It’s Hot Out There — These are the best shorts for petites, chosen by a 4ft11 fashion editor

Is there anything worse than trying to pull an outfit together when it’s 30-plus degrees outside? Well, let me one-up you because, in my opinion, there is one thing that makes it just a little bit harder — dressing for said weather when you stand at just 4'11”.

As any petite person undoubtedly knows, the difficulties that come with dressing shorter proportions can at times feel overwhelming. Believe me, even as a fashion editor, I understand this feeling all too well and it often becomes even more present on mornings when I can see the sun beating through the window, feel the fan coming at me full blast and when, once again, I find myself staring into my wardrobe questioning what on earth I’m going to wear today.

Yet, allow me to shed a glimmer of light on the situation. You see, while winter is filled with pieces that often work against our short statures (oversized jumpers and heavy layers, I’m looking at you), many of summer's staple pieces actually work in favour of petite proportions.

Take the best shorts, which, although on first glance may seem difficult to style for petite frames, can be used to our advantage with just a few clever petite styling hacks. It’s for this reason, the best petite shorts are often my go-to on days such as the above. Wondering how I do it? Keep scrolling for my best advice on how to style shorts for petite women as well as my favourite petite short styles to shop, from both the best petite brands and a few petite-friendly ones, too.

What length shorts are best for petite women?

I’m a big believer that dressing for a petite frame shouldn’t feel restrictive, and so, first and foremost, you should always wear what you feel most comfortable in. If you are looking for guidance on the best length of shorts for petite heights, however, I have some great news: there are plenty of options to choose from.

Short shorts, such as micro styles and those that end mid-thigh, are great for leg lengthening, as they elongate your lower half for a statuesque effect. Alternatively, if you’d like more coverage, shorts that sit high on the waist and end just below the knee are also a great choice, as they create a single, long line, which once again enhances your frame.

If there is one length of shorts to avoid, I’d steer clear of styles that finish on the knee as these tend to shorten petite proportions — simply stick to lengths that end above or below and you’ll be on the right track.