Capri shorts for women: how to choose length, fabric and fit
Calf-length, breathable and with pockets: what makes a good pair of capri shorts for home, sleep and errands, how they compare with leggings, and how to get the size right.
Capri shorts sit between shorts and full-length pants: they end around the calf, so they keep you cool without feeling like you're in shorts. For Indian summers they're one of the most comfortable things to wear at home, to sleep in, or for a quick trip out.
The short version: look for a breathable cotton blend, a drawstring or elastic waist you can adjust, real pockets, and a print that hides creases. Choose your size by your hips, and size up if you're between two.
What makes a good pair
- Length: calf-length covers the knee when you sit cross-legged and stays clear of the floor, so the hem doesn't get dirty at home.
- Fabric: cotton lycra breathes like cotton and stretches when you sit, squat or bend, then recovers its shape.
- Waist: a drawstring lets you set the fit yourself, which matters after a meal or when you sleep in them.
- Pockets: two side pockets hold a phone and keys, so they work for the shop downstairs too.
- Print: an all-over print hides creases, so they look fine straight off the line without ironing.
Our printed capri shorts have all of these, in black, blue, coral, grey and navy blue, sizes S to XL.
Capri shorts or leggings?
| Capri shorts | Leggings | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed, loose | Close to the body |
| Length | Mid-calf | Ankle length |
| Coolest in heat | Yes: air moves around the leg | Warmer, as fabric sits on the skin |
| Under a kurti | No | Yes |
| Sleep and lounging | Ideal | Fine, but closer fitting |
| Yoga and stretching | Good | Good |
At home in the heat, capris are cooler. Under kurtis and for going out, choose leggings. Our leggings guide covers the different styles.
Finding your size
Capris are sized by waist and hips. Because the waist adjusts, the hips decide:
| Size | Waist (in) | Hips (in) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 26–28 | 34–36 |
| M | 28–30 | 36–38 |
| L | 30–32 | 38–40 |
| XL | 32–34 | 40–42 |
Between sizes? Go up. Capris are meant to sit loose, and the drawstring takes in any extra at the waist.
Wearing them
- At home: with a cotton T-shirt or camisole.
- To sleep: with a loose tee. Many women pair capris with a night suit top for the hottest months (sleep and lounge wear for Indian summers).
- Yoga and stretching: the stretch fabric moves with you.
- Quick errands: with a long top or kurti that covers the hips.
Care
Wash cold, inside out, and dry in the shade to keep the print bright. Skip the hot dryer, as it shrinks cotton.
Shop capri shorts: free delivery, Cash on Delivery available, and free size exchange within 7 days.
- capri shorts for women
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- capri vs leggings
Keep reading
Fit & Sizing3 min read
Night suit size guide: how to pick the right size for women
A simple night suit size chart for S to XXL, how to measure, and why the larger of your bust and hip size is the one to choose.
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Sleep and lounge wear for Indian summers: night suits and capris
What to look for in a night suit you will actually sleep well in, when a capri is the better choice, and how to keep cotton prints bright.
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A cotton camisole is the most useful layer under kurtis, shirts and sheer tops. How to choose the fabric, fit and colour, and which colours do which job.