The 14 Best Lounge Shorts

Behold the perfect casual short with laid-back vibes but a nice, high-quality feel. They’re soft, comfortable, and well-made — plus, they're available in a dozen different colors. The cotton-polyester blend terry is tightly woven with a smooth knit and nubby interior. In addition to two deep pockets and a rolled cuff, a triple-channel drawstring waist and angled back seams show good attention to detail and make these a little more special than the sweat shorts of P.E. classes past.

I personally own these and find them to be fantastically comfy shorts. Having genuinely nice loungewear makes a huge difference even when you have no plans to leave the house. But don't take my word for it: More than 1,100 Amazon reviewers have tested these shorts and given them positive ratings. One fan commented, "These are super comfortable, thick and oh-so-soft fabric. High quality material with evidence great care being taken while making."

Stocking up? Get them in an affordable two-pack instead. Prefer more length? These sweat shorts from BALEAF have a 5-inch inseam that’s not too long.

• Available colors: 12
• Available sizes: Small – X-Large

These breezy shorts look a little bit more finished with their utility-style patch pockets and a wide double-stitched hem, and they come in lots of fun patterns like animal print and tie dye. They're woven from a silky-soft polyester-spandex blend — some colors have more stretch than others according to some reviewers, but they all share an elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring closure. "These shorts are great for wearing casual or dressing up a little. They are super comfortable and the fit is exactly what I was looking for, not too tight and not too baggy," one shopper commented.

• Available colors: 30
• Available sizes: Small – 3X

With a flat elastic waistband and deep pockets, these basic lounge shorts will become your go-to pair for everything from relaxing to running errands. They're made from 100% cotton in a stretchy jersey knit, and they've garnered 22,000 Amazon ratings (and counting!). With a 7-inch inseam, they're long enough to be comfortable but won't make you feel like a camp counselor. "Love these shorts. They fit perfectly and the material thickness and nap are A+. They washed beautifully, kept their shape with no shrinkage," one reviewer reported, who ordered three more pairs and dubbed them "a rare find."

If you prefer a pair of shorts that you can easily dress up, check out these other well-reviewed shorts from Beocut.

• Available colors: 4
• Available sizes: 1X – 5X

These bike shorts pull double duty with their easy fit through the leg and a high waist — all constructed from a moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch. The result? A tailored lounge short that basically feel like leggings and won't stop until you do. The poly-spandex blend is soft and thick, and the heathered colors in the listing have a low dose of cotton mixed in. “I am thrilled with everything about these shorts. They are made of quality material with the style and fit like the pictures.,” a reviewer gushed.

• Available colors: 11
• Available sizes: Small –3X

Go all out in a loungewear set with high-waisted shorts and a matching pullover sweater. In a rayon blend knit, this cute one--and-done set will feel impossibly soft and comfortable. "It’s well made, just as pictured and if it were at Nordstrom it would cost $75," a reviewer pointed out. "Have now bought this in 3 colors. Each time is just as fun as the first. [...]" The shorts are swingy but neither baggy nor bunchy, with an adjustable drawstring and two pockets. The crop top isn't too short (because that's hardly restful) and features a rolled neck and on-trend lantern sleeves. Versions with a knitted short-sleeved top are also available with this listing if you need something lighter.

• Available options: 20
• Available sizes: X-Small – XX-Large

You might have a few shorts like these still hanging out in your dresser drawers. With their no-frills style in a pull-on cut that features a wide elastic waistband, the Soffe cheer short is easy like a Sunday morning. "These are the most comfortable shorts I have ever found!" one fan noted. "I have been wearing these since I was a teen, and I am in my late 30s now and still go for these. Perfect for lounging, running errands, or can even be dressed up for a casual outing." In a 50/50 cotton and polyester blend, they'll stay soft for years no matter how many times you toss them in the wash, according to reviewers.

Best of all, you can stock up in a convenient two-pack in the same link. Soffe even offers plus sizes of the same exact style as well. As one reviewer noted, "I LOVE these! I need them in every color."

• Available colors: 90
• Available sizes: X-Small – X-Large

Over 7,000 Amazon shoppers have tested out these cute lounge shorts and many praised them for their softness, style, and hidden pockets. They're made from the same polyester-spandex blend as those famously buttery-soft leggings, and numerous reviews noted they hold up to repeated washings. The high pleated waist is plenty roomy without bagging, and is surprisingly versatile."These are my new favorite shorts," one fan declared. "They are so soft and comfy. Comfy enough to lounge around my house in, but stylish and cute enough to wear out. I am going to order another pair or two right away."

• Available colors: 50
• Available sizes: Small — Medium, Large — X-Large

These 2-in-1 flowy fitness shorts have a double-layer design. While the outer layer is free and flowing (giving off the same aesthetic of a fashionable tennis skirt), the inside liner is made from stretchy spandex-like material that won’t ride up. One reviewer notes, that these shorts are “great to workout in doing any kind of exercise” while also describing them as “comfortable & flattering.” The shorts are made of 85% polyester and 15% Rayon — which is known for being quick drying, comfortable, and breathable. You can dress these shorts up or down by pairing them with a cute sports bra, bodysuit, or even an oversized sweatshirt. In the reviews, multiple shoppers claim they’ve come back to purchase this skirt again in multiple colors.

• Available colors: 23
• Available sizes: X-Small — XXL

Perfect for the beach, a weekend on the couch, or running errands — these sweat shorts will provide you with optimal comfort and style. They’re made with a soft fabric and an oversized fit that’s easy to slip on for running errands or lounging inside. These come in a bunch of different graphic designs, including this patchwork bandana-style pair.

• Available colors: 15
• Available sizes: X-Small — 4X

Whether you’re lounging or working out, these running shorts can pull double duty. These are designed with a wide waistband and built-in pockets that reviewers say are big enough for a cell phone, chapstick, or your keys. This pair has a 5-inch rise that makes them a bit longer than standard running shorts. These come in a range of pastel colors and classic neutrals.

• Available colors: 16
• Available sizes: X-Small — 4X

If you’re looking for comfort and length, Dibaolong’s bermuda shorts offer that. Over 2,500 Amazon customers give these shorts a five-star rating with one shopper raving, “I chose this to be one of the many shorts that I already have. But it turns out to be my most favorite one now.” You’ll notice these shorts are super soft and limit chafing made from a blend of polyester cotton and spandex. And while most of the shorts on this list do come with pockets, these shorts have an additional pocket on the back as well.

• Available colors: 15
• Available sizes: Small — 4X

Whether you’re shopping for shorts to lounge around in, sleep in, or work out in, according to one reviewer, these Real Essentials shorts are “perfect for all three!” Even Mario Lopez endorses Real Essentials and their “super comfortable and versatile wardrobe staples.” You can order these shorts in sets of three which are offered in a variety of colors and sizes. If three isn’t enough, you can order a 4-pack of the brand’s 100% polyester mesh shorts. Customers love these shorts for their “comfortable fit” and also the size of the pockets.

• Available colors: 6 sets
• Available sizes: Small — 3X

These nostalgic shorts have dolphin-style piping on the pockets and hem and come in dozens of saturated shades and kicky prints. They're made in the same super-soft fabric as Leggings Depot's bestselling pants, in a poly-spandex blend with four-way stretch. "I cannot believe how soft these are. I admit to just petting them for a few minutes when I first received them," a fan confided, adding that they fit perfectly. "Not too loose but loose enough for comfort...I'm going to pick up a pair of leggings because I love the material so much."

• Available colors: 43
• Available sizes: Small — 3X

Bamboo fiber is widely known for being super soft and cooling. If you’re trying to stay comfortable on days when it’s scorching hot out, these WiWi bamboo shorts will do the job. They’re the type of shorts comfortable enough to sleep in that you won’t want to ever take them off. Shoppers rave about how light they feel against their skin while also noting how the bamboo blend of these shorts has a draping effect making them “soft, smooth, and breathable” to wear. Others reviewers attest that these don’t feel tight around the waist like some other shorts do — although you may want to size up. These bamboo shorts are available in over 20 colors and styles!

• Available colors: 26
• Available sizes: Small — 4X