Every year when summer rolls around, I find myself asking the same question: why can't I find a pair of shorts I actually like wearing?
I swear, they are the perennial missing piece from my wardrobe.
As a petite woman of five foot-five, I can't seem to crack the code on a style that works for my proportions.
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Bermuda shorts are an on-trend solution, but they're just not right for my shape; they seem to cut my body in two.
Denim "jorts" are the alternative we're seeing in the shops right now, but I cannot wrap my 36-year-old head around wearing baggy jean shorts.
And on an entirely different spectrum, you go into a popular clothing store and you're faced with… denim hotpants:
Sorry, no, these are underpants. Image: Supplied.
I need the Goldilocks of shorts; something in the middle that's just right. But does such a pair exist?
I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this sartorial dilemma. So, I made it my mission to find a pair (or two!) of shorts I'll genuinely want to wear this season.
This is not a job for online shopping; the nuances of shorts are just too specific, and I find the sizing and cuts vary wildly from label to label.
Instead, I headed to my local shopping centre, which has all the big brands and department stores: Cotton On, Target, Decjuba, Country Road and more.
While "shorts" is a pretty broad category, I was ideally looking for a pair in denim or linen because of their versatility. I needed a style I could wear all season in multiple ways.
After a double-shot almond latte and a serious pep talk with... myself, I started my search in the first shop I came across, good old Tree of Life.
Random, but they did have some cute shorts in the window.
That's a no. Image: Supplied.
I thought this elasticised cream pair might be a good option for hot summer days with my toddler, running from the beach to the park and whatnot.
I was wrong. These might be beach appropriate, but there's no way I'll be tackling a slide in them. Just think of the chafing.
My next stop was Sportsgirl, where I found a couple of denim and linen styles that looked like safe bets.
First up, I tried these high-rise, mid-length shorts. Dark denim is on-trend right now and the wash looked super wearable.
An essential criteria for me is being able to do up the button. Image: Supplied.
Unfortunately, despite these being objectively my size, I could not do them up. The bigger size gaped around my waist and would require a belt.
I really think more brands need to do half-sizes in denim. Oh well, onto the next!
Now this pair was OK…
This cut just felt a bit strange. Image: Supplied.
But the cut was giving a kind of schoolboy vibe?? I think it's the boxy pockets.
I reasoned that if they don't work with this striped shirt I wear all the time, I probably won't turn to them at home.
I ducked out of the changeroom and grabbed the first linen shorts I saw in a neutral sand colour.
Crumpled linen is a bit of a chore. Image: Supplied.
I didn't hate them, but I just feel like I've seen this style around for years.
They weren't doing much for my outfit either and they'd need constant steaming. That's too much admin to commit to, so they were a pass.
I headed for Cotton On next, because I knew they'd have a wide range of shorts in different styles.
So far, so good… Image: Supplied.
The first pair I tried were these denim cut-offs in a classic blue wash.
And while they looked kind of cute from the front, this was the situation at the back.
These ones do not allow for sitting or bending down. Image: Supplied.
The thing is, I do actually need the shorts to cover my whole bum, so these were off the table.
Cotton On's white linen-blend shorts looked like a viable option, but they were a bit too see-through for my daily needs.
I'd probably grab these to chuck over swimwear, though.
Too sheer for my liking. Image: Supplied.
With my hopes dashed and my energy waning, I wandered into Decjuba.
I noticed a style on the front table that looked different to all the other denim options I'd tried on.
They had an elastic "paperbag" waist and a mid-thigh cut, in a nice sturdy denim.
Hurrah! These were an instant yes. Image: Supplied.
When it comes to trying on clothing, I really think that when you know, you know.
And I knew instantly that these shorts were coming home with me.
They covered all the necessary bits, flattered my shape perfectly, and sat just right on my bum and thighs without any adjustments needed.
It's important to test things in different lighting. Here's how they looked out of the changeroom in the big mirror. Image: Supplied.
The elasticised waist made them super comfy to move around in, and I loved the light wash denim.
Decjuba is one of the few mainstream womenswear brands that factors size inclusivity into their full range — these are available up to a size 20.
The shorts were $89.95, which is not cheap, but it's also not over the $100 mark.
Reasoning I'd wear them heaps this season, I took them to the checkout. And as a Decjuba member, I got a 10 per cent discount.
Plus, they passed the greatest test of all…
Wearing my new shorts the very next day. Images: Supplied.
I wanted to put them on the second I got home.
I've worn them every other day since, and I'm frankly stoked with my purchase.
If you want to check them out for yourself, hit the link below.
They also come in a darker blue shade, FYI, but this colour had sold out in store at the time of shopping.
Decjuba Tatiana Paperbag Denim Short, $89.95.
Image: Decjuba.
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Feature image: Supplied.
