My SD (15) is having a hard time finding shorts this year. Her waist is a size 1, but she's a kickboxer with muscular legs so all of the size 1 shorts she's tried on are skin tight on the legs and therefore look pretty skanky. A size 3 is a better fit on the legs and hips but then the waist is gaping to a degree that a belt looks stupid because when she bends over, the back of the shorts slip down below the belt. She doesn't have this problem with jeans because even though they're tight on the top of the thigh, the fabric doesn't stop there and call attention to how tight the fit is. I also have a rule that the inseam has to be at least as long as my thumb (2.5 inches). She prefers fabrics like denim and khaki to jersey, which she thinks look like pajamas.
Do any of you with a similar build have a particular brand or store that you like for shorts that are looser on the legs/hips? Thanks!
She should probably be shopping in the misses dept, not juniors, because junior clothing is generally cut smaller, shorter and tighter all over. I would try Gap, Ann Taylor, J Crew, conservative brands like that. She's probably a size 2.
Go to the women's department. Not the teen department.
Women's versus "teen" sizes/cuts of clothing, will be different.
My daughter is younger than yours. But she wears like a size 14'ish for bottoms in girls clothing in the girls/junior department.
However, she can also wear "women's" size clothing from the women's clothing section, if/when it is a size 00. For example.
And it fits differently.
And what about wearing basketball shorts? Girls and boy wear these.
It is not fitted.
Fits all body types.
And buy shorts/jeans that are stretch material.
I have monster quads myself. Shop at Athleta or Title Nine; they have clothes for athletes and are cut for muscular women. They have athletic and casual clothes. The smaller sizes are probably fine for teens, which is great because the sale prices are usually in XS and their regular prices are high. Skorts are probably a good choice for her too.
You could try buying her the size 1s, then opening the side seams and sew in a triangle of fabric to accommodate her legs. You could do lace over a contrasting color, solids, or fun prints.
I am naturally pear shaped too, and it does get frustrating to buy shorts. I gave up, and alter them like I just described, or sew a ruffle around the hem of a fun fabric or lace.
I think Old Navy has a good selection when it comes to shorts. they have longer styles and shorter and from what I have noticed, some shorts with a wider leg opening..
Also, they aren't overly priced. They seem to cater to all sizes.. I would start with them. I am not pear shaped, but I am short waisted and have a tough time finding shorts and pants that look right. I have found that when a pant/shorts are considered "low cut" for someone else, it is actually a better style for me in that it fits my waist and hips and doesn't come down in the back..
You can also buy a 3 and have them taken in at the waist... a bit pricey, but may be worth the frustration . Best of luck
She should try on many many pairs to find what works for her. Also, she could consider getting the gap in the back/waist taken in by a tailor (I just go to the dry cleaners, they have someone on site) so her favorite pairs really do fit without flashing. I was not a fan of walking shorts....til I put some on that were not as long. She could try some on from Target.
Look in the boys department! Sports shorts are wider in the legs and have drawstring waists.
2 1/2 inches long inseam in anything will look kind of skanky.
Short shorts with a low rise?
Why bother wearing shorts at all if you're that close to being naked?
Maybe she should try some bicycle shorts - they might look skin tight but at least she'll have a little coverage.
