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The days where you can comfortably wear sweatpants are starting to dwindle. As the temperature steadily creeps up, they’ll prove to be more of a burden than a source of comfort. But what is one to do when they can no longer feasibly wear sweatpants without sweating profusely? Enter the lounge short.
Yes, those miraculous articles of clothing that provide all the comfort of sweatpants while also allowing for the occasional breeze.
Below you’ll find 15 pairs of shorts — some sweats, some nylon, some corduroy, even — conducive to optimal lounging and comfort. And if you feel so inclined, feel free to wear ’em around town, too. So go ahead, let those gams breathe.
Everlane The Sport Short
Earlier this year, Everlane introduced athletic apparel to their Uniform collection, including these Sport shorts. For the pair the brand used their ReTech fabric made from high-performance nylon with slight stretch.
Patagonia Baggies 5″
Chances are you already have a pair or two of Patagonia’s iconic Baggies, so now it’s time to have a little fun with them Consider snagging a pair in this slightly neon yellow/green, which are sure to brighten up day.
Faherty Whitewater Short
Faherty’s Whitewater Shorts different from most in that they’re constructed with a subtly textured multicolor jacquard, an already light and airy knit that is then washed for increase softness and comfort.
Flint and Tinder French Terry Sweat Shorts
Flint and Tinder gleaned inspiration for the shorts from the sweats of the ’30s, taking the fit, comfort and durability common to sweatpants worn by the likes of Rocky Balboa and made them from an ultra-soft, mid-weight fabric.
Mollusk Corduroy Shorts
Yes, these are corduroy shorts but they’re a far cry from the thick, heavy material you’re probably thinking of. This relatively lightweight fabric won’t be cumbersome and will lend you the air of a 70s surfer dude.
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Short
Who wears short shorts? You do! Or you should, because haven’t you heard? Women love when you do.
Entireworld All Star Shorts
If you happen to unexpectedly find yourself in the vicinity of an ocean or any other body of water, Entireworld’s All Star Shorts are suitable enough for taking a plunge but lack that annoying net lining, so you can let your precious jewels breathe a little.
Fourlaps 5″ Extend Short
If you actually intend to use shorts for both lounging and running, this pair from Fourlaps is a fun retro-inspired option.
Madewell Everywear Short
There’s a reason Madewell calls these the Everywear Shorts — they’re quite literally capable of wear 24/7, thanks to their reinforced ripstop nylon and water-resistant fabric, meaning you can put them through the wringer and they’ll come out on the other side still looking great.
Todd Snyder + Champion 7″ Midweight Warm Up Short
Because you can never go wrong with a pair of basic black sweat shorts, especially when made from garment-dyed French terry.
Outerknown Hightide Sweatshorts
Channel your inner Malibu beach bum with Outerknown’s Hightide Sweatshorts, cut from terry toweling that’ll feel as soft and comfortable as your favorite beach towel. Because even if you’re landlocked you can at least pretend.
UO Seersucker Short
Maybe you’ve always fancied wearing your boxers out of the house yet don’t want to face public indecency charges. Urban Outfitter’s Seersucker Shorts offer a more socially acceptable but equally comfortable alternative.
Alife Basics Nylon Short
Maybe you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for middle-school gym class. These uniform-esque Alife lounge shorts will transport you to those days of your youth, hopefully without all the body issues and anxiety.
Abercrombie Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts
For those with an aversion to sweats and who prefer a more elevated feel even from their loungewear, Abercrombie’s Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts are made a little dressier thanks to the cotton-linen fabric, while the elastic waistband keeps them comfy.
Noah Winged Foot Rugby Short
Crafted from a hefty 8oz Practice Cloth, Noah’s Rugby Shorts are equipped to handle more strenuous activities than strictly lounging, but they’ll look just as handsome either way.
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