The easiest way to choose activewear shorts is to check three details before you order: how long the leg is, where the waistband sits and what the fabric is. Our shorts range from close-fitting seamless styles to a relaxed cotton pair, and most of their product descriptions spell these details out.
Here is how to read those details, so you can choose shorts for the way you like to move and dress.
How long are the shorts?
Start with length, because it shapes how a pair feels from the first wear. Our product pages describe length in words rather than centimetres:
- Mid-thigh. Skye, Melody, Macy, Form and Refine Shorts are all described as mid-thigh length.
- High-thigh. Edge Shorts are described as high-thigh length, so the hem sits higher on the leg.
- Above the knee. Vital Leopard Shorts are described as above-the-knee length.
- Not stated in words. The Vital, Core and Pace Shorts descriptions don't name a length, so use the product photos as your guide.
Each page also has a fit reference giving the model's height and the size she wears in that style. Read it alongside the photos to picture where the hem falls. If you need a measurement before you decide, email support@ancarta.co with the product link and your question.
Where should the waistband sit?
Next, decide where you like a waistband to sit. The descriptions group our shorts like this:
- High-rise. Skye and Core Shorts have a high-rise, double-layer waistband. Melody and Macy Shorts are also described as high-rise.
- Mid-rise. Form Shorts have a mid-rise, double-layer waistband with a V-shaped crossover. Refine Shorts have a mid-rise crossover waistband. Pace Shorts have a mid-rise waistband with an adjustable elastic drawcord.
- Mid-waisted. Vital Shorts are described as a seamless, mid-waisted design.
- Drawcord. Organic Cotton Relaxed Shorts have an elasticated waistband with an adjustable drawcord.
No height is better than another. A higher waistband may suit you if you like more coverage at the waist, and a lower one if you prefer a lighter line. Choose the height you already reach for in your wardrobe.
Close-fitting or relaxed?
Fabric and construction decide how a pair feels on. Here is what each description lists:
- Seamless knit. Vital, Skye and Melody Shorts are seamless knits in a blend of 90% polyamide and 10% elastane.
- Double-brushed. Core Shorts (75% nylon, 25% spandex) and Form Shorts (75% polyamide, 25% elastane) have a smooth, double-brushed finish. The Form description says they feel more relaxed than our Core collection.
- Smooth and lightweight. Macy Shorts are made from 80% recycled polyester and 20% spandex.
- Striped or scrunch-seamed. Edge Shorts (78% nylon, 22% spandex) have dual side stripes. Refine Shorts (78% polyamide, 22% elastane) have an invisible scrunch seam.
- Two-in-one. Pace Shorts pair a lightweight, relaxed outer short with a fitted white inner layer.
- Relaxed cotton. Organic Cotton Relaxed Shorts have a relaxed fit and a soft brushed finish.
Do you need pockets?
If you like to carry a few small things on you, pockets narrow the choice quickly. Refine Shorts have discreet side pockets, Pace Shorts have outer side pockets, and Organic Cotton Relaxed Shorts have rear and side pockets. The other shorts descriptions don't list pockets.
How do you choose your size?
Choose your size separately, once you know the style. Fit references differ between styles. The Vital listings note a model who is typically a size S wearing a size M, while the Skye and Melody listings note a model who is typically a size S wearing an S. So read the reference on the exact page rather than assuming one size across the range.
Our size guide and our notes on finding your Ancarta fit can help with that step. Then compare the styles side by side in our shorts collection.
Length, waistband, fabric, pockets, then size. Answer those five in order and the right pair is usually clear.
Every woman who loves to move is welcome to apply to be an Ancarta Brand Rep. Read how the programme works and the terms, then apply now.