Best Sweat Shorts From Target | Review 2021

When the world shut down last year, I did what any standard, comfort-obsessed person should do: I threw off my constricting jeans, put anything that hooked or buttoned in the very back of my closet, and vowed to wear sweats for the foreseeable future. And, though I’m definitely ready for some revenge dressing, I have to admit that I will miss the days of cozy clothes. Or, so I thought.

Ready for some good news? You don’t have to part ways with your trusty elastic bands. A few weeks ago, I picked up Universal Thread’s High-Rise Pull-On Shorts ($15), and I’m low-key obsessed with them.

Made with a linen-rayon blend, these shorts look like a pair you’d wear to brunches, rooftop happy hours, and park hangs. (The fabric hits that sweet spot between structure and stretch, which means you feel like you’re wearing a flimsy pair of boxers.) The generous hemline hits nicely at the middle of your thigh, so you won’t have to worry about veering into short-short territory. Since this pair is available in a bunch of fun prints — think stripes and florals — they’ll receive a bunch of compliments, no matter where you go.

Oh, and did I mention these shorts have an elastic waistband? And pockets?! They’re basically the warm-weather equivalent to your go-to sweats. (And, let’s be honest, the mere thought of wearing full-length joggers during the dog days of summer sends me into a pool of sweat.)

I know what you’re thinking: summer is almost over, so do you really need to buy yet another pair of short? Yes. Yes, you do. Ever since I got these shorts, I’ve worn them with everything from linen button-downs to sweatshirts. (Translation: you can sport this set in public and private.) So whether you want to wear them now or when your apartment’s heater is on at full blast come winter, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of ’em. And, at $15 a pop, these shorts will literally pay for themselves in no time. (BRB, adding three more pairs to my e-cart.)