Buying women’s shorts: how to choose comfort, fit and fabric without making the wrong choice

Women’s shorts may seem simple to choose, but small differences in fabric, waistband and fit can determine whether you wear them often or leave them in the drawer after a few weeks. If you’re looking for women’s shorts for relaxing at home, walking, light activities or sport, you’ll also come across plenty of marketing terms. “Soft”, “stretch” and “sporty” only tell you so much, so it’s worth checking the product specifications too.

This buying guide explains what to look for in women’s sports shorts, women’s fleece shorts and comfortable styles for everyday wear. We also compare black and white options from Under Armour and Calvin Klein, with a focus on women’s shorts in sizes L, XL and 1X.

Three common pitfalls when buying women’s shorts

1. A soft fabric that isn’t right for how you’ll wear them

Soft fabric feels lovely when you’re lounging, but not every fabric feels the same when you’re moving. Cotton can feel comfortable, while a cotton blend may hold its shape better. According to the product description, a fleece lining provides extra warmth, but may be less suitable for intense exercise than a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric.

So, check the fabric composition and what the garment is designed for. Cotton-rich shorts are often a good choice for wearing at home and casual outfits. For sport, freedom of movement, a secure waistband and a fit that isn’t too loose are also important.

2. An elasticated waistband without a good way to adjust it

An elasticated waistband isn’t automatically comfortable. If it’s too tight, it can feel uncomfortable when you’re sitting or moving. If it’s too loose, it may slip out of place. Check whether the shorts have a drawcord, a wide waistband or another way to adjust the fit.

According to the product information, the Under Armour Rival Fleece Short has a covered elastic waistband with an external drawcord. This gives you more ways to adjust the fit than a style without a drawcord.

3. Comparing sizes as if every size guide is the same

A size L from one brand may fit differently from a size L from another. Women’s shorts in size XL and women’s shorts in size 1X aren’t necessarily the same either. XL is often used within a regular size range, while 1X may be part of a separate plus-size range.

So, don’t rely on the letter size alone. Measure your waist and hips, then compare them with the size guide for the specific product. For the Under Armour style, size L corresponds to a waist measurement of 79–86 cm and hips of 101–109 cm. The description also says it has a loose fit and recommends choosing your usual size.

What should you look for when choosing women’s shorts?

Fabric: cotton, modal, elastane or fleece

The fabric composition largely determines how a pair of shorts feels and moves.

• Cotton: feels familiar and soft, and is suitable for everyday wear.
• Polyester in a cotton blend: can help the fabric keep its shape and make it easier to care for.
• Modal: often used for smooth, soft fabric with a fluid drape.
• Elastane: adds stretch and freedom of movement.
• Fleece: has a brushed inner surface and is best suited to cooler days or relaxing.

According to the product description, the Calvin Klein shorts in this selection are made from 53% cotton, 35% modal and 12% elastane. The Under Armour shorts are made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester, with a brushed fleece lining. You can check these percentages in the product specifications, which tell you more than a general claim such as “extra comfortable”.

Fit and length

A loose fit gives you room to relax or wear the shorts casually. If you’re walking or doing light exercise, also check that the legs won’t ride up. Boyshorts with mid-length legs may provide different coverage from sports shorts with shorter legs.

Pay attention to the rise too. A low-rise style sits lower on your hips, while a higher-waisted style covers more of your stomach. Choose what works with your clothes and how you plan to wear the shorts.

Colour and care

Black women’s shorts are easy to style and less likely to show small marks. White women’s shorts work well with light-coloured outfits, but need more thought when washing and pairing with darker clothes.

Always follow the care label. The Under Armour shorts are listed as machine washable on a cold cycle with similar colours. The product information also recommends tumble-drying on a low heat, and says not to use bleach or fabric softener, or to iron them. Washing white Calvin Klein shorts with similar light colours is a practical way to help prevent discolouration.

Recommended styles for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Calvin Klein women's shorts LV00QF8527 white cotton modal elastane 1X

Why it suits this profile: These white women’s shorts are designed for lounging, everyday wear and light activities. The pull-on design has no fastening, and the product specifications list size 1X.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fabric composition is clearly listed: 53% cotton, 35% modal and 12% elastane. This lets you compare the fabric rather than relying on a general claim about comfort.

Key benefit & highlights

Cotton-modal-elastane blend, white colour, wide elasticated waistband and machine washable according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Calvin Klein women's shorts LV00QF8527 white cotton modal elastane XL

Why it suits this profile: The XL size and smooth, stretchy fabric make this a good choice if you’re after neat white boyshorts for everyday wear, working from home or relaxing around the house.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list the low rise, mid-length legs and wide elasticated waistband. This gives you a clearer idea of how the shorts are designed before you buy.

Key benefit & highlights

53% cotton, 35% modal, 12% elastane, white colour and a design with no fastening.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent wearers

Under Armour Women's Rival Fleece Short Black Sportstyle Collection L

Why it suits this profile: These black women’s shorts are suitable for lounging, casual wear and light activities where a loose fit and warm fleece are important.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size guide gives specific waist and hip measurements. The elasticated waistband with an external drawcord also lets you adjust the fit if it feels too loose or slips out of place.

Key benefit & highlights

80% cotton and 20% polyester, brushed inner surface, open hand pockets and a loose fit in size L.

Which size of women’s shorts is likely to fit?

If you can, follow these steps:

1. Measure your waist at its narrowest point or where the waistband usually sits.
2. Measure your hips at their widest point.
3. Compare both measurements with the size guide for the brand you’ve chosen.
4. Check whether the fit is loose, close-fitting or stretchy.
5. If you’re unsure, check the returns policy before ordering.

For Under Armour size L, the product information gives a waist measurement of 79–86 cm and hips of 101–109 cm. The Calvin Klein product details provided don’t include full measurements in centimetres for XL and 1X. So, check the latest size information on the product page carefully. Don’t assume a 1X style is interchangeable with an XL without checking first.

Frequently asked questions about women’s shorts

How should I wash women’s shorts to help them last longer?

Follow the care label and wash dark and white clothes separately. Use the recommended temperature for cotton blends. Avoid bleach unless the care instructions say it’s safe to use. For the Under Armour style, the product information recommends a cold wash, tumble-drying on a low heat and no fabric softener.

Are women’s fleece shorts suitable for sport?

It depends on the activity and the fabric. Fleece shorts with a brushed inner surface are most practical for lounging, casual wear and light activity in cooler weather. For intense exercise, you’re better off looking for a lightweight fabric, plenty of room to move and a fit that stays in place.

What’s the difference between women’s shorts in size XL and size 1X?

XL and 1X aren’t always equivalent. They may use different size ranges, proportions and size guides. Compare the waist and hip measurements for each product, and check the fit description.