I Tried the Best Shorts Brands So You Don’t Have To

Let’s be honest: shopping for shorts is one of the trickiest wardrobe experiences out there. Between waist gaps, inconsistent sizing, and fabrics that don’t breathe, I’ve had my fair share of return labels. That’s exactly why I built Tellar.co.uk—to take the guesswork out of sizing and match your measurements to the brands that actually fit your body.

Over the past few months, I’ve tested dozens of brands across high street, designer, activewear, and sustainable categories. Here’s my honest, first-hand take on which shorts brands are worth your time—and which ones to size up or down in.

Let’s Start with High Street Brands

ZARA

ZARA’s shorts always look incredible on the hanger—minimal tailoring, sleek lines, on-trend colours. But sizing? That’s another story. I’ve found they run narrow at the hips and quite short in rise. If you’ve got curves or prefer a little more room to move, size up or check your fit using Tellar.co.uk. It’s saved me from a few too-tight returns.

H&M

H&M is my go-to for basics. Their denim cut-offs and cotton lounge shorts are easy to wear, and they’re improving on sustainability too. The only issue? Some collections (like Divided) run smaller than others. I always use Tellar’s store lookup tool to double-check the sizing before I buy.

Marks & Spencer

M&S has become one of my unexpected favourites—especially for linen and tailored shorts. The fit is consistent, the fabrics feel premium, and they’re genuinely comfortable. I find their sizing runs a bit more generous than ZARA or River Island, which is great if you don’t want anything pinching at the waist after lunch.

River Island

Think fashion-forward. River Island shorts are trend-driven: leather textures, metallics, oversized cargo pockets. That said, I’ve found their sizing can be hit or miss. Styles cut for a slim waist-to-hip ratio tend to be snug, so I rely on Tellar’s fit recommendation to figure out if I need to size up.

Next is surprisingly reliable. Whether I’m buying chino shorts or a smart-casual tailored pair, the fit is pretty true to size. They’ve also got a solid petite and tall range, which helps if you’re not working with the sample model proportions the fashion industry tends to assume.

Premium & Designer Shorts I’ve Tested

Reiss

Reiss always brings polish. Their shorts are beautifully structured and ideal for work-to-weekend dressing. However, the cuts tend to be more tailored through the hips and thighs. If you prefer ease or have a fuller seat, definitely use Tellar.co.uk to check your waist/hip match before buying.

Massimo Dutti

This is my go-to brand for minimal, elegant shorts that don’t age out after one season. The fabrics are refined—linen, viscose blends—and the quality feels designer-adjacent. Just be aware: the hip fit is narrow. I always use my hip measurement as the guiding point with this brand, not the waist.

Ralph Lauren

Classic Americana. I like their chino shorts and soft cotton lounge options. US sizing means everything runs a bit larger than UK equivalents, so converting sizes is crucial. That’s where Tellar becomes essential—I input my measurements once and it tells me whether I’m a UK 10, US 6, or a Medium in each brand. You can try it here.

Ganni

Ganni gets top marks for originality—quirky prints, playful shapes, and a Scandi fit that actually works. Their shorts tend to be slightly oversized, so I’ve sized down in most pieces unless they’ve got a rigid fabric. Their inclusivity and creativity are both big wins for me.

Isabel Marant Étoile

This one’s a splurge. Marant’s shorts are undeniably cool: think high-rise, Parisian-cut silhouettes with a bit of edge. But they run small—very small. You’ll almost always need to size up, and it’s worth checking the exact waist and hip match via Tellar.co.uk before investing.

My Picks for Athletic & Performance Shorts

Nike

Nike’s performance shorts are engineered to fit—stretch panels, compression zones, and breathable fabrics. But be aware: their Lifestyle and Training collections size differently. I’ve had to wear a Medium in one and a Large in another, so I always verify on Tellar first.

Adidas

Adidas shorts are functional, but if you’re tall or prefer a longer inseam, they tend to run short. I usually opt for their cycling shorts or running shorts with a 5-inch inseam to avoid anything too revealing. Again, don’t assume a universal fit—use your profile on Tellar for clarity.

Lululemon

When it comes to athletic shorts that hug and sculpt, Lululemon is unmatched. But they do size small. I’ve found their sizing most accurate when matched by actual hip measurements rather than usual UK sizes. Their Align shorts are a must-try if you like buttery fabrics.

Sustainable Brands I Trust

Nobody’s Child

Affordable, stylish, and environmentally conscious—Nobody’s Child is making sustainability accessible. I like their elasticated waists and soft cottons. Their sizing is consistent with UK standards, and they don’t skimp on quality either.

Girlfriend Collective

This is hands-down the best brand I’ve found for inclusive sizing. From XXS to 6XL, they’ve got it all—and the shorts are performance-grade with recycled materials. Fit-wise, they’ve done the work to make sure different body shapes are accounted for, and it shows.

Organic Basics

If you’re into minimalist styling and soft, breathable fabrics, Organic Basics delivers. Their lounge shorts are the comfiest I’ve tried, and the fit is slightly generous without feeling baggy. They’re my go-to for everyday wear at home or travelling.

The Truth About Sizing? It’s Not Standard—But That’s Why I Built Tellar.co.uk

After years of returning ill-fitting shorts and trying to decode size charts, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s why I built Tellar.co.uk—a completely free sizing tool that compares your chest, waist, and hip measurements to over 1,500 brands.

No more guessing if you’re a 10, a Medium, or somewhere in between. No more buying three sizes just to return two.

You can create your profile here and start shopping smarter in minutes. Just enter your measurements once, and we’ll tell you exactly what size to buy in ZARA, H&M, Reiss, Nike—any brand we support.

Let’s Stay Connected

For more sizing advice, fit breakdowns, and new brand updates, follow us:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Pinterest: TellarUK
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
Facebook: TellarSizing

Final Thoughts

The best shorts aren’t just about style—they’re about fit. And fit isn’t a number. It’s a match between your measurements and the way each brand cuts their garments.

That’s why I’ll never shop without Tellar.co.uk again—and you shouldn’t either.

Try it today. It’s free, fast, and accurate.

👉 Find your size now

I Tried the Best Shorts Brands So You Don’t Have To—Here’s What Actually Fits