I’m Wearing the Cool-Girl No Pants Trend All Summer

If you follow fashion, it should come as no surprise that this summer’s hottest pants trend is…wearing no pants at all. For a couple of years now, the most stylish ‘It’ girls have been eschewing traditional bottoms for granny panties over tights, micro shorts, and bloomers. 

Another iteration of fashion’s anti-pants movement? Boxer shorts. I’ve been a loyal proponent of the boxer shorts trend since I first noticed stars like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid sporting the polarizing look. Last summer, Jenner was photographed several times juxtaposing breezy boxers with tailored jackets and loafers, while Hadid went viral in 2022 for eating pizza in a pair of tighty-whities and platform Uggs.   

When it comes to fashion, I’ve never been one to shy away from bold trends, but even I was skeptical about the practicality of wearing what is essentially underwear in any context other than lounging around my apartment on a Sunday morning. I was surprised to find, however, that boxer shorts are an unexpectedly wearable warm weather outfit choice. Not only are they super comfy (hello, elastic waistband), but they’re shockingly easy to style in tons of different ways.   

J. Crew End-on-End Cotton Boxer Shorts

For my first foray into wearing underwear as outerwear, I headed to J. Crew to pick up a three-pack of men’s boxers in assorted colors and patterns. (The exact set I purchased last summer is no longer available, but these baby blue pajama shorts are a great alternative.) At first, I mainly wore them with the types of pieces one would expect to pair with boxers—a ribbed tank top and sneakers here, a graphic tee and ballet flats there. 

As I got more comfortable with the look, I began to realize that boxer shorts could be an easy way to add an unexpected sporty element to an otherwise polished outfit. When you offset dressier pieces with such a laid-back item of clothing as boxers, the result is an effortlessly cool experiment in contrast. For instance, I love pairing my boxer shorts with a prim, elegant shoe such as a pointy-toe mule with a kitten heel. Styled with a crisp button-down or white linen shirt, you have the perfect casual-chic outfit for brunch with your BFFs.     

Anthropologie By Anthropologie Boxer Shorts

My current go-to boxers are these navy and white striped ones from Anthropologie. Between the soft, lightweight fabric and the beachy aesthetic, I know I’ll be living in these shorts all summer. Since the length is a bit on the longer side for me, I’ll often play with proportions by styling them with a crop top or something more fitted.    

Earlier this year, I packed these shorts on a trip to Anguilla and wore them over a bikini nearly every day, as well as to dinner with strappy sandals and a green silk scarf tied as a top. For my next boxer-centric outfit, I plan to pair them with a paper-thin cropped cardigan, ankle socks, and loafers.

Soly Hux Striped Summer Shorts

Another great thing about the boxer shorts trend is that they’re available in plenty of different colors, lengths, and patterns, so anyone can find a pair that suits their style. For instance, these $25 striped shorts from Amazon come in 11 cute colorways including black, red, and purple.    

Skims Boyfriend Loose Boxers

Or, you can take a page out of Bella Hadid’s book and opt for a pair that resembles cotton boxer briefs straight out of a vintage Calvin Klein ad. The heather oatmeal shade of the Skims Boyfriend Loose Boxers is a versatile basic that you’ll wear on repeat, but the cozy shorts also come in other colors like pastel pink and lavender.

Ready to embrace this summer’s comfiest cool-girl trend? Keep scrolling for more adorable boxer shorts options from Revolve, Urban Outfitters, and more. 

Free People Cloud Nine Boxers

Yoawdats Y2K Plaid Boxer Shorts

Urban Outfitters Out From Under Boxer Shorts

Hommegirls White Boxer Shorts