Bamboo shorts for women and how to choose the length
Short answer: The length of a pair of shorts decides both where they chafe and how they look. If the leg ends exactly where your thighs meet, they chafe. Choose either shorter or clearly longer.
Avoid the worst length
There is one length where the fabric sits right where your thighs touch. It chafes the most, because the hem rubs back and forth with every step. A few centimetres shorter or longer moves the hem away from the problem. Try the shorts on and walk a few steps before deciding. See bamboo shorts for women.
Short shorts
Short shorts end high on the thigh and give the most air on warm days. They suit you if your thighs do not touch, or if you mostly sit still in the garden or on the beach. If you walk a lot, the bare skin between your legs can start to chafe, and a longer model is then often better.
Mid length shorts
A mid length model ends further down the thigh and covers the spot where skin would otherwise rub. It is a good compromise for town, cycling and long summer walks. The length looks calm with a loose shirt or a plain T-shirt and works for weekdays and weekends without looking too sporty.
For home or for going out
At home, softness and the waistband matter most. You sit, lie and move around on the sofa, and a wide, soft waistband does not press on your stomach. For going out, shape and pockets that hold a phone and keys matter more. A pair with proper pockets and a clean hem looks more finished.
The waistband
A wide waistband spreads pressure over a larger area and rolls down less often when you sit. A narrow elastic can dig in after a few hours, especially in the heat. If the shorts have a drawstring, you can adjust them as needed. Check that the waistband sits well both standing up and sitting down.
Under a dress instead
If the shorts are worn under a dress or skirt, ordinary shorts are often too thick and have pockets that show. Under shorts are made for the purpose, with thinner fabric and softer edges that do not show through the dress. They still need to reach past where your thighs meet. See bamboo under shorts.
For the night
For sleeping, a pair without pockets and with a wide waistband is better. Pockets and seams can press when you lie on your side, and a tight hem can wake you. Choose a light fabric that does not turn clammy under the duvet and a length you forget about. See bamboo sleep shorts for women.
The fabric
Bamboo viscose is soft, drapes well and feels cool against the skin on warm days. A fabric with a little elastane holds its shape better, so the legs do not bag after a day. A thin fabric is airy, while a slightly thicker one shows less and keeps its shape when worn on its own.
Washing and care
Wash the shorts at 30 to 40 degrees and skip fabric softener, which can make the fabric less soft over time. Hang them to dry so the elastic in the waistband lasts longer and the length stays the same. Turn them inside out before washing so the surface does not pill.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my shorts chafe?
Because the leg ends exactly where your thighs touch, and the hem rubs with every step. Choose either shorter or clearly longer so the hem sits somewhere else.
Can shorts be worn under a dress?
Yes, but under shorts are made for it and have thinner fabric and softer edges that do not show. Ordinary shorts with pockets often show through a light dress.
What matters most in shorts for sleeping?
A wide, soft waistband and no pockets that press when you lie on your side. A light fabric that does not turn clammy under the duvet also makes a difference.
See our range of bamboo shorts for women.
