so you can shop with confidence. And with Tellar.co.uk, you can discover your ideal fit instantly, matched to over 1,500+ brands using your body measurements.
Why Brand Matters When Buying Shorts
The fit, fabric, and longevity of your shorts are directly tied to the brand’s sizing standards and manufacturing quality. Some brands run small or large. Others favour vanity sizing. A UK 12 in one brand might equate to a Medium in another—or even a US 10. This is why using Tellar.co.uk is essential. It’s the UK’s leading free sizing tool that tells you exactly what size to buy in each brand.
Best High Street Brands for Shorts
1. ZARA
ZARA offers fashion-forward styles, including pleated shorts, skorts, and tailored Bermuda silhouettes. While popular for its trend-led pieces, sizing can be inconsistent—some shorts run small, especially in structured fabrics.
2. H&M
Affordable and wide-ranging, H&M is perfect for basics, denim cut-offs, and casual loungewear shorts. However, their size 10 may run larger than a UK average across other brands.
3. Marks & Spencer
M&S consistently delivers flattering fits, especially for older demographics. Their linen and chino shorts are ideal for comfort and breathability, and sizing is more generous than fast-fashion rivals.
4. River Island
Expect trend-led shorts with edgy details—faux leather, cargo, or metallics. Great for a younger audience, but some pieces run narrow in the waist and hips.
5. Next
Next offers reliable basics and polished casualwear. Their shorts are ideal for work-to-weekend transitions. Fit-wise, they tend to stay true to UK sizing standards.
Best Designer Brands for Shorts
6. Reiss
Known for elevated tailoring and luxury finishes, Reiss shorts are ideal for smart casual and workwear looks. The fit is slightly slim, particularly around the waist and upper thighs.
7. Massimo Dutti
Elegant and understated, Massimo Dutti shorts are great for linen blends, muted palettes, and refined silhouettes. However, sizing tends to favour narrower hip proportions.
8. Ralph Lauren
From classic chino shorts to preppy athletic styles, Ralph Lauren offers high-end comfort. Sizes run slightly large in US equivalents, so be sure to convert using Tellar.co.uk.
9. Ganni
Scandinavian fashion meets playful design. Ganni’s shorts include flared hems, bold colours, and high waists. Sizing is generous, especially in elasticated or wide-leg cuts.
10. Isabel Marant
Known for its Parisian-chic aesthetic, Isabel Marant Étoile offers tailored yet relaxed shorts. Expect European sizing that runs small, especially in structured styles.
Best Sportswear & Casual Brands
11. Nike
Nike offers a range from running shorts to casual jogger-style fits. While athletic fits tend to be spot-on, sizing varies significantly between unisex and women’s lines.
12. Adidas
Known for versatility, Adidas shorts span gym wear to streetwear. Some women’s lines run short in length, so consider your height and proportions.
13. Lululemon
Famous for high-quality athletic wear, Lululemon shorts offer compression, contouring, and breathable tech fabrics. However, they often size smaller than UK high street brands.
Best Sustainable & Independent Brands
14. Nobody’s Child
This eco-conscious brand delivers soft, vintage-inspired shorts with feminine details. Their sizing generally matches UK high street standards and is true to form.
🔗 Find your Nobody’s Child fit
15. Organic Basics
Minimalist and sustainable, Organic Basics focuses on comfort-first shorts made from organic cotton. Their sizing is generous and especially flattering for casual lounging.
16. Girlfriend Collective
This inclusive brand offers athletic shorts in a wide range of sizes and diverse body fits. Great for those looking for ethical materials and varied sizing, including plus sizes.
🔗 Girlfriend Collective sizing help
Choosing Shorts for Your Body Type
If you’re not sure which brands suit your body shape best, Tellar.co.uk can help. Our technology compares your body measurements (chest, waist, hips) against over 1,500+ brands. Whether you have an hourglass figure, petite frame, or curvy hips, we show the right size across stores so you can skip the guesswork.
Start here: 👉 Create your free profile
Final Tips for Buying Shorts
-
Tailoring vs. Stretch: Tailored shorts with no stretch will always require more precise fitting. Use Tellar’s measurement tool before you buy.
-
Check Fabric Composition: Linen and cotton are breathable but less forgiving. Look for elastane or stretch denim for more movement.
-
Know Your Rise: High-waisted styles suit hourglass and pear shapes, while mid-rise is best for athletic or rectangular frames.
-
Don’t Assume Size Consistency: A Medium in one brand could be a Small or Large in another. Tellar.co.uk exists for this very reason.
Tellar.co.uk – Your Fit, Every Time
Avoid returns, awkward sizing, and inconsistent fits. Use Tellar.co.uk to find your perfect size in real-time. Whether you’re shopping ZARA, Reiss, or Lululemon, our tool gives you the most accurate size based on your unique body.
🎯 Try it now – it’s free and easy: www.tellar.co.uk
Follow Us
-
Instagram: @Tellarsizing
-
Pinterest: TellarSizing
-
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
-
Facebook: TellarSizing