The Best Men’s Sweatshorts For Everyday Comfort

The promise of a comfortable pair of sweatshorts, without the lightweight (and oftentimes, cheap) composition of traditional athletic shorts, was music to our ears. We were hooked. So, to preach the gospel of these quintessential athleisure staples, we’ve compiled a list of the best examples in the industry. So do yourself a favor and pick up a pair from our best men’s sweatshorts guide— after all, your wardrobe won’t be complete without them.

What’s the point of sweatshorts?

There’s no way we can lie to you here and say you’ll easily be able to pull off a stylish outfit with a pair of sweatshorts. But if you’re hanging out, working from home, or just taking quick trips to the store, then a pair of sweatshorts is perfect. Keep in mind that sweatshorts are the comfy cousin to sportswear with a more active slant like basketball shorts, so you can still pull up to the next pick-up game in a pair of them if you want, but it’s best to stick with lighter activities. That said, plenty of people appreciate their ease of movement in the gym.

What to look for

Material: Like regular sweatpants, a majority cotton blend with some polyester is the safest bet (and usually the comfiest). You get breathability and softness from the cotton, and moisture-wicking properties from the polyester

Weight: If you plan on rocking sweatshorts outside in the heat, then something lightweight is best, but even midweight shorts can be good hot-weather options. Days lounging around or napping may call for slightly heavier material construction, but that’s a personal preference.

Los Angeles Apparel 14oz. Heavy Fleece Mid-Length Short

The Budget Pick: We’re ringing in the worker-friendly L.A.-brand for a long-lasting option. Composed of a heavy-duty, 14-ounce fleece, these cozy shorts may not equate to a traditional pair of sweatpants, but they are thick enough to keep you warmer than expected. Best of all, they are made by expert sewers who use top-of-the-line materials and standardized techniques.

Lululemon City Sweat Short

The Best Active Shorts: As with most entries on this list, the City Sweat Short features a breathable French Terry fabric that’s both comfortable and capable, alongside a soft, sweat-wicking composition that’s sure to keep you “in the game,” no matter where you are. A four-way stretch construction, hidden media and coin pockets, and non-bulky attributes make these top-of-the-line sweats a force to be reckoned with in the short space.

Carhartt WIP Chase Sweat Short

The Most Color Options: Steering away from athleisure attire and boutique brands for a workwear-adjacent option, we had no choice but to include these comfortable, breathable bottoms. Composed of a brushed cotton and polyester blend, Carhartt WIP’s Chase Sweat Short achieves the perfect balance of soft and sturdy, then rounds it out with a set of deep pockets and the inimitable ‘C’ logo.

Patagonia Mahnya Fleece Shorts

The Best Everyday Shorts: If you’re one of the many people who abide by Patagonia’s famous Mahnya fleece pants, then odds are this inclusion comes as no surprise. The everyday shorts are made using Regenerative Organic Certified cotton and recycled polyester-crafted French terry, assuring they are as sustainable as they are stylish. The Fair Trade Certified shorts are also available in countless colors, so there’s no room for error.

American Giant Sweatshort

The Best American-Made Shorts: American Giant takes pride in its All-American manufacturing process, and with the company’s Essential Sweat Short, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value from a stateside proprietor. A 100% French Terry cotton composition, channeled waistband, and bar-tack front pockets ensure that these athletically-inclined shorts are a “cut above” the rest. 

Buck Mason Speckle Grey Interloop Sweatshort

The Best French Terry Shorts: Like most options in our guide, Buck Mason’s sweatshorts are composed of nothing but buttery soft cotton French terry. That said, few of them pass the eye test as well as these, primarily thanks to a chic, speckled finish. Best of all, the material itself is cut on the cross grain to reduce any shrinkage, so they’re built to last for springs and summers to come.

Todd Snyder Sun-Faded 7” Warm Up Short

The Best Gym Shorts: Todd Snyder’s ongoing partnership with Champion is a testament to its affinity for vintage designs, making this pair perfect for anyone eyeing a timeless look. The garment-dyed training shorts feature a tailored fit and clean hem, so you can even play a game of pick-up basketball wearing them and still be comfortable. Composed of only French terry, the handsome option is available in over a handful of colors.

Outerknown Hightide Sweatshorts

The Sustainable Pick: Leave it to a shoreside staple like Outerknown to compose a perfect pair of shorts. The Hightide silhouette operates as well when you’re relaxing around the house as it does when hitting the beach, boasting a terry toweling fabric that practically deems it part-towel part-garment. They’re rounded out with a brushed interior and pull-on elastic waistband for the perfect feel and fit each time you throw them on.

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Short

The Best Midweight Shorts: The Canadian clothier’s minimalistic Midweight Terry Short only enhances its already-established image, boasting a formidable midweight Terry cotton construction, flat locked seams, premium rib gusset, and woven drawcord for comfortable wear. Intricacies like jersey-lined pockets, low-abrasion seams, and a durable, zig-zag stitched waist label ensure that the company’s flagship sweatshorts won’t let you down during the most trying of exercises.

RRL Heather Grey Sweatshort

The Premium Pick: Adept at transforming the most fundamental piece of clothing into an American staple, RRL’s take on the sweatshort is built to withstand the test of time from a construction and style perspective. They’re composed of a plush, fleece-back jersey material and equipped with a trio of pockets to keep your gear in order through any activity you had in mind — they’re just that versatile.

The Best Hoodies for Complete Comfort

Finish off your easy-going outfit with help from our guide to the best hoodies.