Athletic Shorts Are the "Ugly" Summer Staple I Didn't Know I Needed

Buh-bye, bike shorts. There’s a newer shorts trend I’m after right now, and it’s basically taken the place of my beloved bike shorts this season. I’ll just warn you now: This one might seem random. I can’t exactly pinpoint why, but suddenly, I’m obsessed with nylon athletic shorts, and they’re all I want to wear (and shop for) while we’re still in the thick of summer.

Last year, I wore my sweatshorts to death while lounging and working from home, but fast-forward a year, I’m still in the market for a comfy and lounge-ready pair. This time, however, I’m swapping sweats out for a style that also happens to be versatile enough for everything from outdoor runs to travel and the occasional Netflix session. The styles that have my attention? They’re inspired by traditional soccer and basketball pairs with drawstrings and nylon finishing. While OG sportswear brands like Umbro have been doing this forever, designer pairs from Prada, Staud, and Coperni have emerged, and accordingly, fashion people have been styling the athletic staple in their casual warm-weather ‘fits.

Below, shop the coolest athletic shorts that have a fashion-person spin to them, and get inspired by how the style set is wearing them right now.