My Hunt for Going-Out Sporty Shorts

These were the only linen-blend pair of bottoms I tried. I loved the now sold-out polka dot print, which made them more of a statement bottom than any other on this list. They’re very comfortable thanks to the linen-cotton makeup and drawstring waist. But they were too long. They’re called culottes, so I guess I’m not surprised, but I was hoping they’d fit more like shorts. They ultimately feel like capris with a board short flair, though, and the linen was too casual for formal wear, so I reserved these for pool days only.

I find these to be especially cheeky, thanks to their shorter length, cargo pockets and drawcord plus snap-fly closure. And like the brand’s winning (in my book!) pair ofSilk Simple Pants, the texture of the 100 percent silk taffeta on these holds up exceptionally well in extreme heat and sweat, wrinkling without looking sloppy. I wore them while watching the first match of the World Cup at Pig Beach on an almost 100-degree day in June, and while I was quite literally slick with sweat, these shorts stayed feather-light on my legs. The flared leg openings only made them breezier and more flattering. I’drecommend sizing up for the loosest fit (I went for a medium instead of a small and could have even gone for a large). As much as I adore the taffeta’s glamorous sheen for special occasions and outings, they’re ultimately too short, even after sizing up, and they’re pricier than I’d like.

I loved these through and through. They felt to me like a true approximation of a “fancy” track short. Their faux satin gives them a dressy edge (especially in this pristine cream) while keeping the best parts of athletic shorts, an adjustable elastic waistband and longer inseam. They’re very light, loose around the legs, and can be worn lower on the hips for a real knee-length fit or slightly higher up. I was easily able to take these from a day at my desk to an evening of drinks in the East Village. Yes, I do wish these were real silk, but for under $50, I can’t really complain. However, they do vergeslightlyinto undergarment territory; paired with a white tee, I fear I look like I’ve just been discharged from a hospital or awoken from a long night of slumber. Even my mom asked if they were pajama shorts when she saw me in them. They’re therefore notasversatile as I’d like and not a winning pair.

[Editor’s note: These shorts are unfortunately now out of stock.]

I was very curious to try something from Brooke Callahan after a colleagueraved about the brand’s trousers. These shorts are an abridged version of the label’s popular pants, fitting slim and straight through the leg with a non-elasticized adjustable drawstring waist. I sized up to a medium for a slightly more relaxed fit, but they still lean a touch too straight and slim for my preferences. Their cotton poplin is crisp, though, and makes for a more formal short than most on this list; they’re elegant yet comfortable. The length is perfect too. The 12-inch inseam lands around my knees when worn higher on my waist or below my knees when worn lower on my hips. I do wish I didn’t need to break out the iron as much for them to look so good, and I was ultimately after something with a slightly wider leg, but these are still in my rotation as near-perfect office shorts, especially when paired with cashmere tees and a statement shoe.

I had to understand the hype behind Made Some after hearing some buzz, and now I’m convinced these shorts made me four new friends after wearing them to a press preview (paired with patent red wedges). I washoundedwith compliments. I then wore them to very sweaty outdoor drinks with said new friends, where they remained relatively dry compared to my soaked-through top. Their lace-up rope closure, Velcro fly, back pocket, and vintage-inspired design lend them a board-short feel (and the 100 percent nylon is in fact waterproof). I packed these on a recent poolside weekend upstate, and they were easy to slip on and off, even while wet; they were just as comfortable to nap in on a two-hour train ride home, too. I went with my usual size but would recommend sizing up for a looser fit as these are fairly slim(maybe the slimmest on this list)through the legs without any give, which is ultimately why they weren’t complete winners. And beware: The lace-up closure comes loose fairly easily, and I still haven’t figured out how to lace it back to its original state.

Arguably the most visually compelling pair on this list, though I’m biased — I’m partial to navy blue anda silky satin bottom. I was taken with the 1950s boxer-short inspiration (especially the visible appliqué tag in the back and the red-tipped drawcord). The length was perfect too, with a ten-inch inseam that hits right at my knees, or slightly below when worn lower on my hips.These really are a balanced blend of an athletic short and Bermuda, swishy and airy with a wide leg, and they’re fun to dress up on nights out on the Lower East Side or down with flops for a quick grocery run. My only qualm is that the crotch area fits ever-so-slightly too tight against my hips (maybe due to the traditional boxing-short construction on the pair). While it’s not so uncomfortable I won’t wear them, it makes for a narrow feel in that area, which ultimately held them out of the winners circle.

These are as tracky as track shorts can get (the brand turned to vintage pairs of Lacrosse shorts from the ’80s and ’90s to create this “platonic ideal” of a short). I paired them with Chanel flats and a white tee to a sweltering outdoor brunch in Williamsburg followed by an equally stifling indoor World Cup match at Socceria in Greenpoint on the Fourth of July. They immediately garnered compliments from several strangers at both events. And while I was sweating so badly I cursed myself for not packing a spare shirt, the mesh on these did its job for my lower half, wicking sweat and staying light, baggy, and non-constrictive on my legs (despite the wide knit band on the side). The waistband is thick but comfy and adjustable, thanks to a hidden drawstring. I sized up and went with one of the longer inseam options (the 6.5-inch ’90s fit) and only wish they were a pinch longer for my knee-length needs — but they’re still one of my favorites for their versatility and overallfun look, so I’m giving the missing .5 inches a pass.

I wear these the most of any pair on this list — I’m wearing them as I write this. This pair’s trompe l’oeil is a distinguishing twist. They mimic the look of the knee-length men’s Bermuda shorts I typically wear down to pleats in the front, afauxfly, and pockets, but they have a sport short’s fit and feel, with swishy wide legs and a waistband that has so much give I should have sized down. They’re formal enough to wear to the office, glam enough (when paired with the right top and shoes) for group outings, but slouchy enough to chuck into a tote and slip on with a bikini, as I did in the 100-degree week leading up to Fourth of July weekend. They’re ideal for hot days when you want to feel like you’re wearing nothing, and while I don’t typically go for synthetic fabrics, in this case, their polyester-elastane blend makes them easy to wash and care for, with no wrinkling thus far.

Really sorry to say that Leset can do no wrong. These shorts were among the first I tried, and they immediately fulfilled my knee-length and sporty, loose-fit requirements. The clean lines make for a simple yet flattering and elegant drape, and excellent craftsmanship like the Japanese crêpe’s double weave and nearly invisible, thin waistband gives them a luxe feel. They’re the best parts of a slip-on short without being overtly athletic looking and easily one of the most versatile pairs of shorts I’ve ever styled. Since they’re double woven, they can feel heavier than mesh or nylon on hotter days. But even when I dressed them down to picnics in 80-degree sun or up with heeled flip-flops and a clutch for dinner, they remained breezy. The one point against them is they’re generally precious and require delicate care when being packed, but I think they’re worth the trouble (and the higher price tag).