Unlike buying leggings or joggers — where you can ballpark your size and click “add to cart” pretty safely — shopping for jeans and shorts is fraught with unique considerations. Take for example, when a pair fit at your waist, but then feel tight in the hip — and what the hell are you supposed to do if your shorts fit perfectly everywhere but cut into your thighs when you sit or ride up if you move? The best denim shorts for big thighs can end the cycle with high-stretch denim and a little bit of tailoring magic. (No alterations required.)
One of the first things to consider is inseam length. Plus-size style expert and influencer Nikky Frenny weighed in on the matter in an interview with Who What Wear, favoring mid-length shorts as a cut that works well on just about anyone but particularly well on those with thick thighs. That said, you’re certainly not relegated to just one style of denim shorts. If you prefer shorter cuts or want a leg-hugging Bermuda fit, a bit of spandex ensures the shorts will fit better. A good, stretchy denim lets your shorts move with your body, and the higher the percentage of spandex or elastane, the more give the material will have.
To reduce gapping at the waist, look for shorts with a high rise that, by design, taper in and bring your waistline up. Those with bigger thighs will also appreciate small tailoring details that make a big impact on the overall fit, like pleats and side slits: The accents naturally create extra room.
I scoped out the highest-rated pairs of denim shorts on Amazon that hit the criteria above, then checked out the reviews to make sure they were approved by shoppers with self-proclaimed thick thighs. From classic Levi’s to retro high-waisted pairs and even a bike short, these summer-ready denim shorts are great picks in thigh-friendly styles.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.