The Humble Gym Short Is Summer’s Unexpected Fashion-Girl Staple

Summer heatwaves will make you wear unlikely things (as will a never-ending trend cycle). This summer’s unexpected it-item? The humble gym short. Forget what you know about athletic shorts being relegated to organized sports and working out—celebrities like Hailey Bieber and a buzzy collaboration between Relax Lacrosse and Lisa Says Gah have given a fashionable new life to the silhouette.

The sporty short trend is currently having its moment in the street style sun, but it’s always been an unexpectedly stylish option. Princess Diana was ahead of the curve with her infamous biker shorts, and one of Carrie Bradshaw’s most iconic summer outfits featured the style. Not to mention the trend feels timely with our newfound love for sports culture (F1, wags,Caitlin Clark ect.) and the Olympics just around the corner. So, as random as wearing P.E. shorts with a blouse may feel in theory, it’s a refreshing twist on the classic shirt and shorts outfit formula.

The Trend

It’s been really hot as heat waves sweep across the country, and with continued rising temperatures, staying and looking cool requires more thought than usual. Scroll through Instagram or Pinterest, or head to the trendy area of your town and you’ll likely see a stylish person opting for the breezy short in place of classic denim. Wearing athletic shorts in a dressed-up way may feel odd, but that’s kind of the point—like the “wrong shoe theory,” the mish-mashed unexpectedness is what makes the look work.

There’s never been a better time to test the intrusive thought of wearing your boyfriend’s gym shorts out on the town. As someone who grew up playing soccer and wearing athletic shorts often, I can speak to the style’s comfort and laid-back allure. The trend feels disruptive and interesting, and in a sea of capsule wardrobes, I’ll gladly change it up with something as small as a sporty short that breathes new life into my everyday outfit routine.

Earlier this year, Gen-Z’s style queen Hailey Bieber was spotted styling a blue pair of athletic shorts with a leather bomber jacket and a sleek bun, putting her signature chic twist on the look. Bella Hadid has tried on the trend, pairing athletic shorts with sneakers and a graphic tee. Last summer, Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic sheer white top, sporty shorts, and kitten heels combo went viral, and with Sex and The City recently added to Netflix, more people than ever are getting inspo from the look.

Another thing: athletic-inspired brand Relax Lacrosse dropped bow-adorned mesh shorts with Lisa Says Gah, fusing the sporty trend and our bow obsession into the trend final boss. The brand just announced their collaboration with influencer Kate Glavan on a pair, and a ruffled style with linen brand Beditorial. All of this, paired with influencer street style and popular Pinterest board photos have made the shorts the coolest way to beat the summer heat.

How To Wear It

There’s really no wring way to wear the trend—it pairs perfectly with a “Copenhagen blouse” or graphic tee—but if you’re worried about looking too casual, stick to Carrie Bradshaw’s formula: sporty short, floaty blouse, and dressy shoe. Or, lean into the sporty feel by styling the shorts with a pair of colorful sneakers (or better yet, a ballerina sneaker) and a basic tee. Influencer Olive Cooke styled hers with a Peter Pan collared top and flip flops for a high-low feel.

Really get into the Olympics spirit by wearing running shorts with a jersey of your choice. The most creative looks featuring the shorts are when they’re dressed up with feminine silhouettes, bows, lace—you name it. Start with a Mary Jane, ballet flat, or kitten heel (a lá Carrie Bradshaw), and add an eyelet tank or gingham crop top. Throw on a bag and some jewelry of choice, and you have a going-out look that’s as cool as it is comfortable.

There’s something so empowering about taking a piece of clothing that’s dominantly worn by men and making it all our own. If the sporty style sparks inspiration, you can’t go wrong with shopping a casual Adidas pair or a quirky option from Relax Lacrosse. Thrifting athletic shorts on sites like Depop or eBay (or shopping in your boyfriend’s closet) is always an option, too. Your sporty summer starts with one of our favorite pairs below.