As temperatures rise, shorts become a seasonal wardrobe essential. However, not all shorts are created equal—and the variations in style, fit, and construction can significantly impact how they look and feel on the body. From tailored designs suitable for smart-casual wear to functional athletic cuts, the short has evolved into one of the most technically diverse garments in modern fashion.
Understanding these styles isn’t just about fashion—it’s about proportion, garment engineering, and ensuring an optimal fit for your unique body measurements. At Tellar.co.uk, we specialise in helping consumers navigate sizing inconsistencies across 1,500+ brands. Below, we break down every major style of shorts, their construction nuances, body shape compatibility, and what to look for in sizing precision.
1. Tailored Shorts
Construction: Darts, pleats, flat-front; structured waistband with zip fly or hidden fastening
Fabrics: Linen blends, wool crepe, cotton twill
Ideal for: Hourglass, pear, and straight figures requiring structure
Tailored shorts replicate the anatomy of formal trousers but in abbreviated form. Typically featuring precise seams and clean silhouettes, they’re best suited for occasions requiring polish, such as smart-casual dress codes or elevated summer settings. Opt for high-rise styles to define the waist and elongate the leg line.
🔗 Match your measurements to tailored shorts brands on Tellar.co.uk
2. Bermuda Shorts
Construction: Straight-cut leg, mid-to-high rise, often with cuffed hems
Fabrics: Stretch cotton, denim blends, suiting fabric
Ideal for: Tall frames, athletic bodies, apple shapes
Bermuda shorts generally sit just above the knee and offer greater modesty without compromising style. Their length adds vertical balance to longer torsos while maintaining clean lines. They pair well with structured tops and blazers for business-casual settings.
3. High-Waisted Shorts
Construction: Waistband sits above natural waist; darts or pleats create shaping
Fabrics: Denim, cotton poplin, faux leather
Ideal for: Hourglass, pear-shaped, and petite bodies
A high-rise cut emphasises the waist-to-hip ratio, creating an elongating effect for the legs. High-waisted shorts are especially beneficial for shorter body types or those wanting to accentuate their natural curves. Ensure the waistband fits snugly without gaping at the back.
🔗 Use Tellar.co.uk to calculate waist-to-hip ratios and find the ideal rise
4. Denim Shorts
Construction: 5-pocket styling, raw or turned hems, variable stretch
Fabrics: Rigid denim (0–1% elastane) or stretch denim (2–5% elastane)
Ideal for: Most body types depending on cut
The most common off-duty option, denim shorts range from low-rise festival cuts to tailored, mom-fit versions. Rigid denim offers longevity and holds its shape, but can be less forgiving. Stretch denim provides comfort and flexibility but can lose form with wear.
🔗 Read our guide to high street vs luxury denim sizing
5. Paperbag Shorts
Construction: Elastic or cinched waistband with gathered pleats; self-tie belt
Fabrics: Linen, chambray, Tencel blends
Ideal for: Rectangular or straight body shapes
Paperbag shorts add volume around the waist and hips—ideal for creating shape on straighter silhouettes. The waistband should sit securely at the natural waistline without over-bunching. They also allow flexibility in size due to adjustable belts or ties.
6. Cycling Shorts
Construction: Compression fit, high stretch, flat-locked seams to reduce chafing
Fabrics: Nylon-spandex blends, moisture-wicking synthetics
Ideal for: Athletic, hourglass, or rectangular frames
Originally designed for sport, cycling shorts are now also styled as streetwear under oversized tees or blazers. Fit is critical: shorts must hug the body without compressing circulation points or riding up. The leg opening should remain flush against the thigh.
🔗 Input your thigh and hip measurements at Tellar.co.uk for performance-fitted garments
7. Lounge Shorts / Boxer Shorts
Construction: Loose fit, elastic waistband, no fixed structure
Fabrics: Jersey cotton, modal, bamboo blends
Ideal for: All body types when prioritising comfort
Best for homewear or travel, lounge shorts prioritise breathability and ease of movement. Look for anti-roll waistbands and pre-shrunk fabrics to maintain shape post-wash. Though forgiving in fit, an accurate waist measurement ensures all-day comfort.
8. Running Shorts
Construction: Lightweight outer layer, built-in brief liner, split side seams
Fabrics: Technical polyester, mesh inserts
Ideal for: Athletes, pear-shaped or rectangular frames
Running shorts focus on function. Slit hems support stride length, while elastic or drawstring waistbands provide custom fit. The built-in liner eliminates the need for undergarments and reduces friction. Proper fit avoids excess movement or restricted range.
🔗 Check your hip and rise dimensions against brand-specific fits
9. Skorts (Shorts-Skirt Hybrids)
Construction: Concealed shorts under a skirt-like front panel
Fabrics: Cotton stretch, crepe, jersey blends
Ideal for: Pear, hourglass, and athletic builds
Skorts offer dual benefits—freedom of movement with a skirted aesthetic. Popular in activewear and fashion-forward lines, their hybrid design requires attention to waistband tightness and rear fit to avoid bunching.
10. Cargo Shorts
Construction: Functional pockets, mid-rise, wide leg or tapered cut
Fabrics: Ripstop cotton, canvas, brushed twill
Ideal for: Rectangle or athletic figures
Once purely utilitarian, modern cargo shorts now incorporate slimmer silhouettes and minimalist design. Choose designs with streamlined side pockets to avoid visual bulk. The correct inseam length can balance wider hips or muscular thighs.
11. Pleated Shorts
Construction: Front pleats for expansion and movement; tapered hem
Fabrics: Linen-cotton blends, gabardine, wool suiting
Ideal for: Slim or narrow hips; suitable for those wanting more movement
The added volume around the front makes pleated shorts ideal for leaner builds or those wanting a relaxed, vintage silhouette. Be mindful of pleat direction—outward pleats offer more volume, while inward pleats maintain closer structure.
12. Board Shorts
Construction: Long inseam (9”+), flat waistband, Velcro or lace-up fly
Fabrics: Polyester blends, hydrophobic synthetics
Ideal for: Athletic frames and tall builds
Originally engineered for surfing, board shorts offer excellent mobility and quick-drying capability. They’re generally unlined and sit lower on the hips. Fit must accommodate movement without excess drag or sagging when wet.
🔗 Tellar.co.uk helps match waterwear sizing across sports brands
Technical Fit Considerations
When selecting shorts, consider the following technical metrics:
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Waist-to-hip ratio: Critical for high-waisted, tailored, or paperbag shorts
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Inseam length: Shorter inseams (2–4″) elongate legs on petites; longer inseams (7″+) offer coverage for tall builds
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Leg opening width: Narrow openings suit slim legs; flared or relaxed openings accommodate fuller thighs
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Fabric stretch percentage: Impacts comfort, recovery, and long-term shape retention
Tellar.co.uk’s algorithm factors in these variables across over 1,500 brands and offers size recommendations based on your largest measurement—ensuring you get the correct fit even if one brand runs large in the waist and another in the hips.
Final Thoughts: Engineering the Right Fit
Selecting the correct style of shorts is about more than aesthetics. It’s a combination of construction science, body geometry, and fabric engineering. While fashion trends fluctuate, technical fit principles remain constant.
That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in—bridging the gap between garment design and real-life fit accuracy. Whether you’re comparing Massimo Dutti tailored shorts, Reformation skorts, or Nike running styles, our tools eliminate the guesswork.
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