How to Wear Plus Size Capris: Length, Shoes and Tops
Capris look best when they end just below the fullest part of your calf. Choose the inseam for your height, then add flat sandals and a longer top.
On the Suprema® Capri With Pockets, that means a 21" inseam in Regular, 19" in Petite or 17" in Petite Short. Get the length right and the rest is easy: a pull-on capri, a top that reaches the hip and shoes that keep the leg line open. Our full range of Catherines plus size capris comes in proportioned lengths for exactly this reason.
Where should capris end on your leg?
Just below the widest part of your calf. Ending there shows the slimmer part of the lower leg instead of cutting a line across its fullest point, which is what makes some capris look short or heavy.
Hem position depends on your height as much as your size. Catherines suggests Petite styles if you're 5'1"–5'4" and Petite Short if you're 5'0" or under. Here's how our three best-selling capris compare.
Check the hem seated as well as standing. Every capri rises a little when you sit, so if it lands on the fullest part of your calf in a chair, the next length up may suit you better.
| Capri | Inseam | Fabric | Fit and Waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suprema® Capri With Pockets | Regular 21", Petite 19", Petite Short 17" | 95% cotton/5% spandex stretch knit | Gently skims the body; covered elastic waistband, deep pockets |
| The Knit Jean Capri With Pockets | 19", Petites 18" | 97% cotton/3% spandex French terry knit | Slim from hip to hem; covered elastic waist, five pockets |
| Stretch Knit Waist Cargo Capri | Regular 21", Petite 19" | 97% cotton/3% spandex lightweight woven | Relaxed; stretchy knit waistband, patch pockets |
Five easy capri outfits to wear all spring
Each look starts with a pull-on capri and adds two or three pieces. No complicated styling, just combinations that work for real days.
The everyday classic
Pair the Suprema® Capri with a tee from the same Suprema® collection and flat sandals. A tee and capri in one color, or two close shades, creates a long, polished column with almost no effort.
The weekend denim look
The Knit Jean Capri looks like denim but is made from soft French terry with a pull-on waist and no buttons or zippers. Add a breezy blouse and espadrilles for brunch or a day out.
The color-and-print mix
Our Suprema® Capri comes in a wide range of colors and prints. Let a printed capri lead and keep the top solid in one of its shades, or flip it: a solid capri under a printed blouse.
The errands-and-travel outfit
The stretch knit waist cargo capri has patch pockets and a relaxed cut, so it handles a full day on your feet. Throw on a lightweight top, an open kimono and clean sneakers.
The dressed-up evening
Choose a capri in a deep solid, add a flowing blouse that reaches the hip, then finish with metallic sandals and one piece of jewelry. Restraint keeps it polished.
What shoes look best with capris?
Flat sandals, espadrilles, ballet flats, low wedges and clean sneakers. Shoes that show the top of the foot carry the eye from hem to toe, keeping the leg line long.
- Flat or slide sandals: the easiest match for every capri here.
- Espadrilles or low wedges: a little lift for dressier looks without sacrificing comfort.
- Ballet flats: a neat, closed option for cooler spring days.
- Low-profile sneakers: best with the cargo and Knit Jean capris.
A wide ankle strap adds another horizontal line near the hem. If you love one, choose it in a shade close to your skin tone or your capri.
Which tops balance a capri best?
Tops that end at or just below the hip. A slightly longer top balances the shorter leg and gives a smooth line over the covered elastic waistbands these capris share.
- Tees: easy and casual; a front tuck works with shorter styles.
- Tunics: a hip-skimming length is most flattering with capris.
- Button-front blouses: wear one loose or knotted at the hip for polish.
- Kimonos and open cardigans: a long, open layer adds a vertical line and covers your arms on cooler mornings.
What if capris feel tight on your calves?
Choose the silhouette before you change sizes. Some reviewers with fuller calves describe certain capris as "a little tight on my big calves," and a roomier cut usually solves that better than sizing up.
- Want more room: the cargo capri is cut with a relaxed silhouette.
- Want soft give: our Suprema® Capri gently skims the body in a stretch-cotton knit.
- Like a close fit: the Knit Jean Capri is slim from hip to hem, so it suits slimmer calves best.
Sizing up for calf room can leave the waist and seat loose. If you do, check that the waistband still sits comfortably without sliding.
How do you know what size capri to buy?
Measure your waist and hips, compare them with the size chart on the product page, then choose your inseam by height. Size and length are two separate decisions.
- Measure your natural waist with a soft tape, keeping it level and snug but not tight.
- Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
- Match both numbers to the product's size chart; if they fall in different sizes, go with the hip measurement for a pull-on style.
- Pick regular, Petite or Petite Short based on your height.
The capris above come in plus sizes 0X–6X, with petite plus sizes 0XWP–5XWP. Shoppers love "the ease of just pulling them on and the elastic waist," and the covered elastic waistband means fewer fit worries at the waist.
Frequently asked questions
Are capris still in style for women over 60?
Yes. A well-fitting capri in a soft stretch fabric is a warm-weather classic at any age. Keep it current with a clean hem length, a polished top and simple sandals rather than fussy details.
Is the Suprema Capri stretchy or just cotton?
It's a stretch-cotton knit, listed as 95% cotton and 5% spandex, with a covered elastic waistband. Catherines describes the fabric as designed to hold its shape and color wash after wash, so check the current product details before you order.
Can I wear sneakers with capris?
Yes. Low-profile, clean sneakers suit the cargo and Knit Jean capris for errands and travel. No-show socks keep the space between hem and shoe clean.
Should capris fit snug or loose?
Somewhere in between. A capri should skim, not cling, through the hip and thigh and leave room at the knee. If the hem pulls up when you sit or walk, try a roomier cut.