Sweatpants and hoodies get all the hype when it comes to loungewear. And, sure, there's room in all of our closets for some full-on comfy fits. But if you feel hot in hoodies and constricted in pants—or you're just looking to expand your loungewear repertoire—look to something a little shorter and just as comfy: the sweat short.
Yes, comfy sweat shorts are extremely '90s weightlifting and yes, that is exactly what makes sweat shorts so stylish. You see, men's fashion is in this time of embracing the old, the clunky, and the little-too-retro. Dad sneakers? Yes. Tropical tourist button-front shirts? Of course. Sweat shorts? You bet your comfy quads they are.
You have options here when it comes to what they should look like, how they should fit, and what you can wear them with. There's a sweat short for every price range and a style for every level of sweat short skill, from the very basic to the fully tie-dyed. For the fit, it's important that you don't overthink it. Sweat shorts are one of those items of clothing that require you don't try so hard. They are sweat shorts, after all. The best bet is to go for a sweat short that hits a little above the knee, but more advanced sweat short-wearers can go as above or below as they please.
Looking for the best sweat shorts? We rounded up the 20 most comfortable pairs of sweat shorts in 2022 for every situation you could ever need one in.
If men's sweat shorts are new territory for you, start with something low-key. These ones from H&M come in a variety of colors and are the cheapest of the bunch. Get a few.
When venturing into new types of clothes, it's always a good bet to tread on familiar ground. You already know and love Champion's classic sweatshirts, and these shorts are made of the same tried-and-true reverse weave fabric.
If you run warm, a thick cotton sweat short can feel too hot too fast. Mack Weldon's shorts, on the other hand, use a micro-brushed French terry that will keep your legs feeling aired out all day.
Outdoor Voices knows how you live your life—a lot of thinking about working out and a bit of actually doing it. Lean into the former with these sweat shorts. The ribbed waistband is the ultimate source of comfort.
Lululemon is the master of feel-good workout clothes and you bet that expertise extends to the non-workout clothes. Wear these sweat shorts in the house, out of the house, and during every daytime nap.
Bonobos really leveled-up the whole idea of sweat shorts into something that can be worn off the couch and out of the house. These are super lightweight and the ideal change post-swim.
Nike sweat shorts are good because of course Nike sweat shorts are good. If you're looking for one pair that will round out your loungewear for years to come, it doesn't get more classic than these.
These shorts are a one-stop shop: They are lightweight and super soft, but they are also made with moisture-wicking material. That's great if you want to do a mid-day yoga class or you just... sweat a lot.
Here for cozy shorts only? It truly does not get more lounge-friendly than a pair of Ugg sweat shorts. You're surely familiar with the shoes, but Ugg's clothes are next-level lounging. The extra-thick waistband makes them feel just the right amount of snug.
Adidas makes a mean pair of sweat shorts and we love them for that. Its Pre-Game shorts are great for watching other people play sports or playing virtual ones on your couch.
AllSaints absolutely nails these washed-out and worn-in sweat shorts inspired by the city of Angels. They are a little bit longer, a little bit edgier, and the perfect pair for the fashion-inclined. Socks and sandals recommended.
Have you ever worn a hoodie so comfortable you wished it were all over your body? Well, these L.L. Bean shorts are here to make your dreams come true. These knit shorts are the right balance of comfortable without looking frumpy.
Listen, Abercrombie makes some damn good sweats and the colors are standout perfection. This light brown color could make these shorts look like real pants instead of sweat pants. Sneaky sneaky.
Gap has been making extremely good—and cheap!—sweatshirts for a minute, so you don't want to sleep on the venture into sweat shorts. These French terry ones can double as post-swim shorts in the summer.
Not so sure about sweat shorts? Sure. We get it. Ease in with something that feels cozy, but looks simple. Richer Poorer's French terry gunmetal sweat shorts are the ideal gateway pair.
Russell Athletic Men's Heritage Tie Dye French Terry Fleece Shorts
Russell Athletic Men's Heritage Tie Dye French Terry Fleece Shorts
Fearless in your pursuit of cool sweat short attire? Have some fun with it. Tie-dye sweats are as free-spirited as your calves will be. Wear it with a long sleeve plain white or navy tee as to not go completely overboard.
You will never want to take these Alo shorts off. They hit a little higher on the thigh and might not even register as sweat shorts to the unknowing observer. Wear 'em with your favorite tee.
Faherty's beach vibes fit swimmingly with the whole idea of a sweat short. The lightweight jacquard doesn't feel heavy the way a classic cotton might, making them ideal for summer lounging.
These sweat shorts are the kind you take with you on vacation when you know you'll be spending most of your time just jumping from beach to bar. All the comfort without compromising on style.
Bernd Fischer is a freelance writer based in London covering style for Men’s Health. Before relocating to the United Kingdom, Bernd was a Content Editor at GQ Middle East in Dubai, having previously served in the same role at GQ South Africa in Cape Town. He has written for Paper, The Manual, Mic, Splinter, and the South African editions of Glamour and House & Garden. Bernd is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School in New York.