In the fickle flow of fashion, one trend has held an unshakeable dominance.
Since the mid-2010s, athleisure has only gone from strength to strength, proving the hybrid of sports and casual clothing can withstand the seismic shifts of the trend cycle.
And it’s no surprise, really. As consumers we want to look good, but we also want to be comfortable. Blurring fitness, functionality and fashion gives us the freedom to wear workout gear from the gym to work to the pub.
Athleisure is constantly evolving, and the hottest buy of the moment is an unexpected hero. Fashion editors and style-savvy content creators are styling sports shorts in new ways, eschewing the latter’s associations with P.E. kits in the 80s - and proving surprisingly versatile.
Lean into the athletic look by pairing your sports shorts with long socks and white trainers or bring them to the realms of office wear by French tucking an oversized button down. For a feminine flair, style the boxy boy shorts with a lacy top. To take the look to the festival fields, you can never go wrong with a pair of cowboy boots.
No head sweatband required, these retro-inspired pieces are not the short shorts that were once ubiquitous. As longer silhouettes are currently commanding the shorts space, the sporty contingent has followed suit. Alongside those that flash some serious thighage are cuts that finish just above the knee giving the silhouettes a more wearable twist for the 9 to 5. If you believe that boxer shorts belong in the bedroom, you can capture the same laid-back borrowed-from-the-boy aesthetic with these loose-fitting constructions.
Before adding the style to your warm weather outfit rotation, we suggest the following. While you may pick out pared-back hues for workouts, this is an opportunity to expand your wardrobe’s colour palette by introducing shades of red, green or pops of pink.
What’s more, sports shorts keep it minimal on the design front so demonstrate your allegiance to the sportswear tribe of your choosing through the little embellishment that you will see, whether it’s with the signature Adidas three stripes or the tennis-leaning Lacoste crocodile. Logos are king.
Shop the best sports shorts below
Adidas Firebird Shorts
Embroidered with the brand’s instantly recognisable three-stripes, these are the Adidas shorts that spearheaded the revival of sporting wear into our everyday apparel. The thigh-grazing style comes in a rainbow array of colours, from green to blue, but our favourite is the vibrant red shade. The design takes its cues from the Firebird tracksuit, a stalwart in the brand’s offering with a loose-fit and zipped pockets.
Buy now £35.00, Adidas
Sporty & Rich x Prince brand-patch terry-towelling cotton-jersey shorts
Tap into Wimbledon fever off the court with these vibrant mint green shorts that are part of a collaboration between retro sportswear specialist Sporty & Rich and the iconic racket brand Prince. In the former’s signature style, they are super soft and comfortable and can be paired with the matching tracksuit top for a retro look that will ensure you ace summer dressing.
Buy now £100.00, Selfridges
Nike x Patta Short
Break away from the pared-back shades that dominate the activewear market with an eye-popping touch of pink to elevate your warm-weather fitness fashion rotation. Whether you are heading to the gym or the beach, these Nike x Patta shorts have performance and style in mind, from the elastic waist, built-in briefs and zip pockets to the branding that demonstrates your streetwear credentials.
Buy now £65.00, END
AS Sweat Shorts
There is a reason why Adanola is ubiquitous on your Instagram feed. Logo embellishment aside, the brand provides some seriously cosy activewear with flattering the form in mind. This extends beyond just the lycra to the sweats too and particularly the shorts that have a higher waistline and are cut at just the right length on the leg. The timeless grey melange colourway serves up endless styling potential.
Buy now £42.99, Adanola
Puma Women's ESS+ ANIMAL print shorts
Summer of sport? Sure but more pressingly, it’s the summer of leopard print and Puma understood the assignment. Bringing the bold design into the realm of sportswear, these shorts are endlessly wearable with their regular, elasticated fit and cotton blend construction. Don’t be afraid to lean into the wild aesthetic and pair the print with a class of patterns or match simply to an oversized band tee.
Buy now £15.00, Puma
Lacoste Olympic Heritage 1924 Paris Edition Shorts
In anticipation of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lacoste has dived into its archives to create a vintage-inspired collection in homage to the 1924 games hosted in the French capital. Inspired by the city, these shorts have an effortless chic elegance with a classic and contemporary-feeling colourway, contrast details and, of course, the label’s signature crocodile logo embellishment.
Buy now £90.00, Lacoste
adidas Originals satin sprint shorts in blue
While we have already included a pair of the classic Adidas shorts, we couldn’t resist this second pair that, while offering the same three-stripes design, are cut with a satin fabric that brings a touch of luxe to your athleisure. They may not see you through a HIIT workout but you’ll be the best dressed at the pub.
Buy now £33.00, ASOS
Alo Yoga Alumni Shorts
A bestseller - and for good reason, Alo Yoga’s Alumni Shorts have broken free from its exercise associations to become a fixture for double-digit temperatures. The loose-fitting design means the versatile piece can be worn for all sorts of activities - be it walking, hiking, gyming or city break adventuring and you’ll stay comfortable and secure throughout thanks to the high-waist, internal drawcord and side slit pockets to stash your essentials.
Buy now £69.00, Alo Yoga
Simone Rocha Black Utility Bloomer Shorts
Simone Rocha has brought a high-fashion twist to parachute pants. The 80s-favourite have been slashed in line with the summer season and given a utility touch with bungee drawstring cords that give a ruffle effect at the cuffs.
Buy now £495.00, SSENSE
