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Windbreaker shorts are having a moment—these are the best

The revival of windbreaker shorts was not on our 2026 bingo card, but alas, they've become a pillar of athleisure. First popularized in the '80s and '90s, the lightweight, swishy bottoms were known for bold, color-blocked designs reserved for the gym. Still, it wasn't long before style icons like Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw pushed the boundaries, wearing the silhouette with kitten heels and a crop top. It's all about knowing how to style the retro shell cutoffs. If you're craving nostalgia and ready to give windbreaker shorts a try, click through for 15 elevated picks.


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The revival of windbreaker shorts was not on our 2026 bingo card, but alas, they've become a pillar of athleisure. First popularized in the '80s and '90s, the lightweight, swishy bottoms were known for bold, color-blocked designs reserved for the gym. Still, it wasn't long before style icons like Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw pushed the boundaries, wearing the silhouette with kitten heels and a crop top. It's all about knowing how to style the retro shell cutoffs. If you're craving nostalgia and ready to give windbreaker shorts a try, click through for 15 elevated picks.
 
 
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