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As much as we believe denim pieces are wardrobe staples, we know they can feel restrictive and uncomfortable. There’s a hack around that, though, that’s going to be your favorite trend this spring and summer. Sweatpants shorts look like denim but have the feel of loungewear, thanks to the soft material makeup, typically cotton.
Last fall, it was all about sweatpant jeans that could trick anyone into believing they were ‘hard pants.’ Their shorter sibling has arrived in time for the warmer weather, and the elastic waistband with a pull-on design is popping up at your preferred retailers. So, go ahead and let me people think you’re wearing denim shorts when really you couldn’t be comfier.
15 Sweatpant Shorts for All-Day Comfort
1. Our Favorite: They’ve done it again! These rag & bone relaxed shorts are made of 100% cotton for serious comfort. They come in four washes to make them look like the real thing.
2. Durable Drawstring: You’ll get the optimal fit with these drawstring sweatpant shorts. The fabric is stretchy, so you won’t be pining to take them off before the day is over.
3. Fitted Find: These 7-inch high-waisted shorts give just enough coverage, and the fitted silhouette will show off your assets. The waistband has real belt loops, allowing you to style them like real denim.
4. Bermuda Babe: With an 8-inch inseam and relaxed fit, these pull-on high-waisted shorts are just what moms called for. We appreciate the deep front and back pockets for stashing our phones and keys.
5. Lightweight Light Wash: These Madewell elastic shorts keep things simple with their minimalist design. They feature super stretch and high rise for throw-on-and-go vibes.
6. Barrel Beauties: It’s almost baffling that these dark-wash sweatpant shorts aren’t actual denim. They were designed to be barrel pants in shorts form for a looser fit.
7. Must-Have Mid-Rise: You’ll reach for these 7-inch pull-on shorts day after day, thanks to the comfortable mid-rise. We love the range of washes, including denim-looking and non-denim-looking options.
8. Prominent Pockets: These classic blue-jean shorts give off utilitarian vibes, thanks to the bold front pockets. There’s a drawstring waistband, but the tie is made of the same material, so it blends in.
9. Affordable Find: At just $10, you can get in on the elastic sweatpant shorts trend. This option has a relaxed fit and two hidden pockets for a simpler design.
10. Sporty Spice: With the longest inseam on this list, these Gap 11-inch shorts have a light wash and cool sporty vertical stripes down the sides. The straight-leg silhouette actually balances out the top half nicely.
11. Petite Friendly: Available in petite sizes, these acid-wash pull-on shorts were designed with different shoppers in mind. The relaxed fit makes this pair ideal for running errands and weekend fun.
12. Wonderful Washes: Thanks to the coin pocket and whisker detailing, these $20 sweatpant shorts look like the real deal. The 7-inch inseam balances nicely with the more slim fit.
13. A+ Athleisure: Although these rag & bone shorts were designed to look like denim, they’re actually made of exercise-ready material. You can’t get much more comfortable (and smart) than that!
14. Real Relaxed: If breezy and loose is your preference, you’ve hit the jackpot with these Free People shorts. The raw hems and unique drawstring instantly give cool-girl energy.
15. Super Soft: Made of recycled cotton, it’s no wonder these Gap drawstring shorts are so highly rated. The relaxed fit convinced us that this will be our everyday pair.
