Why do shorts ride up between the thighs?

[Anonymous]

This seems to be happening on all the shorts I bought for 8yo DD this summer and I can’t figure out why. They appear to fit just fine other than the constant ride-up. Is there a fix for this problem?

[Anonymous]

I’ve never noticed this with my 10 yo DD. Sounds like the shorts don’t your DD properly.

[Anonymous]

She may need to wear tighter shorts like bike shorts rather than something looser.

[Anonymous]

They're probably too short or the fabric is too thin. Try longer shorts, and thicker cotton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're probably too short or the fabric is too thin. Try longer shorts, and thicker cotton.

I'd also suggest longer shorts and maybe roomier in the thigh area so they fabric isn't getting caught as she walks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're probably too short or the fabric is too thin. Try longer shorts, and thicker cotton.

I'd also suggest longer shorts and maybe roomier in the thigh area so they fabric isn't getting caught as she walks.

The pair she’s wearing right now (that ride up like crazy) are actually pretty wide in the leg with plenty of room, so I don’t think this is it. They’re on the short side though.

Is this due to the lack of a thigh gap? She’s far from overweight but has gained a few pounds in the thighs and butt since everything closed down back in March. I don’t recall this being an issue in previous summers.

[Anonymous]

It’s because they are catching between her thighs and riding up. It’s a common problem for those of us with thighs that touch. Thin loose material will ride up every time, especially in shorter lengths. A longer inseam and sturdier fabric would help, also tighter can work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s because they are catching between her thighs and riding up. It’s a common problem for those of us with thighs that touch. Thin loose material will ride up every time, especially in shorter lengths. A longer inseam and sturdier fabric would help, also tighter can work.

This is me too. I have full thighs and am slightly knock-kneed--even when I was 108lbs in high school, I was prone to this problem. I'm now about 125lbs and 5'3 and really don't wear shorts unless running because of it. People with wider hips or who are slightly bow-legged don't seem to have this problem much. That's the breaks, I guess. I agree with buying her longer shorts; this should prevent the ride-up.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. I hated shorts because they were always uncomfortable. Your DD may be better off with a small size from a woman's retailer - think Ann Taylor vs Loft.

FWIW, I was very thin growing up and could never wear Old Navy clothes (jeanns, shorts, etc) because of my hips. I just knew that the cut didn't work for me. Even though that's where all my friends shopped.

[Anonymous]

No thigh gap. Try Bermuda shorts, or bicycle shorts.

[Anonymous]

It seems very unlikely that it's because her thighs are touching!! That's is like 90% of people's bodies. Including men, who I guarantee don't have this problem.

I don't know what it is about the cut that causes this problem, but it is most definitely the shape of the shorts, not the shape of your daughter.

[Anonymous]

Men typically wear baggier and longer shorts. Young girls (at least my DD and friends 10-12) don’t wear that style. I don’t see a lot of men and 10y+ boys wearing shorter, tighter shorts. As someone who has thighs that are best friends and a very slim DD, we both have good luck w athletic shorts that have lighter fabric and more of it. Here’s a girls’ version: https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=484940

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Men typically wear baggier and longer shorts. Young girls (at least my DD and friends 10-12) don’t wear that style. I don’t see a lot of men and 10y+ boys wearing shorter, tighter shorts. As someone who has thighs that are best friends and a very slim DD, we both have good luck w athletic shorts that have lighter fabric and more of it. Here’s a girls’ version: https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=484940

NP here. These look cute and comfortable. Thanks For the recommendation!

[Anonymous]

It is just a mismatch between the cut of the shorts and your DD's shape. You might need to try a few different brands and styles to figure out what works best for her. She might be starting to develop hips, which will change how everything fits.

Personally, I size up in shorts, both b/c it is too damn hot in DC to wear anything fitted in the summer, and I think they are less likely to bunch between my legs if they are looser. If the rise of the shorts isn't right, or the hip-waist ratio is off that can also cause problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems very unlikely that it's because her thighs are touching!! That's is like 90% of people's bodies. Including men, who I guarantee don't have this problem.

I don't know what it is about the cut that causes this problem, but it is most definitely the shape of the shorts, not the shape of your daughter.

You've lead a blessed life, I've seen this happening to men many a time.

It's not a thigh issue, it's a torso that's too wide, front to back, for the design of the shorts. (This isn't necessarily a body issue, it's often a design flaw.) Take a pair of shorts and reach inside and grab a point on the crotch curve a little bellow the zipper in front (or where one would typically end if there isn't one). Grab a point at a similar level on the back of the crotch curve. Pull your hands apart and the inseam lifts up. Bring your hands together the inseam droops down. This is what happens when she's wearing the shorts, and body shape does change with movement, so sometimes there's just a tendency to pull up when striding, and not much weight to pull the shorts back to neutral when standing.