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.
If I have a 13 inch knee replacement scar should I stick with capris?? Thanks, really enjoy your posts.
I don’t think you need to Lynn. We all have scars and it’s just part of aging.
Why can’t I get button downs to tie in front like yours? Thank you
I tend to buy mine one size up so there’s extra fabric.
You really found some beauties!! That is hard to do!!
I have really ugly legs, my upper thighs are flabby and just awful. I wear shorts only at home when it’s hot. I’ve given up on them and just live in light jeans…….but the styles are so cute tha you featured I just wish i could wear some……
Maybe the longer Bermuda shorts would work for you.
Maybe I’ll try shorts again, haven’t worn them in years.
Jennifer, have you come across any blazer and shorts sets in your travels? Many many many years ago I had a navy blue set. Perfect to add some style to shorts.
I haven’t seen them sold as sets, but I do love the look of a linen blazer and long shorts.
Love shorts–our weather is too hot and humid in the summers for pants! Am seriously considering the Frankie Bermuda shorts from J Crew Factory. Another good brand to check out is the Judy Blue line which is sold in many small boutiques and online. My other favorite is a skort, to give the look of a skirt with shorts underneath!
I like the longer skorts. Chico’s carries some nice ones.
I am, & have always been, warmer than others; 72 in the shade is IT for me. I live in a place with real winter and cool summers. But, there are times that yes, I’m going to wear shorts. I have some SPANX joggers (& some other brands) that I wear then, if i get hot, I’ll pull them up and they become capris. The band that makes them joggers, holds them up at my knees. This isn’t perfect but is sometimes necessary. I have some cute Lands End skorts that function as shorts and I have some jean shorts. Yes to sunless tanner!
Ok , a few questions. I am little petite. 4’10” petite to be exact and under 90 lbs. My legs are shorter than my torso . Would I still go with a 7″ or move down to a 5″? I cut off bermuda to the length I wanted them with a frayed hem in white denim last year. I really have to put Jergens gradual self tanner on first and Use AmLactin lotion also to make my legs look their best. I bought skort sets in active wear to wear to the gym and love them. People thought I went to Lulumon but came from Kohl’s and got so many compliments. I loved when they made skorts in dresses years ago. Thanks for helping me decide and I think Spanx might be my best option for fit.
The 5” would probably be a better proportion on you. It’ll help your legs look the longest.
Jennifer, thank you for your latest update on shorts. It’s so useful to have this before going out shopping or online, to help find a pair that’s just right.
My pleasure. I bought the Tommy Bahama ones this year and really like them.
Your post is so timely for me. I wear shorts all summer. Being outside and playing with the grandkids, they are just the most comfortable. I am trying to replace 2 pairs of JAG shorts, khaki and white, that are about 8 years old and I am getting so frustrated. First of all, spending $90 and higher for shorts just seems absurd to me. And, most shorts tend to have a 5″ inseam, which is just a little too short. Talbots bottoms typically don’t fit me right, but you have given me a couple of other options to try! Thanks!
Good luck!
You mention the rise, inseam, and fabric as being important for fit, and I completely agree. But, I would also add pockets to this list. I hate them! I feel sure there’s an artful way of designing and sewing pockets that lie flat across a woman’s curved stomach, but I rarely find this in shorts. I just ordered and returned multiple pairs of shorts from a variety of vendors in a range of sizes and styles, and not one fit me well. I need to force myself to shop in person, but it’s an exercise in frustration, as I’m tall and wear size 16, which is rarely in stock. So frustrating!
That is frustrating.
Hi Annie,
Look for curved pockets like LL Beans trekking pants. They used to have shorts like these pants but alas they are discontinued. Check out the pockets on the pants though for a visual. They are curved and lie flat. Straight or slash pockets tend to tent out on me. Not a good look. I have a couple of the shorts that I wear a lot. I hope this helps.
Annie too!
Maybe try the newer styles with Patch Pockets in the front, which lay flat. Talbots, Loft, and J. Crew Factory have several styles.
Great idea.
Great looks in shorts for us older women!
I love all the shorts you have shown but i notice all tops worn are tucked in. this doesn’t work for me because I have a very short torso. Where can I find tops that go over the waist. But are not down to my knees.
There are a lot of shorter tops that are cropped to just below the waist. Try Nordstrom and Madewell.
Great post! Do you have a link for the tan sandals in the first photo?
I’m sorry I don’t. These are many years old.
Here to add my “plus 1” for Talbot’s Perfect Shorts at 10.5 inch. Look good and fit well. Recommend going up a size in white.
Yes, always.
I am 69 and still wear shorts, we have hot humid summers. At 5′ 3″ my best length is 5-7″, anything longer and I suddenly get shorter and heavier. Thanks for the outfit options.
That’s a great way to describe it Jenice