Sweat Shorts Are the Perfect Easy-to-Style Summer Staple

If you want to take a scissor to all your sweatpants, now’s the time to do it. The best sweat shorts are gaining momentum for spring and summer, and it’s not hard to see why. The easygoing style hits the trifecta of cute, comfy, and practical—and celebs like Billie Eilish, Sophie Turner, Bella Hadid, and Dua Lipa have all embraced the trend for serving lewks during the warmer months. 

Sweat shorts are typically made from french terry or cotton, which means they’re breathable and airy—unlike thick-knit workout leggings or fleece sweatpants that stick to your body in the heat and make you feel the humidity all over. The options we’re eyeing today sit high up on the midriff and feature thick ribbed waistbands and roomy legs. These modern relaxed silhouettes resemble boxer shorts, but brands like Girlfriend Collective, Lacausa, and Pangaia are designing them in mood-boosting colors like teal, sage, and fuchsia that are far from your typical borrowed-from-the-boys shorts. Some, like Donni’s cream version or Cotton Citizen’s tie-dye shorts, could even pass for coveted vintage finds with their high-waisted fits and frayed, raw edges.

Styling-wise, there’s plenty of ways to pull off a sweat short. You can absolutely work out in them with a crop top à la Hailey Bieber, but you can just as easily dress these casual bottoms up with gold jewelry and statement socks and slides. You can even throw on a blazer and some pearls if you’re looking for quarantine re-emergence outfit inspo. (For anyone over bike shorts, consider this your antidote.)

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors this summer (raises hand), you’ll want to have pair of sweat shorts on deck. From classic grey to moody acid wash and rosy pink, shop 19 of the best sweat shorts for women below.