ComScore

These Spanx Shorts Are Opaque, Slimming and *Perfect* for Petites

Did I mention they have pockets?

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spanx shorts review universal
Spanx/Rachel Bowie

When I scan my summer wardrobe, it’s chock-full of dresses and white denim and pretty much anything that feels easy and breezy with the exception of one item: shorts. It’s not that I’m averse to showing a bit of leg, but as a petite person (I’m 5’2”) with hips, I’ve found that shorts aren’t always particularly flattering on my frame. This means that come summer—and for over a decade—I’ve made the choice to, quite simply, opt out. Have I dreamed of wearing them on sweltering NYC days? Absolutely. Have I tried them on in an effort to expand my style horizon? For sure. But every option has always fallen, well, short. Until now.

Just in time for soaring temps, Spanx (the brand renowned for its shapewear) has expanded its collection of shorts, which all feature game-changing tummy-shaping technology, which—quite frankly—is a bit of a miracle worker. They’ve also spent the time to nail the details, which means you don’t have to fret about underwear and pocket lines, bunching seams and uncomfortable inseams. Ahead of a recent vacation, I put two of their recent additions (the Stretch Twill and the Casual Fridays) to the test. Here’s my honest review.

spanx twill shorts
Spanx

Spanx

For what it’s worth, I wasn’t sure if these shorts would ever leave my suitcase. Like I said, a dress is my go-to when hotter temps hit. But mom life does often require more function than fashion—meaning my personal style preferences aren’t always something I can prioritize when getting dressed. So, on a recent vacation to Disney World, I reached for my shorts. It was 80 degrees. I wanted to be comfortable. But I also wanted a no-fuss style that was easy for park hopping and trekking around. So I paired the Spanx Stretch Twill Shorts—in opaque white with a 6-inch inseam—with a linen AYR button-down and glanced in the mirror. Much to my surprise, I loved what I saw. My husband remarked, “Whoa, you’re wearing shorts?” Not only was I wearing them, I felt comfortable and cool in them. This was already a win.

I wore them from park to park. I already mentioned the inseam length, but with the Stretch Twill, this was a serious selling point. The 6-inch style is the longer length offered (this particular pair is also available in a 4-inch inseam), but this length hit just above the middle of my thigh, which meant ample coverage and that I wasn’t awkwardly pulling at the hems the minute I sat down. Still, it’s the opacity that truly blows my mind. Also, the four-way stretch, which smooths but also gently melds to all the parts of my body. There are pockets (great for holding all sorts of kid-related objects), but they also lay perfectly flat when empty and throughout the day, this style stayed wrinkle-free. I’m debating a second color, I was that impressed (the Stretch Twill comes in mountain blue, wild rose, pine—the list goes on).

spanx casual fridays shorts
Spanx

Spanx

I also tested the Casual Fridays style, for a—well—more casual vibe. This pair was perfect for runs to the pool. The sweat-wicking fabric, plus the nearly 5-inch inseam and deeper colors (smoke and dark storm) meant they were functional, but also flattering. The flat-front waistband and four-way stretch are also worth mentioning. I could totally envision reaching for these to traipse around New York City on a hot summer day or to wear on a hike.

The only negative. With both pairs of shorts, I felt they mostly ran true-to-size, but in the Florida humidity—where we were on vacation—I almost would have been OK with sizing up. Worth a size comparison when ordering? Perhaps.

Hello, hot girl mom summer. Who says you can’t ever surprise yourself with your style choices? If you see a lady chasing her kid in a chic pair of shorts and looking confident as hell, wave hello because…it me.



rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College