1. A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put all other styles on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "So comfy and they look just like the photo! The quality is great, they aren't see through, and I love the bright color! They fit true to size. They are definitely a great value for the money." —Hope

Get them from Amazon for$9.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 20 styles). 

2. A pair of super lightweight ruffled elastic shorts you will be SO happy you invested in when you need an elevated piece to toss on without thinking. (It's too hot out there for brain cells.) 

Amazon

Promising review: "Made well. Love the thin linen material. The scalloped hem dresses up the shorts. Very comfortable." —kim Marcoaldi

Get them from Amazon for $25.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 27 styles). 

3. A pair ofprinted drawstring shorts for anyone who has had it up to HERE with minimalism and needs some cheerful colors and patterns back in their life. These are especially great because the more colors you can sneak into your shorts, the more tops you can match them with! It's perfect closet math. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I ordered several different patterns of these shorts because they are so cute and fit so well! I’ve never really liked how so many pairs fit me, but these are great! I really like the weight of them, too. They’re not too thin and not too heavy. Perfect length too, so that I don’t feel like I have short shorts or mom shorts on." —luvtoworkit

Get them from Amazon for$19.92+ (available in sizes S–3X and 44 styles). 

4. An oh-so-sweet ruffled skortso you can have all the daintiness of the tiered, flowing layers with all the security of comfy built-in shorts. TRY IT, wind!! I dare you! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This skirt is absolutely beautiful! The fabric feels fresh and light, perfect for summer. I love the lace details and how the ruffles look. It’s super comfy and easy to style. Totally worth it!" —Johana caraballo orozco

Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 18 colors). 

5. A pair of high-waisted workout shorts with a comfy scrunch-elastic waistband reviewers compare to the Lululemon version. These are lightweight, quick-dry, and come in so many adorable colors that your butt might just want them on rotation until laundry day. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These shorts are seriously the most comfortable ones I own. They’re super airy, don’t ride up, and the thick waistband doesn’t roll over — huge win! The built-in undies are actually comfortable (for once!) and not at all annoying. I also love the deep pocket with a zipper — perfect for holding keys or cards without worrying about anything falling out. Definitely grabbing more in other colors!" —Nicole G. 

Get them from Amazon for$19.99 (available in sizes XS–3X and 34 colors). 

6. A pair of faux-leather pull-on shorts to finally dispel anyone of the notion that you can't live on the edge *and* live in pure comfort at the same time. These shorts! Contain! Multitudes!!! 

www.amazon.com, Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "Hi, I have these and can't recommend them more!! That's me on the right above — as you can see, I wore them as part of my Reputation-inspired outfit for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, but I've worn them several other times, with and without tights, and absolutely love them. As a pear-shaped individual, I love that they comfortably cover my bottom while still hugging me at the waist thanks to the stretchy elastic there, aka no awful gapping. As other reviewers mention, these have a thickness to them that makes them feel high quality. In the summer, I do sweat in these a little at the waist, which is to be expected, but the wide-leg design helps keep everything else breezy. I can't wait to wear these in the fall and winter with thicker tights! Oh, and the pockets are nice and deep!"

Promising review: "I was so surprised when I received these shorts. They are such good quality. They have weight to them, making them feel expensive. I feel like I would buy these from Zara. Super cute and exactly what I was looking for!" —Jaimelee Calvello

Get them from Amazon for $31.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in six colors — not all colors available in all sizes).

7. A pair of cult-favecinched athletic shorts for a chic pleated look that's not only super comfortable, but gives your booty a little lifting action.  👀 These are so wearable that tons of reviewers mention that once they tried them, they immediately went back for more! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Conceited is a small business that specializes in breathable activewear. 

Promising review: "My absolute favorite shorts EVER!!! I have both leopard print pairs, and I will absolutely be ordering other colors as well. OMG, so comfortable and cute and the fit is amazing!! My butt looks great and I can wear the dressed up or casual. Going back for more!!! Love love love love!!!" —Jenna gianovelli

Get them from Amazon for $18.95 (available in sizes S–XL and 47 styles). 

8. A timelessflowy pleated skirtwith some major ~swish, swish~ energy that will feel so breezy your legs will be like, "Shorts? Pants? Never heard of them." A lot of reviewers swear by this versatile number for traveling, since it packs well and can be dressed up or down! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is now my favorite skirt! I bought a second in white. :) Good quality, washes up and packs nicely. They have been so comfortable to wear but still so stylish!" —lo11

Get it from Amazon for$29.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 23 styles). 

9. A pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpantsthat look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Want to look cute and put together while still being comfortable? These pants are my new fav and go-to. Will be purchasing in more colors. Love the fit and how versatile they can be. The material is soft, breathable, and just a great quality overall!" —Montana Fam 

Get them from Amazon for $28.04+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 14 colors). 

10. A pair of deliciously breezy pull-on high-waisted linen shortsso elevated that you'll slide them on and start hallucinating that you have a summer home on Nantucket and a glass of cold lemonade in your hand. 

Torrid

Get them from Torrid for $34.93 (originally $49; available in sizes M–6X and in two styles). 

11. A pair of brightly colored bike shorts made with cooling Tencel and oh-so-soft cotton so cute and comfy that your oversize tees and crewnecks will be falling over themselves for a chance to get worn with them. 

Una Pluma Shop/Etsy

Una Pluma Shop is an Oregon-based Etsy shop established in 2013 that specializes in earth-conscious clothing. 

Promising review: "These biker shorts are the best! Soft material and very comfortable. I will be getting more. Shipping was quick and overall I had a very good experience with store." —Julia 

Get them from Una Pluma Shop on Etsy for $39(available in sizes S–XL and seven sizes). 

12. A pair of ruffled gingham shorts with the sweetest little retro vibe that will make you feel like you just fell out of Barbieland. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Absolutely love these, true to size. Great quality, I got lots of compliments!! Not too short, material not too thick, but in a good way for hot weather!!" —Kye Newlun

Get it from Amazon for $16.99(available in sizes S–XXL and six colors). 

13. A pair of fluttery running shorts to keep you breezy and chill when the sun decides to *aggressively* join the party. Practicality aside, who wouldn't want to cosplay as a butterfly? ✨

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love these shorts! They are so comfortable. The shorts are so comfortable that I wear them to bed. They are breathable and perfect to work out in! I bought these for a Halloween costume, and they became my favorite pair of shorts. The material is so smooth and soft. I also love that there is a pocket so that there is somewhere to put your phone while you are working out." —Amie Pike

Get them from Amazon for $13.59+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 35 colors/styles). 

14. A pair of Nike Pro 365 bike shorts well-known for the perfect amount of compression and Dri-FIT tech fabric that keeps you cool even in the sweatiest of circumstances. Reviewers especially love the care that went into designing them so they don't ride up! 

Nike

Promising review: "Great fit and comfortable. They feel good when exercising and don't ride up." —Aubreona

Get them from Nike for $32 for sizes 1X–3X, plus four colors, and $32 for sizes 2XS–XL, plus eight colors. 

15. A pair of paperbag high-waisted shorts that say "fashion, but make it BREATHABLE." Not to mention that darling little bow will give even the most neutral outfit some personality, so you get maximum cuteness for minimal effort. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These shorts are absolutely amazing! I needed a pair for my upcoming trip to Disney World, and I was thrilled when they arrived. The quality is fantastic, and they fit like a dream! They look exactly like the photos! I can't wait to order them in more colors!" —Elizk27 

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 17 colors). 

16. A charming and oh-so-comfortabletennis skirtwith built-in shorts — reviewers compare the buttery soft quality to Lululemon's Align Skirt, and love the secret inner pocket on the shorts for stashing keys and tennis balls.  

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I wear this going on walks or elevating an outfit to run errands. The side pocket is perfect to fit my phone or wallet. Very comfortable, especially in the spring/summer! Packs well for trips. It’s a staple in my closet. Great quality for the price." —Jamie

Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 19 colors). 

17. A pair of wide-band cropped palazzo pants so ultra soft and lightweight that every now and then you'll be like, "Wait — am I wearing pants?" Also, leave it to this chic cut to take a sweatpant and turn it into a statement pant. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I love these. Extremely comfy and cool on a summer's day.  I needed an alternative to shorts in the Texas heat. These work perfectly and I will be purchasing more." —Marianne Holiday 

Get them from Amazon for$23.38 (available in sizes S–XXL, three lengths, and 10 colors). 

18. Free People's Morning Breeze Shorts, aka what happens when shorts and a skirt have a sweet little vintage-inspired baby. (A baby that just happens to *love* to lounge.) 

Free People

Promising review: "So cute and comfy!! I bought them in black and pink floral. I'm going to Florida tomorrow, I can’t wait to wear!!! My daughter and I will definitely be fighting over these this summer, I will need to buy more!!!" —FP Reviewer

Get them from Free People for$38 (available in sizes XS–XL and six styles). 

19. A pair of Buff Bunny–inspired booty-highlighting biker shorts for anyone who wants to add some fun prints and colors to their favorite ~asset~ when they're on the move, for a fraction of the usual $48 price. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I literally just returned the Buff Bunny Legacy Shorts to buy this instead since they seemed the same from the reviews. I even like them slightly better." —rebecca

"I love Buff Bunny but I don't love the prices. I went on their website and found the exact fabric makeup for the legacy shorts and put that into Amazon, and boom, these shorts popped up. They are one percent off from the ones that Buff Bunny makes, but these are BETTER. They are so buttery soft; they have good stretch, but they also have a good amount of compression to make you feel snatched, not to mention they give you the juiciest peach!" —Jenny

Get them from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes XXS–3X and dozens of styles and prints). 

20. Girlfriend Collective's retro-style drawstring contrast shortsdesigned to be water-resistant, wind-breaking, and sun-protective — impressive on their own, but even more considering they're made with 100% recycled material. Go, adorable little eco-friendly shorts, goooo!! 

Girlfriend Collective

Promising review: "These are super comfortable, have a really good liner, and I can move so well in them." —Madison J. 

Get them from Girlfriend Collective for$58 (available in sizes XS–6XL and four colors). 

21. A pair of ventilated walking shortsperfect for anyone looking for a little more sun coverage on hot days. These are designed to be super lightweight and breathable for the feel of a shorter length with the protection of a longer one (plus POCKETS)!!

Amazon

RBX Active is a small business specializing in activewear, shoes, and accessories. 

Promising review: "RBX has become my new favorite place to purchase shorts, capris, and pants. I live in a desert climate, so I always need lightweight, breathable clothing. These shorts are a longer length, they have a comfortable elastic waist, they are lightweight, they are very flexible. I have already bought them in several colors." —Kendra Deno

Get them from Amazon for $26.99(available in sizes S–3X and four colors, plus shorter lengths in eight colors). 

22. Aerie's Trouser Fleece Shorts, which are so soft and comfortable that they're less of a short and more of an address, because I see no logical reason not to live in them. 

Aerie

Promising review: "I love these! They are the most comfortable shorts I own! I will be wearing them all summer." —Sarah 

Get them from Aerie for $10(originally $39.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL and seven colors). 

23. A pair of cinched drawstring linen shorts that play so nice with all your breezy summer tops that they'll be the MVP of your warm weather wardrobe. Reviewers especially love that the linen is so high quality! 

Linen By Hannah/Etsy

Psst — reviewers say if you're in between sizes, size up! 

Linen by Hannah is a Canada-based Etsy shop that specializes in handmade linen clothing. 

Promising review: "These shorts are cute and comfortable. I’m obsessed with the latte color. I sized up in these and I’m glad I did. The waist is comfortable and not too tight, and the butt and thighs are roomy enough that I can bend and stretch comfortably. These will definitely be my go-to shorts all summer!" —Christine Fichtner

Get them fromLinen by Hannahon Etsy for $33.28 (originally $64; available in sizes S–XL and three colors). 

24. A pair of high-waistedSleekTech Cargo Ankle Pantsso beloved that reviewers are basically shouting from the ceilings about them — they're ultra lightweight, breathable, and delightfully stretchy, making them functional enough for workouts and elevated enough for just about everything else. 

Old Navy

Promising review: "LOVE all of my tech material pants!! The fit is perfect, they are extremely durable, and I have some that are 4-years-old and still look great! Highly recommend any of the tech material pants." —Old Navy Customer 

Get them from Old Navy for $11.49+ (originally $44.99; available in sizes XS–4X, petite and tall sizes, and four colors). 

25. A pair of eyelet embroidered shorts with some real "seaside Bridgerton" energy that will make you feel timeless, dainty, and delightfully carefree all at once. Why settle for being the belle of the ball when you can also be the belle of the beach? 

H&M

Check out the matching shirt for the full fit! 

Get them at H&M for $29.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and colors). 

26. A pair of mid-rise Bermuda shorts that are somehow giving quiet luxury even though the coziness of them puts all your favorite pajama pants to shame. 

Athleta

Promising review: "Great shorts! These are so comfortable and the material is really nice. I bought both colors and would buy more if they had the options. I like the longer length." —Athleta Reviewer 

Get them from Athleta for $69 (available in sizes XXS–XL and two colors). 

27. A pair of boxer-style "Caviar Dreams" shorts illustrated with the most  adorable (and expensive) version of Girl Dinner your eyes ever did see. These are not only an oh-so-comfortable option for the summer, but a subtle wink-nudge to anyone in charge of snacks that you are NOT going to settle.  

Lisa Says Gah

Lisa Says Gah is a woman-owned small business that specializes in quirky, retro-style clothes with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. 

Psst — check out the matching top andmatching pant for more breezy options! 

Get them from Lisa Says Gah for $110 (available in sizes XS–XL). 

28. A pair of show-stopping slitted trousers that are pretty much as close as you can get to being a mermaid on dry land. Nothing but love for this skort that dared to dream of a bigger life! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If you are on the fence with buying these pants, just do it! You won't regret it. They are SO comfortable, and the slits on the sides make them breathable to be able to wear in the summer. I bought the white, and they are NOT see-through. You can dress them up or down." —lnarthur

Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–4XL and 12 colors, with and without a side slit). 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.