loose and – Loose, elegant, stretchy shorts are having a moment—and shoppers say they’re finally comfortable. From drawstring waist styles with ruched detailing to linen, cotton, silk, and wrinkle-resistant options, here are 19 picks to wear all summer.
Shorts don’t have to feel like a compromise. The right pair can stay comfortable in the heat—without fighting tight silhouettes or uncomfortable cuts that ride up. With ruched side panels, drawstring waists, and breezy fabrics like linen and cotton, the “summer staple” can finally feel easy.
The lineup below pulls together 19 incredibly comfortable shorts styles to wear all summer long, sourced from retailers including Amazon, Nordstrom, and Quince. Even if you’re hunting for longer Bermuda shorts with extra coverage, they’re built into the mix.
1. Elevated Gym Shorts: These drawstring shorts are designed to feel like a step away from athleticwear. The ruched waist and large pockets give them an elevated look while still keeping comfort front and center.
2. All in the Details: An intricate lace hem and tassel drawstring front bring a dressier edge to soft shorts. They’re positioned as especially suited for beach vacations.
3. Seaside Vibes: A pinstripe linen pair inspired by Cape Cod summer style is described as easy and breezy—and said to work as a beach coverup too.
4. Not Your Average Denim: If you’re turned off by denim shorts, this slightly baggy butter-yellow option is meant to change your mind. It features a rope drawstring closure and is presented as fully comfortable.
5. Vintage-Inspired: The lacey, satin shorts revival shows up in a Quince pair made from 100% silk.
6. Patchwork Princess: A patterned cotton pair from Abercrombie is offered as a statement short. The styling idea is simple: pair it with a white tee.
7. Best of Both Worlds: These lace-lined gym shorts are described as combining sporty comfort with a spice-and-everything-nice vibe.
8. Sneaky Stretch: The shorts may not look stretchy at first glance, but the hidden ruched side detailing is described as making them easy to pull on and capable of “morphing” to curves.
9. Walk on the Wild Side: Leopard print is brought in through a black-and-white spotted design with ruffled tie-front styling.
10. Cutie Patootie: For a summertime picnic, Lulus’ scalloped gingham shorts are suggested as a match for both the blanket and the carefree energy.
11. Bermuda Baby: Well-tailored, pleated Bermuda shorts are framed as the solution for hot days at the office. They’re described as long enough to be work-appropriate and sleek to style.
12. Flouncy and Feminine: Instead of mini skirts, these flowy pleated shorts are pitched as a practical way to get a similar flirty effect—without the risk of a wardrobe malfunction.
13. Summertime Vibes: Wide-leg shorts with wavy embroidered suns, a vibrant green hue, and a soft linen-cotton blend are described as having the potential to become a favorite pair.
14. High Fashion: Angular cotton-blend shorts are presented as a “designer runway” look, with a shape that artfully slim legs.
15. Work of Art: Breezy cotton-blend shorts with a blue floral motif are compared to antique dining wear. The detail is described as so intricate they look like a museum display.
16. Euro Summer: Quince’s soft, ventilated linen shorts are positioned as the kind of European-inspired summer style to wear—even if you’re not headed to Europe.
17. Wear Anywhere: Lace-trimmed pull-on shorts are marketed as comfortable enough to wear to bed, with a suggestion that they can double as pajamas.
18. Island Time: Knee-length ruffled and ruched Bermuda shorts are aimed at anyone trying to blend in during a tropical vacation.
19. One in Every Color: Shoppers describe these extra-comfy shorts as “fashionable and functional.” They’re called breathable, lightweight, and wrinkle resistant.
Comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing polish. With ruched waists, drawstring closures, breezy fabric blends, and plenty of longer-leaning Bermuda options, the summer shorts shelf can finally feel like a collection—not a tradeoff.
loose shorts elegant shorts summer outfit ideas drawstring shorts linen shorts denim shorts Bermuda shorts satin shorts pleated shorts Amazon shorts Nordstrom shorts Quince shorts Abercrombie shorts Lulus shorts
Loose shorts with pockets??? Finally, something that doesn’t fight me all day.
I don’t get why “wrinkle-resistant” is even a thing, like… shorts don’t wrinkle that much. But I guess if you’re rich enough to go to Cape Cod every weekend then lol.
Wait so these are like the fancy version of gym shorts? I thought linen shorts always looked kind of sloppy, but pinstripe linen coverup stuff sounds cute. Also “ruched waist” makes it sound like shapewear? not sure if I’m into that.
Every summer article is the same thing like “comfortable staple” and then it’s still like $80. I saw Quince and Amazon and I’m like ok so which one is actually worth it. Also silk shorts?? That sounds hot, like why would anyone choose that over cotton.