The Best Tie Dye Shorts

Buying Guide

There’s no denying that tie-dye shorts are having a well-deserved moment. Whether you’re pairing them with a crop top and sneakers for a casual day around town or dressing them up with a blouse and heels for a night out, they’re the perfect statement piece to add to your wardrobe.

With so many different styles and colors of tie-dye shorts on the market, though, it can be tricky to know which ones to buy.

To choose the right pair, think first about how you’ll actually wear the shorts. Consider possible occasions and how often you’ll want to don them. If you’re planning on wearing them for a day at the mall or during a visit to a friend’s house, look for shorts that are made from a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen. For a dressier occasion, opt for shorts made from silk or satin.

Some workout shorts are also made with fun tie-dye patterns. You’ll want something that wicks moisture if you are seeking exercise clothing. Pajama shorts may come in rainbow prints, too; these tend to use softer fabrics that are comfortable to sleep in.

Be sure to consider the colors of tie-dye shorts you’re interested in. While there are many different color combinations to choose from, some of the most popular include those with bright pinks, purples and blues. If you want something a little more subdued, look for earth tones like brown, tan or olive green.

Finally, consider the length of the shorts when choosing the best pair for you. If you’re petite, you might look for shorts that are high-waisted and shorter, to help elongate your legs. If you have longer legs, opt for shorts that claim to fall mid-thigh or even longer. This will help you create a more balanced look.

That said, anyone can buy shorts of any length; just be sure you know what you are getting before you order. It can help to use a tape measure or ruler to get a visual indicating how long a pair of shorts will be on you. Many product listings include inseam measurements to help with sizing.

What should you wear with your tie-dye shorts? You could try sneakers or sandals, depending on the weather. If you love your shorts and want to keep wearing them in cold weather, you can layer them over tights or leggings. Leg warmers make a unique fashion statement when paired with shorts.

Though a T-shirt or hoodie might seem like a safe choice with tie-dye shorts, you can also try silk blouses, workout tops, tailored menswear tops or tie-front shirts. The sky is the limit, so let your imagination run wild.

• When buying tie-dye shorts, always follow manufacturer care instructions. The dye should be set in the fabric before you receive it, but it could fade over time with improper care.
• If you find a pair of shorts you really like, consider buying them in multiple tie-dye patterns so you always have a clean choice on hand.
• Tie-dye shorts look great with crisp, clean white sneakers and T-shirts, but you can make quite the fashion statement by choosing one of the bright colors in the tie-dye print itself and incorporating that throughout the rest of your outfit.
• Tie-dye lends a free-spirited vibe to your outfit and may go well with loose, curly hair, natural makeup or beaded jewelry. Of course, this is a personal preference, so you should complete your look however you desire.