Big Men's Shorts

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Big and tall shorts for spring / summer

The scorching heat of the summers makes it difficult for a person to wear a full length trousers or pants for the whole day. The summer season is recognized by the variety of cool shorts available. Big and tall people often fear if shorts would suit them or not. But fashion is the same for all and no one is devoid of it. Here is the range of shorts when suitable for big and tall men.

Relaxed denim shorts

Denim suits the body and tone of most people. These big and tall shorts keep the body cool due to its soft and comfortable nature. Denim shorts never go out of trend and increase in popularity every following year. Relaxed fit shorts give a baggy appearance to the body. Go for the ones made of elastic denim material such as lycra or polyester. 

Cargo Shorts

Cargo shorts are the most prominent fashion shorts among people of all sizes and all age groups. These big and tall shorts are a must have for the summer season. Tall men should opt for a longer pair of shorts that has a relaxed fit for a clean cut fit. They are funky yet comfortable to wear that also allow proper air circulation for a cooler feeling.

Flat-front shorts

Flat front shorts are the best to wear while travelling or playing a sport or on a trip to the beach. These are simple shorts that are straight forward with a minimalistic look. One must not wear any type of socks with these shorts, which must be paired with a cool pair of floaters. Button down shirts or polos look perfect with flat shorts.

Jersey Shorts

Jersey shorts are more for the purposes of cycling and working out. These shorts are light and comfortable to wear that give a balanced look to the body when paired with similar uppers. The fabric is mostly anti-abrasion that makes it durable and sweat resistant. It fits well on the body due to its elastic nature that settles down according to the body type and structure.

Shorts look best on big and tall men when paired with casual purposes such as polos for simple t-shirts. Tight fitting or slim fitting shorts should be avoided.

Best Shorts for Big Thighs

The best shorts for big thighs are designed with comfort, mobility, and proper fit in mind, offering extra room through the seat and leg without looking oversized. Men with larger thighs should look for relaxed or athletic cuts made from stretch fabrics that move easily and prevent tightness when walking, sitting, or squatting. Shorts with a slightly longer inseam—typically 7 to 11 inches—help reduce chafing and keep the legs from riding up, while lightweight, breathable materials improve airflow during warm weather. Styles such as performance or stretch chino shorts are especially popular because they combine flexibility with everyday wearability. Overall, the ideal shorts for big thighs balance freedom of movement, durability, and a modern silhouette so bigger builds can stay comfortable without sacrificing style.

How Big Men Should Choose Shorts Length

For big men, choosing the right shorts length is key to achieving both comfort and a balanced, flattering look. In general, shorts that fall just above or right at the knee—usually with a 9 to 11-inch inseam—provide the best proportion by creating a clean line without making the legs appear shorter or wider. Shorts that are too short can feel restrictive and draw attention to the thighs, while overly long styles may look baggy and heavy. A proper length should allow easy movement, prevent riding up, and maintain coverage when sitting or walking. Big and tall men often benefit from relaxed-fit shorts with a slightly longer rise and leg opening, ensuring the shorts sit comfortably at the waist while allowing room through the hips and thighs for all-day wear.

Cargo vs Denim Shorts for Big & Tall Men

When choosing between cargo shorts and denim shorts, big and tall men should focus on comfort, function, and overall proportion. Cargo shorts are often the better everyday option because they feature a relaxed cut, breathable fabrics, and extra thigh room, making movement easier for larger builds while providing practical storage through side pockets. Modern cargo styles are now designed with streamlined pockets and stretch materials that improve comfort without adding excessive bulk, which is especially helpful for bigger frames.  On the other hand, denim shorts offer a more classic, structured look and tend to be more durable, but heavier denim fabric can feel restrictive or warm during hot weather if the fit isn’t roomy enough. Denim “jorts” have recently returned to style with longer, looser cuts that work well for big men seeking a casual, laid-back appearance. Ultimately, cargo shorts are ideal for comfort and utility, while denim shorts are better suited for simple, casual style—making the best choice depend on whether function or fashion is the priority.

What Size Shorts for 42–72 Waist?

For big and tall men, understanding size conversions between numeric waist measurements and alphanumeric sizing helps make shopping much easier, especially when brands use different labeling systems. Generally, larger waist sizes ranging from 42 to 72 inches correspond to extended alpha sizes designed to indicate both width and overall body proportion. A 42–44 waist typically equals 2XL, while 46–48 converts to 3XL, 50–52 to 4XL, 54–56 to 5XL, 58–60 to 6XL, 62–64 to 7XL, 66–68 to 8XL, and 70–72 usually falls into 9XL–10XL depending on the manufacturer. Because sizing standards can vary between brands, big and tall apparel often includes additional designations such as Big, Tall, or Big & Tall, which account for rise, inseam, and overall garment proportions rather than waist size alone. Checking both the numeric waist measurement and the alpha size ensures a more accurate fit, better comfort, and consistent sizing across different clothing styles.