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Remember when shorts weather meant digging through your closets to find something that didn’t skimp, ride up or wrinkle into oblivion? After all, those days are over. The athleisure pivot has officially taken over our summer uniforms, and non-confrontational sportswear styles are having a serious moment.
Tracksuit shorts have become a must-have trend for the summer of 2026, with spacey basketball alternatives following close behind. These lightweight, stretchy, athletic-inspired constructions feel cool without trying too hard, and are genuinely comfortable in whatever you’re doing. There are also plenty of options that will still pass as ‘high-end,’ pairing a button-down shirt with heels like they do with a tee. There’s no need to break out the metal this season — 18 of our favorite picks can be pulled on in a flash (and even stuffed into a suitcase), making it easier than ever to beat the heat in style.
18 Pairs of Stylish Track Shorts to Wear in Summer 2026
1. Vintage-Inspired: Subtle academic design and side lines are open these preppy shorts nail the ’90s track aesthetic. With their low price of less than $20, you’ll get more than your money’s worth if you access them every week.
2. Create a Mesh: Heat and humidity ruining your day? Mesh track shorts allow the air to flow easily, to observe again feel cool. Later, you can throw them in the shower without a second thought.
3. Long Term: The extended inseam of these long track shorts reaches mid-thigh for a full fit. They still ignore this trend, but they are a smart choice if mini shorts feel too leggy.
4. Complete Pipes: These shorts with piping detail feel totally retro. They’ll easily pair a button-down shirt with slides for Sunday brunch, giving you a sporty-meets-put-together look in one quick outfit.
5. Sweet Lines: Aside from the bright pink color, Puma’s League Jersey Shorts feature a fun striped pattern. While statement-making enough to complement basic tees and tanks, they’ll also pair well with bold tops, serving to balance out intricate ruffles and embellishments.
6. Rich Mom: Varley is a label for affluent women who dress with sophistication, therefore, the brand makes sports shorts that read like luxe. To stay on trend, skip the chunky sneakers – these kids look great with suede kicks or classic two-strap slides.
7. Ladylike Lace: Not really into watching sports? That’s right. Daily Practice’s lace-trim selection gives the trend a feminine twist. They’re the perfect pair to rock with Mary Janes or block-heeled sandals, as the unexpected details make them feel dressy.
8. A-List Pick: Taylor Swift he’s no longer hosting celebrity Fourth of July parties, but if he’s still around, these track shorts might make an appearance. The pop star is known for sporting Stella McCartney dresses, and this lightweight, waist-stretching pair would be easy to pull on over a star-print one-piece.
9. Full package: Do you always reach the same bottom? This multi-colored bundle solves the laundry day problem and gives you a week of easy clothes with one click.
10. Baby Blue: If your rotation of black and gray shorts is getting boring, consider swapping in Free People’s light blue Varsity bottoms. They’ll quickly turn a basic tee-and-sneakers combo into something more thought-provoking.
12. Kick: Adidas’ $25 soccer-style shorts lend themselves to the soccer field with a relaxed cut and sporty finish. Wrinkle-free and ready to throw on, they will become your new favorite.
13. Dressing: When it comes to styling Bishop + Young’s white track shorts, we have no notes. Anthropologie was totally on point, pairing the sleek design with a button-down shirt, cardigan and loafers for a preppy ensemble.
14. Micro Mini: Do you dare to show your leg? MakeMeChic’s track shorts are among the smallest in the lineup, with a 2-inch-ish inseam. Not too subtle, but very 2026. Psst, it’s also perfect for a quick slip into the beach or pool.
15. Small Bows: The narrow darts of these women’s track shorts add softness to the trend while still maintaining that sporty edge. Buyers note that they are double lined, feel like quality and are long enough to provide plenty of coverage.
16. Girl: If your favorite influencer is craving Alo’s soft and beautiful pieces, run. These black shorts are not only cute and trendy, they are also discounted. . . yet!
17. Star of Songs: Get yourself a pair that can do both! Nike’s Dri-Fit Tempo Shorts are really built to withstand workouts and other activities, but they’ll be the pair you reach for when running errands. Rock ’em with a vintage tee and some slides for an outfit that looks on purpose (but takes 30 seconds to pull together).
18. Lay Back and Flatter: Although they’re labeled as loungewear, the strategic seaming and wide waistband make these babies incredibly slim. With tons of neutral, versatile colors to choose from, they’ll have you saying, “Hey, who’s wearing denim shorts?”
Mornings as a working mother do not leave much room for indecision about clothing. I need something that looks sophisticated when I leave school but still feels comfortable enough for a full day of meetings. That’s why I’ve been living in a matching set of Prettygarden shorts. My uniform for going to the river in the morning when it’s chaotic is when I need it […]
