Feel Confident As A Plus Size Woman In Short Shorts This Summer

Embracing Your Body as a Plus-Sized Woman

Being a plus-sized or fat woman in today's society can be extremely challenging. With impossible beauty standards bombarding us from all directions, it's easy to feel shame about our bodies. However, it's important to know that your value and worth is not determined by your clothing size. You deserve to feel confident and beautiful just as you are.

One way to boost your body image is by wearing clothes that make you feel good. For some plus-sized women, shorts can be an item that brings up a lot of insecurities. Shorts show off parts of your body that you may feel self-conscious about. But the truth is, all bodies are swimsuit and short worthy. Rocking shorts as a fat woman is a way to challenge societal norms and take up space unapologetically.

Tips for Feeling Your Best in Shorts

If you're plus-sized and want to feel more comfortable wearing shorts, here are some tips:

Focus on fit, not size. Find shorts that are the right cut for your body, even if the number on the tag is bigger than you expected.
Look for shorts that hit at the widest part of your thighs to provide the most flattering silhouette.
Darker shorts, like black, navy, or dark denim can be more slimming than light colors.
High-waisted shorts are great for holding in your stomach and emphasizing your shape.
Avoid shorts made from stiff, thick fabrics. Stretchy, lightweight shorts will be most comfortable.

Styling Tips for Plus-Sized Shorts

You can also use styling to make your outfit with shorts more figure flattering. Here are some tips:

Pair shorts with a slightly oversized or flowy top to balance your proportions.
Show off some skin up top by wearing a cropped tee or tank with your shorts.
Cinch in your waistline by tying a flannel or button-up around your middle.
Add a belt to emphasize your waist and hips.
Try a loose kimono or duster over your outfit for a little more coverage while still keeping cool.

Exercises to Tone Up Your Legs and Butt

While your beauty and worth isn't determined by your size, many plus-sized women seek to improve their health through diet and exercise. Getting active can make you feel more confident and comfortable in your body. If you want to tone and strengthen your lower body before rocking shorts, here are some great exercises to try:

Squats

Squats are one of the best exercises for building strength in your legs and glutes. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, engage your core, and lower your body like you're sitting in a chair. Focus on keeping your knees behind your toes as you lower down. Drive through your heels to return to standing. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

Lunges

Lunges target your quads, glutes, and hamstrings for full lower body toning. Step forward with one foot, lowering your back knee nearly to the floor while keeping your front knee behind your toes. Push back to standing and repeat on the other side. Do 10-12 controlled reps per leg for 2-3 sets.

Squat Jumps

These plyometric moves take your squat to the next level by adding an explosive jump. Lower down into a squat, engage your core, and jump up explosively, reaching your arms overhead. Land softly back in the squat position and repeat. Do 10-12 reps for 2-3 sets.

Hip Thrusts

Target your glutes specifically with hip thrusts. Sit on the floor, arms at your sides, knees bent with feet flat. Drive through your heels to lift your hips up, pausing at the top. Slowly lower back down just above the floor. Do 2-3 sets of 15 reps, squeezing your glutes at the top.

Side Leg Lifts

Work your outer thighs and glutes with side leg lifts. Lie on one side, supporting your upper body on your forearm. Keeping legs straight and stacked, lift your top leg as high as you can while keeping your hips square. Slowly lower back to the starting position. Do 10-15 reps then switch sides. Complete 2-3 sets per leg.

Plus-Size Fashion Bloggers to Follow for Style Inspiration

If you need some inspiration styling shorts and embracing your body, follow these amazing plus-sized fashion bloggers and influencers. Their style and confidence will give you all the short shorts inspo you need!

Gabi Gregg

Gabi, aka @gabifresh, is one of the OG plus-size fashion bloggers. She's known for her bold, colorful looks and rocking tiny cut-offs with her voluptuous thighs on full display. Her style is fun, flirty and reminds you that fat girls can wear whatever they want.

Katie Sturino

Katie originally made her mark by showing how to style clothes true to size, not just small sizes on bigger bodies. Now she's a stylish influencer in her own right, showing off chic and trendy plus-size fashion for women over 40. She looks amazing in shorts!

Tess Holliday

As a supermodel and vocal advocate for body positivity, Tess inspires women to embrace their size. She looks absolutely stunning in short-shorts, crop tops, mini dresses and more. Follow her @tessholliday for daily doses of self-love inspiration.

Kellie Brown

Kellie proves that being plus-size and girly are not mutually exclusive. She slays in shorts, dresses, swimsuits and more while showing off her curves. Follow @itsmekellieb for outfit ideas, body positive mantras and general fabulousness.

Megan Jayne Crabbe

Megan's brand @bodyposipanda is all about loving the skin you're in. She serves pure fashion inspo along with posts encouraging self-acceptance. Her style is bold, colorful, and full of crop tops, bathing suits, mini skirts and of course, short shorts!

These amazing women prove that bodies of all shapes, colors and sizes can rock shorts with confidence and style. Follow them for daily inspiration to step out in your hot short shorts this summer!

Staying Confident and Comfortable

Wearing shorts that show off your legs can feel vulnerable, especially if you've been conditioned to hide your body. Just remember - you are worthy of feeling beautiful. Do what makes you feel most confident and comfortable. Focus on self-love, not self-criticism. And when in doubt, rock a pair of short shorts with a flashy smile and your head held high.

FAQs

What are some good shorts styles for plus-sized women?

Some flattering shorts styles for plus-sized women include high-waisted shorts to shape your waist, dark shorts to slim your figure, stretchy lightweight shorts for comfort, and shorts that hit the widest part of your thighs.

How can I style shorts if I'm insecure about my legs?

Try pairing your shorts with a slightly oversized top to balance your proportions. You can also add a kimono or duster over your outfit to provide a little more coverage while keeping cool.

What exercises can help tone my legs before wearing shorts?

Some great leg and glute toning exercises include squats, lunges, squat jumps, hip thrusts and side leg lifts. Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps of each exercise 2-3 times per week.

What does it mean to have body positivity?

Body positivity means accepting your body as it is and rejecting unrealistic beauty standards. It's about focusing on self-love, not criticism, and feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.

How can I feel more confident wearing shorts as a plus-sized woman?

Focus on choosing shorts that fit you properly and make you feel good. Follow plus size bloggers for style inspiration. Do exercises that make you feel strong. And remember - you are beautiful as you are and deserve to wear whatever you want!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.