It's not unusual for for many full figured women to stay away from wearing plus size shorts. That certainly was for me! For the longest time, the only women I could possibly think of who really looked nice wearing shorts were either athletes or skinny super models. Talk about depressing!

The great news is that high quality, fashionable and affordable designs are now being offered by many major plus size designers and brands. Some of my favorites are stores like Alight.com, Lane Bryant, One Stop Plus, and more. Read on to learn more about the clothing styles and options that will dress up (and cool down) your wardrobe this summertime!

Recently, there have been a wide offering of brands to choose from when it comes to plus size swimsuits and clothing. Everything from maternity clothing to juniors and teens sizes is now offered in the plus size and the fuller figured genre. However, summer time staples such as swim suits and shorts haven't quite seen their day. But with clever retailers such as Lane Bryant, Avenue, and Torrid, there are now a nicely diverse range of styles to choose from.

Other than the sizing, you'll want to take into consideration length and style when picking out your plus size shorts. Because plus size women have curvier figures, which often means wider hips and rounder thighs, the most flattering cut is a pair of shorts that comes to between the mid thigh and right at the knees. For a summery look without showing too much skin, opt for plus size capris, petal pushers, or cropped slacks.

The most flattering plus size shorts will have a flat front without a lot of embellishments. Pleats are generally not a good look for those with extra weight in the "pooch" area. Choosing two-pocket style shorts with a flat front, minimal design elements, and solid colors is always a classic look. A flattering pair of shorts are the perfect pair for your favorite shirts and blouses in the summertime. A plus size skirt is another flattering choice. As with shorts, longer styles of skirts are the best option. A skirt that is longer - between knee length and one that ends at your ankles - will give you the most flattering silhouette.

Summer is here, and now is the time to discover your best look in full figure swimwear and plus size shorts!