Let’s get into the paradox of sweat shorts that aren’t gym shorts. Sure, you can wear these to the gym. But they’re so much more than that. But, I’ll admit, for the longest time, I couldn’t understand sweat shorts. If I was going to put on a pair of shorts, why not make them something a little more polished? Chinos, nylon, maybe linen—there were plenty of options that looked just as easy without feeling like I’d given up.

Plus, they’re something of a hybrid, combining two wardrobe staples from opposite ends of the weather spectrum. Are they cozy? Or are they freeing shorts? Well, they’re both. Stop fiddling with the thermostat trying to find that sweet spot of at-home climate control. I’ve discovered that sweat shorts are the optimal solution.

One of the first things I do after walking through the front door is swap whatever I’ve been wearing for something softer, lighter and infinitely more comfortable. The best sweat shorts are cut with a relaxed silhouette, made from breathable French terry or lightweight cotton jersey and polished enough to wear for a quick coffee run or neighborhood errand if needed. They’re the kind of low-effort luxury that makes the hottest months of the year just a little more bearable. And once you find the right pair, it's surprisingly hard to go back.