The Summer Basic That Is Now Replacing All My Leggings

Lately, we've been talking a lot about bottoms that are, well, soft. Since wearing jeans or anything stiff in nature has become nearly obsolete, we've been frantically trying to figure out fun alternatives for the "hard" pants we once knew. With summer swiftly approaching, I began pondering what kinds of warm-weather bottoms I would rely on throughout the season. Leggings are always a go-to for me while working out, of course, but also as mindless loungewear in the cooler months. This summer, however, I am wanting something different, so I'm ditching my leggings for sweatshorts.
Not that I still don't love my leggings, but now that working from home is the new normal for a while, I have found that leggings actually aren't all that comfortable. Sweatpants, yes. Pajamas, of course. But when the temperatures rise outside, you can officially catch me sporting sweatshorts and sweatshorts only. The summer basic looks great with just about everything—tank tops, button-down shirts, swimsuits, and more. I personally can't wait to get creative with my sweatshorts styling, and in case you want to replace some of your leggings with me this season, I shopped out the best sweatshorts on the market so we can vibe in the comfy loungewear together.
These ruched shorts are making me feel some type of way.
Next up: Meet the eight most popular designer bags (and their affordable counterparts) of the summer.

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
The Classic Hero Piece That Fashion People Reach For All Summer Long
Something for every personal style.
-
I've Lived in NYC, L.A., and Boston—Here's Everything I Think Is Chic for Summer
Shop the highly curated list.
-
The Perfect $16 Tank Top and More Zara Items I'm Texting Everyone I Know About
Elite finds.
-
Everyone With Good Taste Is Already Wearing These 7 Chic Summer Pieces
These instantly elevate any look.
-
If You're Against Long Shorts, the $53 Nordstrom Pair Olivia Rodrigo Just Wore Is the Opposite Trend
Don't let them sell out.
-
Adam Sandler–Coded Outfits Are Still Going Strong—5 Ways to Style Baggy Shorts This Summer
Fashion icon first. Comedian second.
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style in Summer 2025
Gotta catch 'em all.
-
Believe It or Not, This Is the It-Girl Shorts Trend of Summer 2025
Confirmed by Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber.