The Best Shorts for Women Over 60 That Actually Fit
Every summer, the same question lands in my inbox: Can I still wear shorts? The answer is yes, if you want to. But the more useful question is what actually makes a pair of shorts work at this stage, because it’s not about age. It’s almost entirely about fit. Get the rise, inseam, and fabric right, and you’re most of the way there. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
What to Look for When Shopping for Shorts Over 60
Three things matter more than anything else: inseam, rise, and fabric.
Inseam first. A longer inseam is almost always more comfortable and more flattering at this stage. I rarely recommend anything under seven inches. The exact number matters less than where the hem falls on your specific leg, so try before you buy when you can.
Rise next. A mid to high rise waistband is simply more comfortable, and comfort shows up in how you carry yourself.
Fabric last. Linen, cotton gauze, and soft cotton blends keep you cooler and move better on the body. Chino and ponte blends give you a polished look with very little effort. Stiff fabrics feel rigid, flimsy ones lose their shape by noon. You want something in between.
Best Bermuda Shorts
A Bermuda short works across almost every body type and almost every casual occasion. The longer inseam gives you coverage without sacrificing the ease of a short.
Talbots consistently offers comfortable, polished, versatile shorts. These Talbots Perfect Shorts come in several colors: misses, petite, plus, and plus petite.
The J.Crew Factory Bermuda is an easygoing option in breathable cotton with enough structure to look intentional. Good if you want straightforward and unfussy.
Best Chino Shorts
A well-cut chino short is one of the most useful things you can put on in summer. Enough structure to look polished, enough ease to actually be comfortable.
The Lands’ End Chino Short is long enough to dress up with low-heeled sandals and a blazer, or to pair down with a tee. Simple and hardworking.
The Ann Taylor Boardwalk Short has a 10-inch inseam that hits just above the knee, a mid-rise, and side slits at the hem that give a little ease of movement without changing the overall line. It comes in regular and curvy fit.
The Spanx Supersmooth Stretch Twill Short has a 7-inch inseam and a high rise, a built-in smoothing panel that works through the tummy, waist, and back without feeling tight, and four-way stretch that moves with you. The zip pockets actually lie flat, which sounds minor until you’ve dealt with ones that don’t.
Best Linen Shorts
On the days when you’re rethinking every clothing decision you’ve ever made, linen is the right answer. Airy without being flimsy, and a good linen short looks intentional even when you’ve put in minimal effort. They wrinkle, but at a certain temperature, that stops mattering.
If linen is calling your name this summer, I have a full guide on how to wear it well at this stage of life. Worth reading before you buy.
SANDALS / HANDBAG / SUNGLASSES
The Ann Taylor Long Short in Linen Blend has a 10.5-inch inseam that lands right at the knee. The front pleats give a little ease through the hip without adding bulk, and the high-rise keeps everything sitting where it should and they are fully lined!
These classic Boracay Bermuda 10″ Shorts are a cotton/tencel/spandex blend that’s very comfortable to sit in. They have side pockets and come in 5 colors, sizes 0-16. These have a polished vibe that’s perfect for everyday wear.
NYDJ is a consistent reader favorite, and this Linen Blend Bermuda delivers on the comfort they’re known for. It comes in quite a few colors, sizes 00-18, and runs 1-2 sizes large, so make sure to size down.
Best Denim Shorts
Try them before you rule them out. Clean, simple, dark, or mid-wash is where to start. Heavy distressing and very light washes tend to read more casual than most of us are going for. White and colored denim are worth considering, too.
The Wit & Wisdom High Waist Relaxed Denim Shorts have an easy fit through the leg and a mid-thigh length that feels modern without trying too hard.
The Lands’ End Soft Denim Mid Rise 7″ Jean Shorts are a solid starting point if you’ve been hesitant about denim. Just enough stretch, comes in white and indigo.
The Chico’s Denim Trouser Shorts are worth a look if traditional denim has always felt too casual or too fitted. The roomier A-line leg gives them a trouser feel without losing the ease of a short.
Best Knit Shorts for Women Over 50
Knit-and-pull-on shorts look pulled together from a distance but feel like something else entirely. No zipper, no button, no waistband to negotiate. If comfort has been the thing standing between you and shorts, start here.
These Brigitte So Slimming Shorts have a built-in smoothing panel that works without feeling tight, a 10-inch inseam, and a pull-on waistband that holds its shape. Machine washable too.
The Eileen Fisher Pima Cotton Stretch Jersey Walking Shorts are soft, organic cotton with a relaxed straight leg and a drawstring waist that actually stays put. The 6.5-inch inseam runs a little shorter, so worth keeping in mind if you prefer more coverage.
The Talbots AirKnit Stretch Short has enough structure and drape to look like a real short, not athleisure. Comes in misses, petite, and plus.
If you don’t love your legs in shorts, you can try leg makeup to cover any bruises or veins. You can read my post on it here: Best Self Tanners and Leg Makeup for Mature Skin
Frequently Asked Questions
What inseam length is most flattering for women over 60? Most women feel best in a 7 to 10-inch inseam, somewhere between mid-thigh and just above the knee. Enough coverage to feel comfortable without defeating the whole purpose of wearing shorts.
What inseam works best for petite women over 60? If you’re 5’4″ or under, a 5 to 7-inch inseam keeps your proportions balanced. Anything longer starts to visually shorten your leg. That said, if coverage matters more to you than proportion, wear the longer length.
Are Bermuda shorts still in style in 2026? Very much so. This is actually their biggest year in a while, with longer and more relaxed silhouettes showing up everywhere.
Shorts are just clothes. Wear them if they work for you, skip them if they don’t. Either way, summer is long, and there are plenty of good options here.
Do you still wear shorts or have you moved on? Tell me in the comments.
PS-If this post has you thinking more broadly about your summer wardrobe, here is where I would start.
I had moved on from shorts (to skorts and then to linen pants), but I am seeing them on women again this year–and it’s not even that hot yet where I live. So I may use a link in your guide. May have to break out the self-tanner though. Thank you for another timely post!
I feel like I’ve seen more this year too.
Bought skorts and matching tops or coordinating tops to work out in at gym. So fun! The pink matching set one didn’t even require a gradual fake tan since the light color blended with fair coloring. Glad they are back!
That’s a fun idea for the gym.
I still wear shorts at age 68 because my legs are long and lean and Chicago summers are hot and humid! I’m not fussy about the length as long as it isn’t less than 7 inches. I find the Bermuda style is more flattering and looks polished with tops that have 3/4 length sleeves. Lands End is a favorite brand as well as JCrew or Gap. I’m also a fan of the gauze shorts at JC Penney (St. John’s Bay).
I’m with you on the length. The ship has sailed on shorter inseams for me.
I’m 62 and much prefer to wear a skirt or skort rather than shorts. To me, they are more comfortable and feminine. I did purchase a pair of Athleta Wayfind High Rise shorts this year to wear around the house.
I seldom wear shorts and prefer mine on the dressier side.
Great post for summer wear especially shorts. My best fit is the Talbot ‘s perfect shorts. I am in my eights and wear shorts for most of the summer.
I realy like their fit too
You look great in every one of these shorts. I’ve had success with Talbots 9” Perfrct shorts – look crisp and come in many colors. They move quickly, so look now for this summer. They added Red Pop this year, which will be fun for the summer holidays with a chambray or navy top.
I agree, they fit really well.
Age 67, live in Connecticut and consider my calves one of my best features so yes to shorts! I prefer a longer length, so generally just above knee for me.
I am 65 and live in Florida and shorts are a necessity! I don’t love my thighs so I wear the J Crew 9″ shorts and I love them! They land right above my knees. I also wear a lot of skorts and they have some really nice choices at Costco! I am also loving these wide leg loose pants that are very comfortable and very in style right now.
Thank you. I am not quite 60 but close enough to know that I will still be rocking shorts into my sixties. Are they as short as they were 40 years ago, nope. My shorts grew up just like I did! I still look and feel good in them and as you said that is what really matters. I do love skorts and have had a hard time the last couple of years finding them in the longer lengths. I will check out your links. Thanks again, I always love the message when it’s do what feels right for you!
Check out Chicos. They often have longer skorts
Thank you, Jennifer, for such a positive and encouraging post!
Thank You! I love summer but dread shorts, I have horrible looking legs. I think like anything, in store try on is important. I’m also going to looking into leg makeup. I do like Jergens gradual self tanner lotion. Great selection.
I like the Jergens self-tanner too
I’m 80 and wear shorts all summer. I have a 17” scar around my knee from two surgeries including joint replacement surgery. I’m fair and have other badges of courage on my other leg from a biking tumble. I refuse to be uncomfortable in 100 degree weather. I keep our ac at 76 degrees so I’m not chilled inside. At 5’1” tall I wear 7” to 10 inch shorts and I do have Chicos Brigitte shorts. Liz Claiborne Sara shorts have been a staple for me for years from JCP. They have inner elastic in the waistbands that accommodate my ever increasing waist in spite of weight that is normal for my height. You look great Jennifer in all of your shorts!
That’s awesome Sydney!
I’m 72 and I still wear shorts, or at least I will be as soon as our weather warms up enough!
Way to go
who is the maker of those cute shoes you are wearing with that pink shirt? they look denim.
They are Aerosols here.
Definitely, I do wear shorts – even though I have considered abandoning the idea. It takes trying on a few styles to find what feels right. Like us, styles are always changing! Lands End and Chicos came through for me. I am happy that I did not give up!
They make great shorts! My favorite pair was the Brigette.
What a nice selection of shorts. I like to wear 10” length as I feel it looks most appropriate at my age of 70. Thanks for all your great posts.
I prefer long shorts too! The longer the better for me.
Good morning!
The only link that did not appear to work was the one for the long white skirt. Would you please provide?
Continued best wishes to you and your husband,
Brenda
Hi Brenda the Skirt is here.
Great selection of shorts! It’s definitely time now. Could you link the sweater you are wearing with the Lands End skort? Thanks ~
It’s several years old by Nina Campbell. Sorry it’s sold out.
I wear shorts for exercise/active situations mainly. They just aren’t that comfortable for me for daily wear. In ac I freeze and when it’s hot I’d much rather not have something tight around my lower half. I need air flow so it’s skirts and dresses for me. My legs have gotten very veiny and I’m fair skinned but I’m trying to not let that hold me back in general. Even when outside at casual events like bbqs I generally keep my legs covered or I will be eaten by mosquitoes!
The dreaded mosquitos are out and hungry wear I live. They bite me through everything! Thanks goodness for non deet mosquito wipes.
I’m 70 and live in south Florida so shorts are a necessary part of my wardrobe. I have several pairs of a pull on style in a linen/cotton blend in white, navy and dark green that I wear for my daily early morning walks and around the house. I typically don’t wear them anywhere else though. My knee replacement scar and the occasional swelling in that area doesn’t help for a stylish look, but I am comfortable and practical enough to wear them in our hot, humid climate.
I am in my 80’s and I wear shorts. My favorite is Talbot’s perfect. I am petite and they are a great comfortable fit, I have several colors.
They’re great shorts!