There’s no denying we’ve seen some unpredictable fashion trends and fleeting aesthetics over the last few years, and one item right in the center of the Venn diagram is athletic shorts.
Now famously niche for being styled with dainty milkmaid-style blouses, ballet flats, and chunky knee-high boots, athletic shorts (particularly in hues of royal and navy blue) have seen quite the 180 since your last gym class.
Athletic shorts are now a fashion essential; a comfy base for stylish outfits, they can be made to look chic, sporty, Y2K, girly, or preppy, and the best thing of all, is that you probably have a pair of sporty shorts lying around in your closet already.
To fully understand the fashion trend that, while big on social media, might not have trickled down into the everyday outfits you see on the streets just yet, we’re going to explore the trend and its origins, inspire you with some cute ways to wear your athletic shorts, and answer all your pressing questions.
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The Athletic Shorts Trend
It all started in the summer of 2022 when the fashion girls suddenly began pairing cutesy summer tops with retro-looking athletic shorts and, even more oddly… smart shoes on their feet.
Previously, athletic shorts were reserved for sports or lazy day dressing, but they have become somewhat of a fashion statement online. The trend is to style the sporty shorts subversively by pairing them with contrasting items in your wardrobe. The result? An outfit that makes no sense functionally but all the sense fashionably.
Along with today's modern era of athletic dressing (see bloke-core, tennis core, and ballet core), it was no surprise that the athletic short became trending as the tide turned to the sportier side of fashion.
The interest in sports has grown rapidly over the last year as nations have come together to watch new sports and old. Now more than ever, we’re following athletes, turning on the game, and gaining inspiration from athletes’ discipline and talent. Naturally, this season of sport has inspired fashion, becoming a dream team.
We’ve yet to see the athletic short trend die down in fashion circles, perhaps because the styling options are seemingly endless… if you can wear athletic shorts with blazers, blouses, and kitten heels, what can’t you wear them with? Or maybe it’s because athletic shorts are undoubtedly comfortable, easy to find, and relatively low-risk to style up.
You don’t have to be a fashion guru to wear the athletic shorts trend, you just have to be open to having a little fun with your closet and stepping out of your comfort zone (or into them).
Cute Ways To Wear Athletic Shorts
Athletic shorts may have started as a simple piece of activewear, but now they’re the canvas for some seriously creative outfits. These types of shorts fit loosely around your legs, may be branded with your favorite sports team, or feature a sport-specific design. Less tight-fitting biker shorts, more soccer, and b-ball.
So whether you're channeling your inner cottagecore fairy or aiming for a sleek, city-chic vibe, here’s how to make the most out of your sporty staples.
1. Cottagecore Meets Sporty
Marry the romantic with the athletic by pairing your sporty shorts with a white puffy blouse. The soft, billowy silhouette of a milkmaid blouse creates an interesting contrast with the relaxed, sporty vibe of the shorts. Add cowboy boots or the popular Frye boots for a touch of Western charm.
To accessorize, why not go full cottage-core with a wide-brim hat, or on the b-side, you could tone the outfit down with a sporty cap (choose camo if you really want to be extra). This outfit is ideal for a sunny day out in the park, a celebration in the countryside, or even just a casual day out with friends.
2. Chic Oversized Blazer
If the day calls for the comfiness of an oversized fit, but you don’t want to sacrifice style, a chic oversized blazer is your best friend. When worn with girls’ athletic shorts the result is an effortlessly polished look, especially layered over a plain white tee bejeweled with a classic chain necklace. Dress the look up with loafers for a balance of sophistication and sporty styles. Both laid-back and put-together, this is a cute way to wear athletic shorts for a casual office day, a coffee date, or running errands with a stylish touch.
3. Y2K Inspired
Dive into the early 2000s revival by styling your shorts with mesh tops with lettuce hems, sporty crop tops, or the perfect hip-length baby tee. Think bold, playful, and a little bit nostalgic. To truly nail the noughties vibe, you could rewind and add Y2K-coded accessories like butterfly clips, a mini backpack, and tinted sunglasses.
Keep the throwback aesthetic going in the footwear department and pair your athletic shorts with platform sandals or retro dad sneakers. This look is great for a fun night out, a music festival, or right after you’ve just watched a 2000’s rom-com and you’re feeling fashionably inspired.
4. Cutesy On Top
Perhaps the cutest way to style your athletic shorts is by keeping things sweet and feminine and pairing your shorts with delicate, soft tops like silk camis or lace-trimmed blouses. Opt for pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or sky blue for a soft look, and finish off the outfit with ballet flats or strappy sandals for a dainty touch. This cutesy ensemble is perfect for a casual date night, a brunch with friends, or any occasion where you want to feel pretty yet comfortable.
5. Preppy Yet Relaxed
If you love a preppy aesthetic but want to keep the outfit slightly more casual, try combining your athletic shorts with a button-up shirt. Go for a crisp white shirt or experiment with pastel hues and patterns like stripes or checks. You can pick these up super easily in a thrift store. Tuck in the shirt for a more polished look, or leave it loose for a laid-back vibe. White crew socks and loafers or boat shoes will tie the look together, giving you a relaxed yet refined outfit that’s perfect for weekend outings, a day at the golf course, or a low-key office look.
6. Training Day
Keep it sporty by embracing the athletic roots of the shorts. Pair them with a trendy soccer tee, a sports bra, or a cropped athletic top like our Mesh Tank to elevate the ‘fit. Don’t be afraid to go full-on sports mode with a baseball cap, crew socks, and your favorite sneakers. Whether you’re heading to the gym, running errands, or just enjoying a casual day out, this outfit is both practical and stylish.
Swapping your biker shorts for a looser pair on your next leg day? Add our best leg exercises to your workout plan to sculpt your legs and grow your glutes.
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Shop Trending Athletic Shorts
Now that you're fully inspired, it’s time to get your hands on some athletic shorts (that aren’t from your sophomore year) that can be styled in countless ways. Check out our top picks:
Shopping tip: head to the men's shorts section to shop an even bigger selection of loose athletic shorts.
Training Contrast Loose Shorts
Simple, sleek, and easy to style with anything, these are the styles of girls athletic shorts we’ve seen at the heart of the trend. Long story short, every top looks good with these sporty shorts, whether that's a preppy stripe shirt or contrasting satin cami top. A new way to wear your gym shorts? Yes, please.
Everywear Basketball Shorts
The Everywear Basketball Shorts have anvoversized fit that’s perfect for a streetwear-inspired look. Pair them with an oversized hoodie or graphic sweatshirt for a look that’s both cool and comfortable (and perfect for traveling). Complete the look with some hi-top sneakers and you’re ready to hit the courts, then the bodega.
Lifting Club Mesh Shorts
The Lifting Club Mesh Shorts are the perfect athletic shorts to try this trend with, especially as they double as a stylish choice for the gym too. We love the retro ‘Wave Blue’ color shorts, that look particularly fresh paired with white tops and matching white socks.
Printed Lifting Mesh Shorts
For something eye-catching and ready for both the gym and the streets, choose our Printed Lifting Mesh Shorts with a blurry, ombre-esque print. Retro-inspired and with a color scheme perfect for summer, why not choose this vibrant base for your athletic shorts outfit?
Varsity Mesh Shorts
Our Varsity Mesh Shorts for that laid-back, nostalgic vibe. The basketball-style shorts are inspired by college days and have a longer line silhouette to play around with. We’re seeing the jort length shorts everywhere, and for women, these shorts look great when paired with a simple crop tank.
Want to know more?
Athletic Shorts Styling FAQs
You can pair athletic shorts with a wide range of tops— oversized tees work for a casual comfy vibe, crop tops for a Y2K look, and blouses to dress up the outfit, or simple tank tops and plain tees for chic yet minimal everyday athletic shorts outfits. The key is to play with proportions and textures to create a balanced look.
To elevate girly athletic shorts for a night out, pair them with a sleek, fitted top (boat neck tanks are the current cool-girl fave), statement jewelry, and heeled sandals or boots. Adding a structured jacket or blazer can also give your outfit a more dressed-up feel.
You’ve got a shedload of footwear options to wear with athletic shorts because as we’ve seen, these sporty shorts can go with everything. Depending on your style, you can wear them with anything from sneakers to ballet flats, loafers, knee-high boots, and even kitten heels.
They sure are, athletic shorts for girls continue to be a staple in the fashion world, thanks to their comfort and versatility. They’ve evolved beyond just gym wear to become a key piece in everyday fashion.
To make athletic shorts look chic, focus on pairing them with more elevated pieces like blazers, structured bags, and smart shoes. Mixing in feminine or tailored elements and simple jewelry can elevate the overall look, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.
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So go ahead, dig out those athletic shorts from the back of your closet, or shop a new style to get creative with your styling! Whether you’re going for a relaxed, sporty vibe or something a bit more fashion-forward, there’s no limit to how you can wear the versatile athletics shorts trend.
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