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Shorts are one of those clothing items of which you can never really have too many. They take up minimal room and, depending on where you live, are usually worn for only a few months out of the year.
Below are some great women’s tropical shorts options that will all make great additions to your wardrobe. We have included a great pair of boardshorts that can double as a swimsuit, a two-piece set that will make getting dressed a one-and-done affair, and a great pair of casual lounge shorts that come in a bunch of great, on-trend patterns.
We have also included a pair of linen drawstring shorts that will keep you looking and feeling cool and an office-appropriate pair that, with a quick change-up, can take you out to dinner or drinks with friends.
Our Favorite Women’s Tropical Shorts of 2024
Roxy Endless Boardshort — Best Overall
These cool and comfy board shorts are made by everyone’s favorite go-to surfer brand. These pants have a short, two-inch inseam, a logo patch at the hem, and a comfortably wide fold-over waistband. These are obviously the ultimate lightweight beach shorts but can be used for swimming, wakeboarding and are the perfect stretchy active shorts for many outdoor activities.
Pros
- Wear these over a bikini bottom for extra protection
Cons
- These shorts are not lined
Rekucci Short — Runner Up
With a comfortable five-inch inseam, these floral shorts are a great find. They are made from a classic and comfortable stretch woven fabric and have a wide smoothing waistband with hidden elastic and pull-on styling. Other elevated details include three faux detailed snaps in the front, side tabs, functional front, and back pockets, and belt loops.
Pros
- These shorts are full of stretch for comfort and shape
Cons
- If you prefer high-waisted shorts, another option might be better
SweatyRocks Shorts — Most Versatile
These tropical-printed shorts are multipurpose in wear and will easily take you from a yoga class or a run on the beach to a day of simply lounging at home. They are made from super soft, stretchy material, a drawstring waist, and hit the legs at the flattering part of the upper-to-mid thigh area.
Pros
- These shorts are available in floral, stripes, and fun tie-dye print options
Cons
- Depending on your height, these may be too short to wear out
Korssyee Shorts — Contender
Made from a silky, soft material this two-piece shorts set makes getting dressed in the morning fast and easy. This flowy set comes with a v-neck top with 3/4 length sleeves and high-waisted, flattering shorts. Wear the top and shorts separately or together for an instant statement-making outfit.
Pros
- This set is available in a variety of bold and bright print color options
Cons
- The set is not available in separate sizes
Amazon Essentials Short — Also Consider
These laid-back linen shorts are always a great option as they combine the quality of linen with a comfortable drawstring-style short for a streamlined, put-together look. These shorts have side and rear pockets, a wide, elastic waistband with a drawstring to help loosen or tighten at your leisure. These shorts will look great paired with everything from a simple tee and flip flops or sneakers and you can even throw a blazer on for a more stylish feel.
Pros
- These shorts are available in both solid and print color options
Cons
- These shorts may wrinkle easily
Floerns Shorts — Cutest Prints
Another great pair of tropical-style shorts are these high-waisted ones that are suitable for almost any occasion. These shorts have a wide elastic waistband with a self-tie belt that can be cinched as tight or as loose as you prefer. These shorts are also very flowy and from afar can even be mistaken for a skirt and looks great paired with a fitted tee and sandals.
Pros
- These shorts have a flattering three-inch inseam
Cons
- The fabric has no stretch
Buying Guide: Women’s Tropical Shorts
A good pair of tropical shorts can swiftly sail you through summer surfs, beach basks, and strolls on the sidewalks. However, to put together a perfect tropical ensemble, one needs to find their lower half a short that's perfect. Here’s everything you need to know:
How to Pick Out the Finest Tropical Shorts for Women
We have listed the go-to essentials below that you should always consider when picking up tropical shorts for a summery rendezvous or everyday stroll around the city.
Pockets
Shorts are the clothing choice that makes or breaks your comfort. So, if you are the type that carries around a predestined amount of baggage, pockets are a must. Pockets will have your back when it comes to keeping miscellaneous stuff like keys, ID, cellphones, and souvenirs like stones and tickets. However, if pockets aren't your things and if you want your shorts hugging your body without any extra fabric in between, feel free to opt for options that are slimming & pocket-free.
Know the print you want
The tropical clothing prints are the best things to ever happen to any fabric. When shopping for tropical shorts, think about the vibe and statement you want to put forward with the print. Tropical shorts can never get enough of coral reefs, flowers, leaves, and Hawaiian flamingos. The prints on tropical shorts are a funky style that points in only one direction: the beach!
All in all, the decision lies in the print and its contrast. A white base with blue and green print is just fresh and exotic, while a dark base with a light print is exuberant. The color combination and prints available in tropical shorts gives you endless choices to style them.
Keep Your Body Type in Mind
There are flappy shorts and figure-hugging shorts for body types of all proportions. However, a wrong decision at this styling stage can turn any fab look to drab, regardless of excellent contrast and pairing.
The rule of thumb for styling two major body types, the pears, and the strawberries, lies in a simple fit that balances the upper and lower body proportions. A slim-fitted tropical short is the chicest option if you have broad hips.
Moving on, if you have a body where your shoulders are broader than your waist, a flowy short can whip you into the hourglass beauty you always wanted. Therefore, always factor in your body type when shopping for shorts to find the most flattering look.
What Are the Essential Parameters You Must Know When Buying Tropical Shorts?
There's so much to decide, ranging from shorts length to fabric choice & everything in between when you have to select tropical shorts. We've jotted down all the crucial parameters that will make or break your purchase.
Inseam gets your game going
Inseams are unexplainably significant when it comes to the wearer's overall look. The basic inseam measurement length ranges are put into three categories: super-short inseam (2-3 inches), short inseam (3-5 inches), and long inseam (10-12 inches). The best inseam range for women of all body types lies in the short inseam range as it sets the hem of the shorts at just the right spot over your thigh.
Closure types are impactful
The closure business should be based entirely on an individual's instincts and personal inclination. Although closure type contributes to the look, it is the wearer's comfort that comes first. For example, the preferred closure type for shorts that's so in-trend is the drawstring closure and the chic elastic waistbands.
Additionally, the compressive waistband tropical shorts are also in trend. The compression tucks in your tummy, giving an illusion of a slimmer waist. Moreover, the zippers on the tropical shorts give a sense of bling and a stylish touch to the piece but should be avoided by those who might be dipping through the tides. Mostly, it's up to the individual's personal preference whether they want zippers in their shorts or not.
Fabrics are as tricky as they get
The fabric selection has to be based on either of two parameters; the one that feels right or fits right.
It is entirely understandable if you long for the flowy, smooth silk shorts to caress your skin amid the summer heat. Admittedly, silk gets a bit floppy on the outlook, but it gives a luxurious touch worth every penny.
On the other hand, synthetic blends and organic fabrics such as linen or cotton are perfect for a casual and relaxed fit. These tropical shorts are the best option if you are out on a beach trip. Linen tropical shorts are an easy-maintenance fabric that will allow you to plunge from sand to water and water to mud.
If you are ever stuck between deciding which fabric to opt for, consider the comfort vs. look debate and how you plan to style your outfit.
Art of Rocking the Tropical Shorts: The Best Styling Tips
Understanding the basic bit of styling the best women's tropical shorts is significant. No matter how alienated you are with fashion, the following ABCs of the tropical shorts will help you put together a stunning outfit.
Experiment with footwear
With tropical shorts, you either go with flats or nothing at all. It is probably the go-easy and chic gal statement that tropical shorts pose, making flats the perfect option. Plus, you can go for pumps and heels if you wish for a dressier vibe; no force can stop you.
No shying away from dark colors
Experiment with color themes on your tropical shorts as if you're color blind. It is funny how tropical shorts with colors as off-putting as yellow and orange can uplift the whole look. Therefore, don't be quick to blame the contrast of your tropical shorts; you probably only need the right shirt!
Contrast the top from the shorts
If the shorts are baggy, the shirt has to be form-fitting and vice versa. Regarding the color themes, the tropical shorts come in ample colors and outstanding prints; pair them up with a plain and solid tank top. If no color pops up for a shirt, don't blankly stare down at your accentuated tropical shorts; put on a white top to get going.
Smaller patterns do alright
Do not get confused between tropical shorts prints that are bigger and smaller. Both are equally cool. The larger patterns have a lot going, so they keep the vibe strong, while the smaller patterned tropical shorts bring attention to the body while keeping the tropic vibe on. The print theories are all in mind!
