If you follow me on Instagram (which if you don’t you totally should), you’ll know I was on the hunt for the perfect pair of denim shorts for thick-thigh mid-size girls like myself. I found some really great affordable ones from Walmart that were under $20, but I wouldn’t say they were THE ones. I was really on the hunt for something with minimal distressing, stretch, high waisted, not too short and that left room in the thighs. Sounds basic, but it’s much harder than you think, or maybe you’re experiencing the same issue.
My Favorite Denim Shorts of the Summer for Mid-Size Girls
After the Walmart pair, I decided to try out the Curve Love Mid Rise Mom Shorts from Abercrombie. I had heard EVERYONE and their mom raving about these shorts so I was like well these must be the ones. False! They were WAY too short on me and had far too much distressing. Like seriously, my butt cheeks were hanging out! I also found they ran one if not two sizes too small.
After returning the Abercrombie pair I decided to check out Madewell. After all, Madewell is my go-to for normal jeans surely they have denim shorts I like. I did a quick run-down online and then headed into the store to try some on. I am SO glad I went into the store because the sizing was all over the place. I ended up purchasing three different shorts and when I was checking out I was like man, these shorts are all over the place in terms of fit and the lady ringing me up said it was so hard to help customers because each short is so different and she even got the different ones confused.
The Perfect Jean Short in Balsam Wash
The shorts that ended up being my favorite were The Perfect Jean Short in Balsam Wash. The other two I snagged are great but this is the pair I am constantly reaching for. These shorts check every box on my list of requirements.
They are high rise and sit high on hips with an easy fit through the leg. They have a 10 1/2″ rise which is right in line with some of my other favorite high-waisted jeans from Madewell with a 3″ inseam. Not too long but not too short either!
These shorts are also part of Madewell’s Do Well initiative so for each pair made at the Fair Trade Certified™ Saitex factory, we contribute to a Community Development Fund managed by the workers.
Lastly, the fabric is made up of 72% cotton/TENCEL™ lyocell/1% spandex denim, so you get that traditional denim feel with a hint of stretch. They also have no distressing with a raw hem for a slight fringe detail.
I do find they run true to size as I got my normal size, but if you wanted more of a looser fit you could definitely size up one.
These shorts have a 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Madewell website but honestly, I would give them a full 5 stars.
Christina says
So glad you posted this. It is so hard to find a good fitting pair of shorts. I have tried so many with not much satisfaction. I will definitely have to give these a try!
Maddie Sayre says
I’m glad you did this. I usually go to Old Navy but they had a terrible selection this year. I ended up settling for Walmart like you! But maybe my hunt isn’t over.
Jamie says
First I just want to say that I really enjoy your content! Sorry if this comment seems negative, but I was really hoping to find the perfect jean shorts from this post, however how can they be for “thick thigh queens” if they’re not available in plus sizes?
Angela says
That is a very valid point! Thank you for bringing that to my attention. Although Madewell offers plus size in jeans it doesn’t appear they offer plus sizes for denim shorts. I have edited the post to say for “mid-size girls” for a truer representation.