Your athleisure drawer might be filled with fleecy joggers and oversized pullovers. But now that summer’s (seriously) here, those staples in your wardrobe are fine for lounging in the AC, but more “sweaty mess ” for everything else (they’re called sweatpants for a reason).
That’s not to say you have to ditch your cozy clothes whenever the thermometer rises above 75 degrees. Instead, do a quick survey of your current athleisure wardrobe, and give anything made from cotton (okay, besides your chunky knit cotton sweater) an automatic A+ for summer thanks to its breathability.
Plus, cotton is easy to wash (which fits your carefree, “I’d rather not deal with complicated laundry” summer vibe) and is super durable (so future you will get to take advantage of these summer staples, too).
After your wardrobe assessment, you can add a few cotton-rich summer athleisure items into the mix to help you stay both cozy and cool, and you’ll be ready for your chillest season yet.
Keep scrolling for the summer athleisure staples to add to your collection.
Lululemon Scuba High-Rise Relaxed Jogger Full Length, $118
Sweatpants in the summer are still a good idea (late-night bonfire, anyone?), but it’s all about the fabric. These cotton-rich joggers are lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for cooler summer evenings. To keep them looking (and feeling) summery, pair ’em with a flowy T-shirt or breezy tank.
Outdoor Voices Everyday Shortsleeve, $38
This basic tee is the LBD of your summer athleisure wardrobe. It’s cropped (but not too cropped), boxier than a typical plain tee, and 100 percent cotton. Bonus: Cotton shirts won’t pill like those made from other fabrics might.
MATE Organic Stretch Biker Short, $20
A great multitasker, bike shorts pair perfectly with an oversized T-shirt or sports bra for a workout, but can also be dressed up with a crisp button down if you’re going for a half-dressy, half-comfy look. Plus, 92 percent cotton shorts like this sage pair won’t hang on to sweaty smells from said workout, and will keep their shape longer than other fabrics.
FP Movement Hot Shot Onesie, $70
Putting the emphasis on the “leisure” part of summer athleisure, this roomy jumpsuit is perfect for those WFH days when all you want to do is stay in your PJs. Plus, thanks to the 95 percent cotton fabric, you won’t get too hot if you decide to take a walk during your lunch break.
Lou & Grey Relaxed Softslub Jersey Tank Top, $35
A cute tank is another versatile summer athleisure staple. Pair it with shorts on those love/hate 90 degree days, and throw a sweatshirt over it when you’ll be inside blasting the AC. Oh, and if you want it less cropped or a bit baggier try sizing up—because this 100 percent cotton tank will keep its shape.
Tna Cozy Fleece Boyfriend Crew Sweatshirt, $85
The key to wearing a sweatshirt in the summer? It’s got to be lightweight, loose-fitting, and at least mostly cotton. This on-trend, purple, cotton-blend number checks all three boxes. Plus, the boxy fit makes it super comfy to lounge in all day, while adding some jewelry gives it a structured look for when you want to feel more put together.
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