We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. A pair of high-waisted quick-dry running shorts so you can focus on setting a new PR instead of worrying about wedgies, chafing, and swampy shorts.
BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord loves hers:
"I recently bought these shorts because I'm in love with the similar ones you can get at Old Navy, but they sell out so fast. Turns out I love these even more! I love the huge range of colors you can buy these in (at other places they often sell out too quickly to get to pick!), love that the high-waistedness of them meets about where my running crop top ends so I don't have to get bonkers with sunscreen, and love love loooooove the side pocket for my keys or face mask. I only have them in purple so far, but I'm excited to try other colors!"
Promising review: "Buy these right now! I saw these on TikTok as a dupe for a pair of Lululemon shorts. I would say the feel of these is more similar to Nike shorts than Lulu but the cut is great and the liner keeps them out of your nooks and crannies when working out. I have already ordered another pair! Sizing is the same as it would be with Nike shorts as well, but I prefer these to the traditional Nike shorts." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.19+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 39 colors).
2. A pair of soft drawstring lounge shorts (with pockets!) for those days when it's too hot to function.
Promising review: "In love with these. I'm a lifter and yogi. I don't want baggy runner shorts because I don't want to bare my crotch when benching or any other time. I also don't like yoga pant–tightness for shorts. So although these are 'lounge shorts' I will use them for training at the gym, for yoga, and likely for the Spartan Sprint. They're thick enough, they aren't restrictive, and they look nice enough to wear as clothing, not just pajamas. Not too tight and therefore puckering in the crotch, not too loose that they look frumpy. But keep in mind I squat so my booty fills them out." —saltyragmuffin
Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in XS–3X and 10 colors).
3. A pair of compression bike shorts because you've finally had an epiphany and realized that bike shorts are indeed very stylish, especially when paired with a white T-shirt and a blazer.
Promising review: "Really like these shorts. I am going on vacation to Mexico soon and am planning on hiking and wanted an alternative to leggings so I don't overheat. These shorts are perfect and hit right above the knee. They are breathable and pockets fit my iPhone 8 perfectly, and the mini pocket in the tummy band is a nice bonus." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL, a variety of colors, and in multi-packs).
4. A pair of distressed shorts with a gap-proof elastic waistband and a 5-inch inseam (cue chorus of singing angels) that'll have you saying very outlandish and uncharacteristic things like, "Wow I love shorts!"
Promising review: "I am in love with these shorts. Not only do they have the stretchy waistband, like all the bombshell skinny jeans, but they also don’t ride up! I can’t tell you how many shorts I’ve purchased over the years that don’t stay put, and my thighs chafe uncomfortably. These babies were stress-tested at the zoo when the temperature was 92 degrees Fahrenheit with 81% humidity. I’ll definitely be purchasing more in the future!" —Love2Teach4th
Get them from Torrid for $52.40 (available in sizes 10–30).
5. A pair of raw-hem high-waisted shorts to give you all the comfort of sweat pants (stretchy waistband, roomy legs, spacious pockets) in shorts version. Cozy is a year-round vibe, baby!
Promising review: "These are the most comfortable shorts I own. These shorts look like they would be hot to wear, but they are very cool, and air flow rides right up and cools you down. They also match other stuff I have bought from Aerie Nice!!!" —Cher
Get them from Aerie for $34.95 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and six colors).
6. A pair of Levi's mid-length shorts if you're someone who likes options. Y2K-appropriate camo, pastel florals, a classic light wash denim — you'll look so freaking cute no matter what color choose.
BuzzFeed writer Allison Jiang loves hers. In her own words:
"Alright, hear me out: shorts fit weird, are hard to style, and generally are far inferior to jeans at all times. Right? WRONG! Enter these Levi's mid-length shorts, which I simply cannot stop wearing. They go with everything in my closet. They hit my thigh at the perfect place. The denim is both stretchy and sturdy and feels great. So far, they’ve survived several washes and don’t shrink. Fortunately (or unfortunately), I no longer reach for any other pair of shorts. Usually, I dread wearing denim shorts because they're either too short, itchy, or just plain weird-looking. But these fit like a dream and look so damn good!"
Check out the rest of Allison's Levi's mid-length shorts review to learn more!
Get the from amazon for $19.98+ (available in sizes 24–40 and 16 colors).
7. Or a pair of classic Levi's 501 shorts so we can all tell Gen Z'ers that no, we do not want to bring back low-rise pants tysm!
8. A pair of casual drawstring shorts for slipping on and then going about your business. Stop wasting 20 minutes in the morning trying on every pair of shorts you own (which were neatly folded in your closet and are now in a pile on your chair) only to wind up wearing these instead. Just grab these first!
Promising review: "I'm short with thick legs. Walking shorts typically ride up and look and feel awkward. These shorts are light, soft, comfortable and stay put when you walk! I will stock up on these things and wear them all summer. Love them!" —Brittany Deb
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and 40 colors/styles).
9. A pair of poplin shorts because they practically scream summer. They're the perfect wear-with-everything shorts — a tank top, T-shirts, hoodies, bathing suits, you name it.
Promising review: "I love these shorts so much I got them in a second color after purchasing my first pair. They are perfect everyday shorts and I love the double lining so they aren't too sheer. Highly recommend!" —McKinley
Get them from Abercrombie for $45 (available in sizes XXS–L and three colors).
10. A pair of satin shorts that'll be your version of the Steve Jobs turtleneck (i.e. you wear it every single day) except it's a pair of bright, colorful shorts. So basically it's the opposite of the Steve Jobs turtleneck. Who cares, though?! You're gonna wanna buy a dozen so you can have a clean pair for every day of the week!
Promising review: "Oh the places you’ll go in these shorts. I sized up thinking they’d run small but I could’ve gotten my normal size. They still look nice though so I’m going to keep them. They’re definitely a cool and nice spring/summer material. Now I’m not normally the queen of matchy outfits, but get the blazer…it’s giving sis…it’s giving! There’s lots of fun to be had with these shorts. Grab it and go be great.." —DG
Get them from Eloquii for $74.95 (available in sizes 14–28).
Fashion show! Fashion show!
