Shorts: how to choose

How to choose shorts

Start with the day you have in mind. A pair for yoga, gym sessions or a run needs a close cut and fabric that moves with you, while a pair for warm afternoons can take a more structured line. Our shorts sit across both needs: quick-dry nylon and stretch training shorts for movement, cotton denim for a crisp casual finish, and short leggings for yoga and warm days. Think about the waist first, because it sets how the rest of the short sits. A high waist sits at your natural waist; a cross-over waistband sits flat; a straight leg skims rather than clings.

Consider length and detail next. A short leg leaves room to move and suits studio sessions, warm-weather walks and training. A straight leg on denim gives more coverage through the thigh while still ending at shorts length. Pockets are useful for a key or a card, and a discreet phone pocket keeps your phone off your hands. A contrast stripe or a two-layer look adds a sporty note; solid colours such as black, navy, green, pink, white or light blue keep the finish quiet.

Use the size notes on each product page. Some of our shorts are offered in S-XL, some in S, M and L, some in M to XXL, and one style in XS to XL. Where a page says the chart runs one to two sizes smaller than US and European sizing, size up if you are between sizes. For a close-fitting knit short, choose your usual size and let the stretch do the work; for denim, match the waistband to your natural waist and check the leg line.

Materials, details and fit

Our shorts use cotton, knit, polyester, nylon, denim, spandex and linen across the range. Cotton denim gives a dry, matte hand and a mid-weight body; a cotton-rich denim with 71-80% cotton has a firm handfeel that relaxes with wear. Nylon appears in quick-dry and moisture-managing pieces, often blended with spandex for stretch. Polyester blends give a springy handle and a quick-dry finish, while knit constructions offer generous stretch. Linen also features in our shorts, so check the product page for the exact mix of the pair you are considering.

Details matter as much as the cloth. A high waist sits at the natural waist and keeps the top half neat; a shaping cut lifts and smooths the hip line in one of our quick-dry nylon pairs. Pockets at the hip hold a key or a card, and a discreet phone pocket keeps a phone close without bulk. Stretch features appear across knit, nylon and spandex blends, while zip, button and adjustable details appear in our shorts range. Check the product page for the exact features on the pair you choose.

Fit is a conversation between waist, leg and fabric. High-waist styles sit at your natural waist, so measure there if you are unsure. Close-fitting training shorts should stay in place through movement; if they feel restrictive at the waist, the size is not right. Denim shorts with a straight leg should let you sit and walk comfortably, with the waistband flat against the middle. Two-layer designs add visual interest but should still feel light. When a product page notes generous stretch, the waistband can sit close without pressing.

How to style them

For training and studio days, keep the line simple. A close-fitting short pairs with a fitted tank, a cropped tee or an oversized sweatshirt. A high-waist quick-dry pair with hip pockets works with a sports top and trainers for a run or a ride, while a short with a phone pocket suits pilates or a studio class. A two-layer look in green or pink adds a sporty note without extra bulk; wear it with a plain top. A contrast stripe on a biker short draws a long line down the outer thigh, so keep the top quiet.

Denim shorts call for a different mood. A high-waisted light-wash pair with a relaxed line works with a tucked linen shirt and sandals for a slow afternoon, or with a simple tee and flat shoes for errands. A high-waist straight-leg denim short in light blue has a crisp, structured line; wear it with a fitted top to keep the waist neat, or with a loose shirt for a more relaxed shape. A pale wash gains contrast from texture: linen, cotton and leather all sit well beside denim.

For warm days, keep the rest of the outfit light. A short leg leaves room for a breezy shirt, a simple tank or a fine knit. Solid colours in black, navy, khaki, grey, white, red, wine, purple or yellow are easy to combine with the neutrals already in your wardrobe. If the short has a high waist, a tucked top shows the line; if it has a cross-over waistband, a shorter top or a fitted tee keeps the middle smooth. Footwear can stay simple: trainers for active pairs, sandals for denim, and flat shoes for everyday wear.

Care and storage

Care starts with the fabric. For cotton denim, turn the shorts inside out, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang or lay flat to dry away from direct heat. This helps the colour and the structure of the cloth. For nylon, polyester and spandex blends, use a cool, gentle wash and avoid fabric softener, which can coat stretch fibres. A mesh laundry bag is useful for short leggings and small pieces. Always check the care label on the pair you own, because the exact mix matters.

Store shorts folded in a drawer or hung from the waistband. Denim can be folded flat to keep its shape; active pieces are best kept smooth and away from snagging hooks or rough zips. Let damp shorts air dry fully before they go into storage, and keep them out of a cramped pile if you want the waistband to stay flat. If a pair has a cross-over waistband or a high waist, folding along the waist rather than crumpling the middle helps it sit neatly next time.

A short rinse after a warm session is kinder to stretch fabrics than leaving them damp in a bag. Air active shorts before they go back in the drawer, and keep denim away from damp for long periods. If a pair has a zip or button, close it before washing to protect the fabric. Small habits like these keep the shape and surface of your shorts in good order.

Standout pieces

• High Waist Pocketed Quick-Dry Shorts: High-waist nylon shorts with hip pockets, a shaping cut and a lightweight 140-155g build for running, cycling and weights.
• High-Waisted Light Wash Denim Shorts: Cotton denim cut high at the waist, with a soft light-blue hand-washed finish and a relaxed, street-ready line.
• Cross-Waist Plus Size Legging Shorts: A cross-over waistband sits flat on these polyester-blend short leggings, with a polyester lining for coverage through yoga and warm days.
• High-Waist Striped Biker Shorts: Polyester, nylon and lycra give these biker shorts a smooth, dense hand, while a contrast stripe runs down the outer thigh.
• Yoga Shorts with Phone Pocket: A discreet phone pocket, short cut and nylon-spandex stretch make these a practical choice for studio classes, pilates and warm-weather runs.