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The 10 Best Denim Shorts For Big Thighs

Superb style, comfy fit.

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best denim shorts for big thighs
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Unlike buying leggings or joggers — where you can ballpark your size and click “add to cart” pretty safely — shopping for jean shorts is fraught with unique considerations. To reduce the chances you’ll have to return the pair you’re eyeing, the best denim shorts for big thighs are made with high-stretch denim and feature a little bit of tailoring magic. (No alterations required.)

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Denim Shorts For Big Thighs

Length

Inseam length is one of the first things to consider when shopping for the best jean shorts for big thighs. Mid-length shorts are an all-around great pick — they split the difference between Daisy Dukes and Bermuda shorts, offering plenty of coverage in the seat without feeling too much like a pant. While this will vary depending on your height, a mid-length short typically features a 5-inch or 7-inch inseam. That being said, you’re certainly not relegated to just one style of denim shorts. If you prefer shorter cuts or want a leg-hugging Bermuda fit, a bit of spandex ensures the shorts will offer enough give for a comfy fit.

Other Features To Look For

To reduce gapping at the waist, look for the best high-rise shorts that, by design, taper in and bring your waistline up. Those with bigger thighs will also appreciate small tailoring details that make a big impact on the overall fit, like pleats and side slits — the accents naturally create extra room.

I scoped out the highest-rated pairs of denim shorts for thick thighs that hit the criteria above, then checked out the reviews to make sure they were approved by shoppers with self-proclaimed thick thighs. From classic Levi’s to retro high-waisted pairs and even a bike short, these are the best denim shorts for big thighs.

Shop The Best Denim Shorts For Big Thighs

In a hurry? These are the best denim shorts for big thighs:

  1. The Distressed Denim Shorts With Tiny Side Slits On The Side: luvamia Ripped Denim Shorts
  2. The Pleated High-Waisted Shorts With A Retro Vibe: JASAMBAC High-Waisted Denim Shorts
  3. The Black Denim Shorts Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed With: Haola High-Waisted Jean Shorts
  4. The Classic Rolled Shorts From A Denim Icon: Signature By Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Mid-Rise Shorts
  5. A Pair Of Vintage-Inspired Shorts That Are Totally Classic: Levi’s High-Waisted Mom Shorts
  6. The Jean Short That Also Comes In Slightly Dressier Options: Lee Regular-Fit Chino Walkshort
  7. The Plus-Size Denim Shorts That Feel Like Jeggings: Allegrace Denim Shorts
  8. The On-Trend Bermuda Shorts With A Relaxed Fit: LEE Relaxed-Fit Bermuda Shorts
  9. The Loose Drawstring Short For Living Your Comfiest Life: ONLYSHE Casual Drawstring Shorts
  10. The Denim Bike Shorts For An Of-The-Moment Silhouette: OLRAIN Long Distressed Jean Shorts
  11. Also Nice: These Cute Denim Short Overalls With Great Stretch: Vetinee Classic Cuffed Denim Short Bib Overalls

1

These Distressed Denim Shorts With Tiny Side Slits On The Side

Dubbed “a miracle for thick-thighed girls” by one fan, these denim shorts have one of the highest concentrations of spandex on this list at 5%, making for an ultra-stretchy pair. Tiny notches on each thigh give you extra room to move, and the higher waist reduces the likelihood of gapping. If it’s true love, there are plenty of options within the listing worth stocking up on, including vintage button fly shorts and bright white denim.

According to a reviewer: “I am absolutely in love with these jean shorts!! They are so cute and fit wonderfully. The length is just right. The waist was not too tight. The fabric is kinda stretchy so you can move around in them easily. The color is awesome also. Great price too!”

  • Available colors: 44
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

2

These Pleated High-Waisted Shorts With A Retro Vibe

These wide-leg jean shorts are a cute spin on a classic, with their high waist, notched button fly, and tailored pleats (which create a little extra room in the seat and thighs). The soft, elastic denim blend comes from 70% cotton with polyester and a smidge of spandex that promises to be light yet sturdy and wildly comfortable. Wear them to the pool or to a party; they’ll dress up and down easily. If you’re looking for a little bit more of a “mom jean” vibe, try these baggy high-waisted denim shorts — they’re made from 100% cotton and have a sizeable following.

According to a reviewer: “Very much love these shorts! I’m kinda pear shaped and they gave me plenty of comfort room in the thigh but still fit my waist. Stretchy, so nice. Seemed to be made well and fashionable. Enjoy the pleats and the high waist: something new!”

  • Available colors and styles: 13
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

3

These Black Denim Shorts Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed With

With more than 6,000 five-star Amazon ratings, these jean shorts are something of a cult favorite. They’re offered in black denim (amongst other washes) with a classic fit that’s thick-thigh-friendly. Material-wise, they’re made from stretch cotton with a high waist and short inseam — plus a spacious cut through the leg on its rolled cuff hem.

According to a reviewer: “These shorts are AMAZING. I usually have a problem wearing jean shorts. They tend to ride up on my thighs when i walk. These don't do that. They stay in place and the fabric has some stretch to it. They are also true to size.”

  • Available colors: 22
  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

4

Some Classic Rolled Shorts From A Denim Icon

You don’t need to stick with loose cuts if you have bigger thighs, and you can never go wrong with Levi’s denim. These shorts have a 4.5-inch inseam and plenty of stretch, with a plain rolled hem and universal mid-rise. The 80% cotton blend includes 2% spandex for a denim fabric that fans raved was soft, stretchy, and surprisingly strong.

According to a reviewer: “Great fit, DEEP pockets!!! Comfortable. And the folds are sewn so they don’t roll up! Perfect for thicker thighs.”

  • Available colors: 3
  • Available sizes: 2 — 24

5

A Pair Of Vintage-Inspired Shorts That Are Totally Classic

If you want a cute, don’t-even-have-to-think-about-it-pair, these high-waisted mom shorts fit the bill. With a relaxed fit throughout the thighs and hips, the ultra-high-rise shorts feature a 3.5-inch inseam. To achieve the vintage-inspired vibe, they’re made from 100% cotton — so not a lot of stretch — but the cut should accommodate bigger thighs pretty comfortably. Besides this simple, classic pair, you can also opt for distressed shorts if you want to keep things edgy.

  • Available colors and styles: 9
  • Available sizes: 20 — 40

According to a reviewer: “New fav. Love these! Not too tight on my thighs or too short.”

6

The Jean Shorts That Also Come In Slightly Dressier Chino Options

With trouser-style pockets and tailored seams, these denim shorts are nice to have for casual days that require a smidge of polish. They’re right in between a Bermuda and a genuinely short pair with tapered 7-inch legs and a notched hem. Made of 100% cotton, these shorts have a nice, solid weight to them — but if you want a pair with a bit more stretch, they also come in a dark blue version made of 69% cotton, 30% polyester, and 1% spandex.

According to a reviewer: “Love these shorts. They don't ride up in the thighs when walking, fit great, and are comfortable. Not too short and not too long either.”

  • Available colors and styles: 15
  • Available sizes: 0 — 20

7

These Plus-Size Denim Shorts That Feel Like Jeggings

Finally, cute, comfortable jean shorts cut with plus-size figures in mind — and with plenty of options to choose from. You can get the Allegrace denim shorts in a cropped 5-inch leg or a longer Bermuda style with options in light and dark indigo rinses, as well as black, so all your warm-weather moods are covered. Although a precise fabric blend isn’t noted, shoppers compared these comfy shorts to a jegging-like material.

According to a reviewer: “Perfect shorts. [...] Until now I haven’t found a pair of shorts that fit my thighs shape without being baggy AND also fit my waist. I’m buying another pair!”

  • Available colors: 9
  • Available sizes: 12 Plus — 26 Plus

8

Some On-Trend Bermuda Shorts With A Relaxed Fit

Cut with room through the hip and thigh, Lee’s denim Bermuda shorts give this trending silhouette extra ease. Made with 98% cotton, with a hint of spandex for stretch, it’s nice, thick denim — even their white jean shorts are creamy and opaque. Their longer 9.5-inch inseam hits just above the knees.

According to a reviewer: “Not too thin, not too thick. Not too stretchy. The waist comes up just right... not too low and not too high. Comfortable to wear all day. They seem great after several washes, too.”

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: 4 — 18

9

A Loose Drawstring Short For Living Your Comfiest Life

Featuring a wide leg paired with an elastic drawstring waist and deep pockets, these loose denim shorts were made for keeping it casual — and they come in multiple indigo rinses. They have the look of denim but feel considerably more lightweight in a cottony polyester-spandex blend, making for a soft alternative on sweltering days and Netflix nights. If it’s love at first fit, they come in plenty of other colors and prints, too.

According to a reviewer: “Love these shorts. All around- the fit, color accuracy, and material! [...] Not too tight around the waist and plenty of thigh room. Don't think they will wrinkle easy either which is always a plus!”

  • Available colors: 36
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

10

Some Denim Bike Shorts For An Of-The-Moment Silhouette

For a more assertive style statement, try these knee-length stretch jean shorts that resemble the trendy athleisure bike short. This is another ultra-stretchy pair, with 5% spandex to the cotton denim weave that ensures a comfy bodycon fit from the waist to the knee-length hem. Looking for fewer frayed edges? Check out their moto shorts.

According to a reviewer: “I love these shorts. They fit perfectly, and they are really cute. They're cut above the knee, but they adequately cover your thighs. They are a bit stretchy so you can easily move in them. They go perfectly with all of my favorite tshirts. I am so happy that I bought a second pair.”

  • Available colors: 10
  • Available sizes: 4 — 16

11

Also Nice: These Cute Denim Short Overalls With Great Stretch

Cutoff overalls are a utilitarian take on the denim short with a definite vibe. Vetinee’s are made from high-stretch cotton with 5% elastane to create a legging-like denim with a looser cut that doesn’t hug close to the legs. If you need extra length, those straps are adjustable, and there are styles with notch hems for an even more thigh-friendly fit. All feature the classic five-pocket denim styling and bib pocket front.

According to a reviewer: “Once these arrived I practically lived in them! The stretch is perfect, and they're so comfy. They're strong without being stiff. I'm going to need a few more pairs before summer comes back!”

  • Available colors: 22
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

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