Style Fashion The Best Sweat Shorts That'll Keep You Cool and Cozy All Summer Once the temps hit the upper 80s, it’s time to give your yoga pants the rest of the season off. By Daria Smith Daria Smith Daria Smith is a freelance writer who specializes in home improvement, fashion, lifestyle and travel content. Her work has appeared in Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Eating Well, Forbes, and Martha Stewart Living. When she isn't writing, she works as a blogger, editor, and social media strategist. This Charleston-based writer enjoys an iced latte on a warm afternoon and running at sunrise on Sullivan's with her dog Gracie. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 14, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Target Sweat shorts: the cute and comfy alternative to sweatpants (hey, they're practical, too!). With sweat shorts, there's an endless array of styling options for running errands, yoga, lounging around, grocery shopping, and almost any outdoor activity. And they're about as fashionable as you want to make them, whether you opt opt for a classic heather grey or go for a fun shade like fuchsia. Sweat shorts are often crafted from a French terry or cotton material, making them breathable and airy, perfect for summer. Choose from a comfortable mid-rise or high-rise fit depending on your personal preference. Pick a thick ribbed waistband or adjustable drawstring waist and cuffed, rolled edges or frayed, raw edges. These shorts are designed to look like they were borrowed from the boys, or you chopped the legs off a pair of your old sweat pants. In fact, you can do that if you'd like, but for the less crafty among us, select from one of the 15 pairs below. Our Top Picks J.Crew Vintage Cotton Terry Cutoff Short at Jcrew.com Jump to Review Champion Cotton Jersey Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Goodthreads Women's Heritage Fleece Drawstring Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review HBY Two Pack Casual Sweat Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Amazon Essentials Women's French Terry Fleece Short at Amazon Jump to Review Madewell Airterry Stitched Pocket Sweat Shorts at Nordstrom Jump to Review All in Motion Women's Mid-Rise Knit Shorts at Target Jump to Review J.Crew Vintage Cotton Terry Cutoff Short J.Crew View On Jcrew.com Crew's best-selling customer-favorite cotton joggers are back and better than ever, in a cutoff summer style. These vintage cotton terry cutoff shorts are the perfect weight, not too heavy and not too light, just right. Texture varies subtly to give off a worn-in look with ribbed trim at the hem. Sport an easy fit with a 2.5-inch inseam. Crafted from sustainable cotton, these shorts meet Fair Trade certifications. Double the cozy with a complementary hoodie. Champion Cotton Jersey Shorts Amazon View On Amazon With 3,145 5-star ratings, Champion's cotton jersey five-inch inseam shorts are a crowd favorite in gray, heather, or black. They're machine washable and crafted with jersey material, just as soft as your well-loved Champion tee shirt. Get your perfect fit with a drawstring closure. "These are exactly what I was looking for," shared a content customer. "I wanted a pair of shorts that had a 5" inseam that were loose-fitting and easy to move around in... The waistband is perfect, not too tight, and isn't falling off of my waist." Goodthreads Women's Heritage Fleece Drawstring Shorts Amazon View On Amazon Amazon's brand, Goodthreads, strives to mix effortless style with high-quality pieces that are crafted with care. Made from 87 percent cotton and 13 percent polyester, the Heritage drawstring sweat shorts feature an elastic closure, elasticized waistband, adjustable drawstring, and plush, cozy, cloud-like fleece. These 4.4-star sweat shorts are machine washable and as easy to wear as they are stylish. Select from 12 colors in the comfy short that you'll reach for again and again. HBY Two Pack Casual Sweat Shorts Amazon View On Amazon Crafted from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, these HBY sweat shorts are designed to take you from your active lifestyle to lounging around on the couch. An elasticized waistband with adjustable drawstring closure provides a slim and flattering fit, for leisure time or working out. These casual shorts are great for staying comfy while traveling, relaxing, or running errands during the summer months. Amazon Essentials Women's French Terry Fleece Short Amazon View On Amazon The best deal, these French terry fleece shorts from Amazon Essentials are only $15. Made from 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester, this cozy French terry material is available in six different colors and is machine washable. They feature an adjustable drawstring closure, elasticized waistband, and pockets. With 1,002 5-star ratings, you need a pair or two of these shorts for lounging around, running errands, or catching a workout. Madewell Airterry Stitched Pocket Sweat Shorts Madewell View On Nordstrom Madewell curates high quality essentials for everyday wear and versatility, designed to be mixed and matched, made to feel like you've worn and loved them for years. These sweat shorts are constructed of a lightweight and breathable MWL Airterry to keep you cozy all day long. They feature an easy ribbed waistband, roomy stitched pockets, and four-inch inseam in a neutral light heather grey. All in Motion Women's Mid-Rise Knit Shorts Target View On Target Go from yoga to lunch with ease in All in Motion's mid-rise five-inch knit shorts. These sweat shorts are cut in a relaxed silhouette to provide a range of motion, designed for yoga, barre, pilates, dance, and everyday wear. Side pockets add functional flair and hands-free convenience with a full elasticized waistband for the perfect fit that stays put. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric with UPF 50+ keeps you cool year-round and safe from the sun. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit