Denim shorts for the thick thigh life

I used to have a quote on my social media that read, “I didn’t choose the thick thigh life, the thick thigh life chose me.” Truer words had never been spoken.

Although I am only 5’2″, I am not a petite person. I’ve got a figure with curves, and my legs have always been the thickest part of my body, despite diet and exercise. Even when I was training for a half marathon and eating paleo, my thighs remained.

It’s taken me until this age to be okay with that- to accept the things I should not want to change about my body. But it’s been a journey. And part of that journey has been a battle with shorts.

I’ve said it before, but summer is my favorite season. And for that reason, I want to be in shorts when I’m not at work. I see tons of influencers posting about their favorite pairs of denim cutoffs, but when I order them, I can barely get them around one leg, much less button them at the waist.

It’s hard to find a good pair of denim shorts that don’t feel like they are cutting off circulation to your brain when you’re above a size ten; a pair that gives you effortless style throughout the summer months. So I’ve rounded up my favorite pairs of denim shorts for you. These picks can work for anyone, but they are also thick thigh approved.

If I had to pick one pair of shorts from these, my recommendation would be to try a pair of Topshop denim. I have five pairs of denim shorts from Topshop (I own the ripped shorts in two colors and have bought them this season and last, plus the premium denim).

My friend Amanda told me about these shorts two years ago, and they really are a game-changer if you’ve got more body than some of these high-waited shorts can handle. They are cheeky without showing your entire booty, and they have the structured cotton of a class mom jean fit.

My other recommendation for buying denim shorts is to size up, including the Topshop shorts (their sizing scale is in European sizing, so follow the size chart recommendations). I’m normally a size 10-12 and I order a size 12 in these, which is a size 14. The fit is SO much roomier, and their a-line fit still gives that classic 90’s look.

If you’re scared of thigh chafe (and you should be), try Megababe thigh rescue– I highly recommend for beating that chub rub on your inner thighs. Bottom line- don’t be afraid to rock a pair of denim shorts this summer. You can pair them with anything from a graphic tee, to a white blouse, or pop them over a bathing suit.