As the social media push to ‘wear the damn shorts’ prevails, countless content creators showcase their coolest cut-off co-ords. And while my love for jorts will never wane, I’m more than a little obsessed with the latest fashion spin on retro sports shorts.

Why? Just take a look at these fits. Relaxed, yet achingly cool. Led by the revived love for the Adidas Originals Firebird and 3 Stripes Sprinter shorts, the style set is giving the sporty look a glamover. Paired with oversized shirts, pretty blouses and heeled flip-flops, and with no finishing line in sight, these cute track shorts have never looked so chic.

Catwalk inspo came from the likes of Dries Van Noten, whose collection felt like an homage to ’70s gym class and ’80s track culture, while Lacoste embraced a tennis-club revival. Even premium fashion label Reformation has collaborated with Umbro to create a luxe sporty range, all perfectly timed to coincide with the World Cup. For me, this is all about laid-back everyday style; it’s about making comfort chic and real. To dive into this trend, I’d start with Adidas shorts and then check out the sexy selection at Free People, and obviously Topshop for its fashion take on sports shorts. Just do it.

Person wearing red Adidas shorts with white stripes and a blue crop top, showing midriff. Embracing current fashion trends, they accessorise with bracelets on their wrist and rest their hand on their hip. The background is plain white—an outfit that stands out as one of the best denim alternatives this season.
Three Stripe Sprinter Shorts
Adidas Originals, £38
A person in a white jumper and red alternate shorts stands outdoors by a scoreboard, listening to music with wired earphones, with trees and blue sky in the background—a fresh take on summer fashion.
FP Movement Trail Angel Shorts
Free People, £44
A person wearing yellow sports shorts with green trim and a black patch reading “Let’s Frans,” paired with a light pink frilled top, effortlessly showcases alternative outfits that reflect the latest fashion trends.
Football Mini Shorts
Iets Frans, £29
A woman in a grey sweatshirt with lace cuffs and green shorts stands against a purple textured background, showcasing one of this season’s must-see fashion trends: stylish denim alternatives.
Austen Run Short
The Upside, £89.99
A person wearing alternative green shorts with white mesh panels and a white lace-trimmed top stands in front of a beige brick wall, holding a bunch of flowers, showcasing their unique fashion sense.
FP Movement Way To Play Shorts
Free People, £78
A woman in a swimming costume and denim shorts leans on a stack of green surfboards in front of a yellow and white striped wall, effortlessly showcasing one of this season’s laid-back fashion trends.
Mini Shorts With Side Stripes
Zara, £17.99
A woman stands against a neutral background wearing a loose blue striped button-down shirt, black athletic shorts with white trim, and black flats—offering chic fashion alternatives for casual summer outfits. She has one hand in her pocket and a relaxed expression.
Chocolate Brown Satin Runner Shorts
Next, £29
A young woman outdoors wears a black cap, a dark cropped T-shirt, and brown shorts with yellow stripes, effortlessly showcasing denim alternatives in current fashion trends. She holds a mobile or device, looking off to the side, with rocks and greenery in the background.
FP Movement Trail Angel Shorts
Free People, £44
A person wearing a light yellow mesh polo shirt and matching shorts with Fila logos and 1911 text on the shirt, posing with one hand on their hip in front of a neutral background—a fresh take on summer fashion that stands out as one of the top denim alternatives for warm-weather style.
Imperia Mesh Shorts
Fila, £40
A woman with long curly hair wears a blue shirt over a white crop top, embracing fashion trends with her brown Adidas shorts, white socks, and brown loafers. She stands against a plain background, holding a striped shoulder bag.
Firebird Shorts
Adidas Originals, £35
A woman in sunglasses wears a striped sleeveless top, matching alternative shorts with side stripes, black sandals, and holds a black clutch bag. She stands against a plain white wall.
Striped Shorts
Topshop, £26
A woman stands against a white wall wearing a maroon sports bra, matching shorts, a lavender jumper draped over her shoulders, and cream trainers with red stripes—an effortlessly cool take on alternative fashion. She looks sideways with one hand in her pocket, showcasing inspiration for summer outfits.
Active by Abercrombie Track Short
Abercrombie & Fitch, £45

Sports shorts are no longer reserved for the gym, they’re a serious summer fashion essential.

A person wearing a loose maroon long-sleeve top and matching shorts with white piping stands against a plain wall, posing with one hand on their neck and wearing large black sunglasses. Perfect for those seeking effortless summer outfits or unique fashion alternatives to classic denim shorts.
Sports Piping Detail Shorts
Topshop, £28
A woman stands against a plain background wearing a grey strapless top, bright orange alternatives to denim shorts, clear sandals, and carrying a woven tote bag. Her hair is long and curly—a fresh take on summer fashion.
Patagonia W’s Barely Baggies Shorts
Reformation, £85
A woman with long blonde hair wears an off-the-shoulder maroon top and light pink Adidas shorts with navy stripes and trim, standing against a plain white background—a stylish example of how denim alternatives are becoming popular in current fashion trends.
Sprinter Shorts
Adidas Originals, £38
A person stands against a white wall wearing a cream blazer, a matching top, cream shorts with black trim—a chic option for those seeking denim alternatives in summer fashion—and black slip-on shoes. The outfit is elegant yet casual, and the person has their hair tied back.
Contrast-piped Satin Track Shorts
Cos, £75
A woman in sunglasses, a tan and beige jumper, and red shorts stands on a city pavement holding a purple bag. Showcasing summer fashion with stylish denim alternatives, she wears heeled sandals; a person stands behind her near the street, and buildings and trees are in the background.
Scottie Short
Reformation X Umbro, £148
A person wearing a navy athletic outfit stands holding a yellow and black football under one arm, looking at the camera. Showcasing one of this season's standout fashion trends, the sporty ensemble offers fresh inspiration for those seeking denim alternatives. The background is plain and white.
Cleopatra Short
The Upside, £99.99
A person with short blond hair wears a white lace top with a bow and black Adidas sports shorts, looking down while holding part of their shirt—showcasing one of the stylish alternatives to denim shorts that are redefining today’s fashion trends.
3-Stripes Woven Shorts
Adidas, £23
A woman wearing a leopard print vest top, black athletic shorts with white stripes on the side—a stylish alternative to denim shorts—and flip-flops stands with her hands behind her back against a white background.
Ultra Side Stripe Workout Shorts
P.E Nation, £70
Woman with wavy hair wearing a light grey vest and navy blue shorts with light blue stripes stands sideways, looking at the camera against a plain background—showcasing one of this season’s best denim alternatives in line with current fashion trends.
Daily Practice Pull-On Shorts
Anthropologie, £68
Fashion, Trending Fashion

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.

Want to receive more great articles like this every day? Join our daily email now