One item of clothing that we've seen plastered on our Instagram feeds (and every single festival we've attended this year) are retro athletic shorts. Track shorts, but make it fashion, a key ingredient to 'blokecore', a term coined by the fashion pack to describe the trend of '90s sportswear, kagoules and terrace-ready suede trainers. But before you fish your dad's old football shorts out the attic and call it a day, let's talk about how to style them.
Inspired by classic British football fashion, the resurgence of sport in fashion is hardly news. Vintage football shirts from the 70s, windbreakers and baggy athletic-style shorts have been having a moment, thanks mainly to Instagram micro trends (think football boot ballerina flats, yes they're a thing), a healthy dose of nostalgia for retro styles and activewear brands', slow but sure, domination of the high-street. Note the Adidas x Wales Bonner collaborations or, more recently, Adidas' collection with beloved-bloke-band, Oasis, both of which quickly sold out.
But, what makes this trend so popular? First and foremost, it's the versatility. You can pair the sporty staple with a plain graphic tee and trainers (a la Emily Ratajkowski) just as easily as you can style it with a crisp white shirt or tank top and oversized blazer. Footwear is also a key element when it comes to track shorts; boots or heeled mules say give an element of glam, while trainers or ballet flats offer up a more casual vibe. In short (excuse the pun) it's pretty much anything goes for this trend, the more eclectic your outfit, the better. Take note from fashion editor, Harriet Davey, who paired her burgundy Adidas runners with a lace-trim tie-front top, crochet beach bag and red flip-flops.
It's not just Emily Ratajowski who has embraced the athletic short trend. Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa have worn the trend for their several off-duty streetwear looks, and there's no sign of the trending waning.
So, from Adidas' iconic Adicolour 3-Stripes Sprinters to the retro-vibe, Adidas Originals satin pair, here are all the best athletic shorts to shop now...
Shop: The Best Athletic Adidas Shorts
www.asos.com
The classic Adidas shorts, made from a soft tricot material to keep you comfortable - whether you're wearing them to the gym, or out and about. For contrast, pair these with a more feminine top (think satin camis and lace) and don't forget to add a trusty pair of Adidas trainers too.
www.next.co.uk
Satin adidas shorts add a more retro feel to the usual track shorts, this pair are available in cool green, punchy orange, cute pastel pink or go-with-everything black.
www.asos.com
If you like the burgundy version, there's also the reverse colourway in cream with burgundy details. Made from comfy poly tricot, this fabric gives a slight sheen for a retro feel.
Net-A-Porterwww.endclothing.com
In luminous yellow, the Adidas sprinter shorts are a techy take on the retro style. Wear with tank tops and ballet flats for an sport summer outfit.
SKIMSskims.com
Look to the Adidas x Sporty & Rich collaboration for easy to wear athleisure pieces, these cream and green running shorts are made from super soft pique jersey fabric for added comfort.
Selfridgeswww.freepeople.com
Check out Free People's activewear collection for plenty of sporty options. These basket ball style shorts will be your every day go-to for hot days.
Adidaswww.thereformation.com
For two trends in one, look to Reformation's athletic shorts made using 100% deadstock nylon in summery butter yellow.
Ganniwww.ganni.com
For a fashion girl take on the trend look to Ganni's mesh runner shorts in ice blue (currently 50% off) wear with a vintage sweatshirt for an off-duty model aesthetic.
The Outnetwww.mytheresa.com
For something a little more comfortable, look for super soft jersey fabric. Gucci's ice white offering, with contrasting waistband, wear with a polo shirt and suede trainers for an outfit fit for Wimbledon.
Julia Harvey has been Grazia’s shopping editor for four years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, interiors, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.