I'll be the first to admit that when I saw Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner wearing boxer-style shorts out and about a few years back, I thought it was a passing fad that only perfectly fit celebs could pull off. Like so many ladies out there, shorts make me nervous. While I like the idea of them and certainly understand their practicality, I just never feel like I look good in them. And let's not even talk about the bunching in between the thighs every time I take a step. Once I hit 40, I pretty much decided to give up shorts for good in favor of loose, lightweight pants. (These are my absolute favorite, FYI.)
But the recent heat wave, which brought temps soaring close to 100°F, had me rethinking my life choices. Should I give shorts another try? Maybe those boxer-style ones aren't so silly after all? I was having lunch in a tony Westchester, N.Y. suburb, and during my meal I saw three different fancy ladies all wearing these striped shorts with crisp white tees, Hermes-style flat sandals and designer bags. I decided, "I'm gonna try them."
I stopped by Gap on my way home, and as if the universe was speaking to me, I found a pair in my size on the sale rack. Was it meant to be? I tried them on, they fit, and what do you know? I didn't hate them. Like, at all. I bought them, wore them the next day, and now I'm hooked. All I want to wear all summer long are these lightweight, PJ-like cotton shorts.
Not too short? Not too tight? Not too frumpy? Check, check, check! (Jeanine Edwards/Yahoo)
If you're still not convinced, I get it. Given how long I hated shorts, I would be skeptical too. But I'm telling you, you need to give these a try. They're not short, so you don't have to worry about your booty showing or them riding up in the middle when you walk. Most have an elastic waistband or a drawstring, so they won't give you a muffin top. They're super lightweight and breathable, so perfect for sweltering summer days. And they're surprisingly versatile. I wore my bright pink pair with a white tee, but I'm also envisioning wearing them with a swimsuit at the beach or with an oversized button-down linen shirt. As far as unicorn shorts go, these just might be them, and I'd hate for you to miss out.
Because I'm a crazy, compulsive shopaholic, all I've been doing for the last 48 hours is looking for more boxer-style shorts to add to my wardrobe. Below, I'm sharing some of my faves (all under $60!) in case you, too, will be brave enough to try a pair and possibly fall in love.
These pretty pastel purple shorts boast a 5-inch inseam and a stretchy waistband that won't squeeze you uncomfortably.
One shopper who snagged this style instantly fell in love (just like I did), writing "I immediately logged in to find more colors in these shorts! They are soft and super comfy. Not too long, yet long enough to feel modest and covered. I just got them in the mail today and already have 4 similar colors in my cart! They will be perfect for summer."
Butter yellow is the color of the season, so why not try two trends at once by snagging these striped shorts? People who've purchased them give an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars.
"The material is lightweight and soft to the touch, yet there is no show-through on the shorts. The shorts have a longer inseam which I find reassuring if you're self-conscious about your legs. Just a very cute option for summer!" one fan raved.
Boxer short curious but not looking to splurge? This $16 pair is the perfect low-stakes way to test the trend. The price makes it easy to experiment — and maybe even start a collection. Once they’re in your rotation, you’ll wonder what took you so long.
"You can't go wrong with these lightweight cotton shorts," one trendsetter wrote. "[They] are perfect. They look cool and stylish, and they are the perfect length."
Don't place your next Amazon order without adding these 100% cotton shorts to your cart. They're under $20, machine washable and the inseam is plenty long to offer good coverage. Choose from four different colors in sizes S-XL.
Designer boxer-style shorts can set you back close to $100, but not this Amazon steal that comes in seven colors, all for less than $15.
"I was super excited when I purchased... . I have tried several of the designer lookalikes in this style of shorts, and these are by far the best ones I've tried. They're lined so they're not see-through. They're soft, stretchy, and comfortable," one shopper shared.
If you're not afraid to splurge a little on this look, then take a peek at this rag & bone pair I found on sale for more than 60% off at Nordstrom Rack. They're made from cotton, have an elastic waistband and the striped pattern is subtle, which gives them an even richer look. Because these shorts are on the lighter side, I definitely recommend choosing the right underwear so you don't show too much.
Don't be deterred by the model wearing a crop top in the pic here! You do not, and I repeat, do not, need a six-pack or totally flat tummy to wear these shorts. Your favorite white tee will do just fine. Choose from four different bright patterns in sizes S-XL. Just be quick — some options are already selling out.
These are the striped cotton shorts that won me over. After I purchased a pair in store, I immediately came home and ordered another color. The colors are gorgeous, they're not tight anywhere and having walked my dog multiple time in them, I'm telling you they don't get eaten up by your thighs. A miracle!
Gap shoppers agree with me that these just might be holy grail shorts.
"Love love! Soo easy to throw on and look like a fashionista and so soft and comfy!" one person wrote.
Another added, "I love these shorts. I've received so many compliments! They are a great fabric — very cool and breathable. Love that they come in many colors."
Available in red and blue, these shorts should be at the top of your shopping list while they're 25% off at Nordstrom. They're made from a cotton blend that's super lightweight and airy, and the slightly oversized fit means they won't be constricting or uncomfortable. If you need something festive to wear for the 4th of July, hello? These shorts are it!
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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