The 10 Best Denim Shorts For Big Thighs

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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