Denim Shorts for Curvy Babes

As much as I love getting all dolled up and creating cute outfits for the ‘gram, my go-to summer uniform will always be a t-shirt, flip flops, and a good pair of denim shorts. And my closet shows it! When I evaluated my wardrobe for spring and summer this year, I realized I own a ridiculous number of shorts. Because finding shorts (or, really, bottoms in general) can be a pain in the a$$ for curvy girls, I rounded up my top 7 denim shorts for curvy babes.

For reference, I’m just shy of 5 feet tall and typically wear a size 4 or 6. Like a lot of women, I carry all my extra weight in my belly and thighs.

If you’re part of my social media family, then you already know I prefer to shop on a budget. So you’ll find that my picks are budget friendly as well as petite and curvy friendly!

Top 7 Denim Shorts

7. American Eagle Curvy Mom Short

I purchased these recently to test out after hearing other bloggers rave about them. And while they’re not my favorite, I understand the hype. They’re designed with extra room through the hip and thigh without fitting loose in the waist. As is typical for American Eagle, the denim is stretchy and comfortable.

My drawback when it comes to these, however, is availability. They only offer a few select styles in this fit and they’re often out of stock. But if you can find them in stock and you want a pair of shorts that won’t squeeze your thighs, go for it! As far as sizing, I recommend either going true to size or sizing up one. Price wise, these aren’t the most budget-friendly on my list at $49.95 however, American Eagle runs great sales throughout the year.

6. Old Navy Mid Rise

I purchased a pair of these last summer and wore them all the time. The denim material has plenty of stretch to it making them super comfortable. This style of short is also available in plus size. (though I will note their plus size only goes up to a size 30, which isn’t the most size-inclusive but slightly better than other brands.)

I will note the material of these tends to be a much thinner denim, which has it’s pros and cons. While it’s great for those really hot and humid summer days, lighter denim tends to show wear and tear quicker than a thick denim. They are very budget-friendly though, coming in between $34.99 and $37.99 depending on the exact style. But you can almost always find some sort of coupon code or sale for Old Navy that makes them even more affordable.  I recommend going true to size on these or even sizing down if you prefer a more fitted look. Also, while these are called a mid-rise fit, they hit me right above my belly button. So, if you’re also petite, expect these to fit more like a high rise.

5. Walmart Time & Tru Mid Rise

If you’re looking for comfortable shorts that are super budget-friendly, I’ve got you! At under $15, these are the most budget-friendly option on my list. I snagged a pair last year, unrolled the cuff, and gave them a raw hem. I’m not a big fan of the cuffed style and these were cheap enough that I wouldn’t have minded messing them up. But it worked out perfectly and they were one of my most worn pair of shorts last year.

This year, Walmart added several new color options including a pastel pink that’s very on trend. The material has a lot of stretch to it and, while it’s not the best quality, it’s great for the price. They are a mid-rise short that hit me right at my belly button. Because of the amount of stretch in them, I recommend sticking to your true size.

4. Universal Thread Distressed High Rise Short

These were super popular last year and, luckily, Target decided to bring them back. To me, I find these to fit very much like a pair of cut-off blue jeans and I’m not mad about it. They’re very stretchy but a little more of a fitted style than some of the other shorts on this list. For that reason, I would say it’s best to size up one in these.

These don’t have the extra space in the thigh that mom shorts or boyfriend shorts do but, because of how stretchy the material is, they won’t look like they’re cutting off your circulation.

3. Abercrombie Mom Shorts

If you follow any style influencer on Instagram, you probably heard them rave about these shorts last summer. They’re the same quality Abercrombie jeans have become known for in a fit that’s flattering on pretty much everyone. Plus, you get plenty of options with this style. The regular mom style is fitted through the waist and the hip with extra room in the thigh. If you’re looking for a little more space without a gapping waistband, they also come in a curve love version.  Like your shorts to have a longer inseam? They have those too!

As far as cost goes, these are the most expensive pair I’m sharing coming in at $59. However, Abercrombie does run sales periodically and the quality of these will last several years. I suggest sizing up one in these as the material is a rigid denim.

2. Target Wild Fable Mom Short

Another influencer favorite from last year that I’m so excited to see restocked. These mom shorts have plenty of room in the hip and thigh for curvy babes with a waist band that really nips in to still give you a defined waistline. The updated version for this year also has a slightly longer inseam that I’m loving. At $17 I think these are a great alternative to the Abercrombie mom shorts.

Because these are part of target’s Wild Fable line, they are junior sizing and tend to run small. I generally recommend sizing up one. However, if you’re petite or have a shorter torse (like me), you may want to consider going up 2 sizes. The rise on these is pretty high and hits me right at the bottom of my ribcage. For that reason, I do prefer them a little looser to give me some extra breathing room.

1. Levi’s 501 Original Shorts

And now let’s talk about my new holy grail denim shorts for this year…Levi’s 501 Original shorts. If you’ve read my blog post about the best petite-friendly jeans, then you already know my love of Levi’s. I heard so many other bloggers rave about these last year so when I found them for a great deal on Amazon, I had to try them. And they do not disappoint!

The denim is high quality and rigid but with a loose fit that’s very comfortable. Typically, with any of my non-stretch Levi’s jeans, I would recommend sizing up twice. But these are more of a relaxed fit so size up once. Or, if you want a slimmer fit, go true to size.

Budget tip: you can often find Levi’s for less on Amazon! Often the styles available are from the previous season but that generally just means a wash or distressing pattern that Levi’s no longer produces. Even better, a lot of times I can find them available through Prime wardrobe so I can try different sizes before committing to the purchase. Prices on Amazon fluctuate frequently but, as of the writing of this, my exact shorts are under $50 and some washes are under $40.

Tips for Finding Denim Shorts for Curvy Babes

Look For Certain Styles

When I’m looking for a new pair of shorts, especially if I’m shopping online, there are certain fits I gravitate towards. Mom style, boyfriend, or relaxed shorts generally have a looser fit and are therefore more flattering for curvy babes. I usually avoid cuffed styles because I find the cuffed hem fits much tighter around the thigh. I also avoid any styles describes as cheeky or “shorty shorts” because the inseam ends at the largest part of my thigh (hello chafing).

Read the reviews

Honestly, this goes for any online shopping! Women’s sizing can be a total shot in the dark, so I always check the reviews to see what other people thought of the fit. That’s how I determine if I should order my normal size or size up or down. Even if it’s a brand you’ve purchased clothing from before, the sizing can be totally different.

Check the return policy

There is nothing worse than ordering a clothing item online, getting the package, trying it on, deciding it’s not the right size, and then finding out the brand’s return policy is a pain. While most companies offer free returns and exchanges for online orders these days, that’s not always the case. Some brands allow online orders to be returned or exchanged in-store for free but will make you pay if you need to ship the items back. It’s better to know beforehand what you’re options will be, especially if you need to order multiple sizes or styles.

For more summer style inspiration, follow me on Instagram @aliciarenee_blog!