Slip Shorts That Stay in Place – A Fit Guide
Short answer: Slip shorts that roll up or ride up the thigh are almost always a size or quality problem rather than a problem with your legs. The right fit sits close without pulling, has elastic leg openings of good quality and a length that suits your thigh.
Why they roll up
When the leg opening is tighter than the rest of the shorts, or when the fabric sits too loosely around the thigh, every step works the edge upwards. Worn out elastic does the same: after many washes a cheap quality loses its grip and starts to roll. The problem lies in the fit and the material.
The right size first
Take your usual size so the fabric sits evenly close all the way round without pulling at the edge. If the shorts are too small the fabric stretches, and the leg opening tightens around the thigh and travels upwards. If they are too big they slide down by themselves. Between two sizes, take the larger.
The edge matters most
A wide, soft leg opening grips over a larger area and therefore stays in place better than a narrow edge with heavy elastic. A laser cut edge with no stitching is the flattest option and the one that leaves the fewest marks. Feel it with your fingers before buying: the edge should feel soft and not stiff.
Length has to suit the thigh
A model that ends exactly where the thigh is widest gets pushed upwards with every step. Choose a length that goes a couple of centimetres past the widest point, so the edge rests where the leg is narrower. That is the simplest fix for shorts that will not stay where they should.
Silicone is not always the answer
A silicone strip in the edge grips well, but it can scratch and itch if the skin is sensitive, and it loses its grip as soon as body lotion or soap residue gets on it. Wipe the edge with a cloth if it starts to slip, before writing the shorts off.
The fabric needs elastane
Pure viscose without elastane stretches and stays baggy after a couple of hours. A blend with elastane pulls back and follows the leg instead of fighting it. Have a look at the models under slip shorts, where the bamboo viscose is blended with elastane for exactly that reason.
Wash with care
Wash at 30 degrees without fabric softener, which settles on the fibres and makes the elastic slippery. Skip the tumble dryer, because heat destroys elastane fastest of all. Turn the shorts inside out and use a laundry bag so the edge is not stretched by other clothes in the machine.
When to replace them
If the edge starts to roll even though the size is right and they are washed gently, the elastic is used up. No trick helps then, and the shorts should be replaced. With several pairs in rotation that happens much later. The rest of the range sits under bamboo briefs. See also finding the right size in bamboo clothing and washing and caring for bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Does a larger size stop them rolling?
Often, yes. If the edge rolls because the fabric is stretched around the thigh, one size up gives more room and less pull at the edge. If they slide down instead, a smaller size is the answer.
Can the edge be sewn tighter?
It is not advisable. A sewn edge turns stiff, shows under clothing and loses exactly the elasticity that should follow the leg. Buy a model with a wider edge instead.
How many pairs do you need for them to last?
Three to five. If the elastic is allowed to rest between wears it pulls back together, and the edge keeps its grip far longer than if the same pair is worn every day.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
