Where to Find Modest Shorts: Trendy Vs. Appropriate

Whether a girl is 5, 9, or 16 years of age, she can purchase the same style of super short shorts. Shorts literally can't get any shorter than they make them now.  With the combination of summer heat, the  fashion industry promoting, and clothing stores lining the shelves with these super short shorts, it's no wonder the trend has caught on. One might ask, "so what does a pair of  MODEST SHORTS look like?"  Well, when comparing a 0'' inseam to a pair of shorts with a 5" inseam, the 5" inseam would be considered more modest than the 0" inseam.  We can all agree on that.  But we know everyone's definition is different on the matter.  And truthfully, a modest length can't be based on the length of an inseam, because the height of a young lady affects where the short will hit on the leg.  With that being said, we are working to find shorts that provide more coverage than most of the current trends offer.  Since a mid length is still fun, reasonable, functional for all body types,  and provides more coverage, this is our starting point.

Questions to think about

When it comes to the length of my shorts, what is my boundary? Do I have one?  Should I have one?  When someone sets the boundary for me, Do I get frustrated? Why or why not?  Are there environments where longer shorts would be more appropriate than others?  What are those places and why would this be so?

A thought to consider

The fashion industry is not encouraging us to have healthy boundaries out of respect for ourselves and others as they continue to promote clothing that is shorter and tighter than ever before.  Simply put, there is a lot of competition for your bucks and they are doing every thing possible to get us to buy their clothes.  This encourages young women to care more about wearing what's trendy than what is appropriate.

Often what is trendy conflicts with what is appropriate.

But it is possible to have a healthy balance of both...

This doesn't mean the  Bermuda style is the only modest option!  (Although Bermudas are nice too.)  But finding a pair that reaches mid thigh (even for a taller girl, although much more difficult), would be... reasonable.  Shorts that are mid thigh do not inhibit airflow during the summer heat.  They work well with all sorts of trendy tops.  They look great on all body types. Wearing them makes a bold statement... It portrays the fact that just because something is popular doesn't mean you will wear it.  Also, there is no doubt that young women will look attractive in a mid thigh short, just as much as, or more than a super short short, and they are functional for most settings.

At Top Buttons we love a good challenge, and it is quite challenging to find modest shorts.

School Shorts 

If you want to get a head start on getting your wardrobe ready for the upcoming school year, here are our Top Buttons's picks for Fall 2013!  (They would be great shorts for summer too.)  We will provide more Modest School Options as we get into July!

• Striped Boyfriend Roll-Up Shorts
• Gap's 1969 Denim Bermuda Shorts
• Banana Republic's Tie Front Short in Orange and other colors
• Paisley Print Linen Cotten Shorts with 6" Inseam

A MODEST TIP:  Shorts with High Heels

When wearing high heels, the inseam tends to appear shorter as the heel raises you up and elongates the leg.  When wearing Bermuda shorts, a girl can wear heels with no problem.  Even heels with a short that hits mid thigh could look great with the right pair of wedges.  But you might consider wearing a low heel or flat when the shorts are borderline mid thigh or above, otherwise shorts look shorter than they actually are.

Work out shorts

Work out shorts are typically pretty short, or they are bizarrely over the top in length and amount of fabric.  But we found a few that would be TB approved...We would like to find some other options.  If you know of any, please comment below!

• Feel Fit Wear- Braid Workout Shorts with a 4.5 inch inseam
• Asics Women's Abby Long Short in Black
• Adidas Women's Tastigo Short
• Sparkle and Fade Biker Short by Urban Outfitters

Our Favorite Places To Find Modest Short Options: The Limited, The Gap, and Loft

Our Top Buttons Pinterest Account would be a great place to find some other ideas on how to wear shorts that are both current and modest!  We are as excited about summer as you are!  Be on the lookout for some changes coming to our website.  You will be pleased.  

Photo Credit: Beth Carter Photography