Olivers Classic Sweatshorts Review: More Comfortable Than Your Favorite College Sweatshirt

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The Lowdown

I’ve been wearing the Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts around the house and walking the dogs since the review sample came. Honestly, they feel like I’m wearing a pair of sleep shorts. I love the feel of the material and appreciate the thickness.

Overall
5

Pros

  • Amazingly soft but thick and rugged material
  • Masterful construction
  • Side pockets are deep
  • Thick waistband is comfortable, and the drawstring lets you tighten them if need be
  • Faux Fly gives the shorts a more finished look and makes them a bit more versatile

Cons

  • Their price will give many pause

As we come to the second half of the summer, it’s more important than ever to do everything possible to relax. After all, winter will be here before we know it. For ultimate comfort when hanging out, you definitely want to take a look at the Olivers Classic Sweatshorts; they are super comfy and tough as nails.

Summer is all about casual. We casually dine outside when it isn’t too hot. We casually take after-dinner walks because the sun stays up until well into the evening. And most of all, we like to dress casually because comfort is key when keeping things casual.

These shorts, Olivers’ take on the classic sweatshort, fit the bill. They are ideal for hanging out in the backyard or chilling in front of the television if it’s too hot to be outside.

Model wearing the Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts

The company describes them this way:

A nod to old-school athletics, our Classic Sweatshorts have been updated with 100% Japanese Supima cotton that’s breathable, soft, and durable.

The shorts look great yet feel like the well-worn sweats you’ve had hanging in your closet for years. Let me explain what I mean by that.

I have a sweatshirt from my college days that is going on 40 years old. It was thick and comfortable when I first purchased it, but over the years, it has become even softer AND more durable as wash after wash has caused the cotton fibers to tighten around themselves.

The Olivers Classic Sweatshorts offer a similar feel right out of the package because they are made from a thick 100% Supima cotton that is spun in such a manner that it already has that thick, well-worn feel that I love. Olivers refers to it as “Classic French Terry.”

But while the sweatshorts may FEEL like my classic Duke sweatshirt, they look brand new and are even softer. But don’t be fooled. These shorts are made from a thick fabric that will endure years of use and abuse.

Heavy Hitter: A simple style with boxing roots, our classic sweatshorts have staying power — go ahead and give ’em a beating.

Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts waistband

The shorts have a wide elastic band that keeps them up without feeling pinched or squeezed.

Tie at the Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts waistband

For added security, they have a white drawstring.

Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts

The stitching is substantial, and many seams are double-sewn for longevity.

Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts

The bottom cuffs are turned inward and sewn twice for comfort and durability.

 

The two side pockets are deep, and the open edge is finished similarly to the cuffs. A single back pocket is helpful, but I would be hesitant to put anything valuable there because there is no snap or zipper.

The Olivers name is embroidered on the left leg. The contrasting color makes the name fairly obvious, but it is not too large as to be obnoxious.

Olivers Apparel Classic Sweatshorts

Finally, the faux fly in the front gives them a bit of added “finish.” These aren’t the type of shorts you would wear on a date, but thanks to clever design choices such as a faux fly, you can certainly wear them to run errands or grab a quick bite of lunch.

The shorts are available in three colors: Petrol, Hazelnut, and Grey Melange.

Features include:

  • Japanese Supima
  • Performance Cotton
  • Pill Resistant
  • Color Retention
  • All-Weather
  • Lifestyle Essential

I’ve been wearing the Olivers Classic Sweatshorts around the house and walking the dogs since the review sample came. Honestly, they feel like I’m wearing a pair of sleep shorts. I love the feel of the material and appreciate the thickness.

I’m often shocked at how thin and flimsy most sweatshirts and sweatpants are anymore. The sweats I’ve bought in recent years pale in comparison to the heft and durability of that ancient sweatshirt. The Olivers Classic Sweatshorts buck that trend. They are thick, soft, well made, and comfortable.

They are so comfortable, I’m fact, that I forgot I was wearing them when we were headed out for dinner the other night. Raina gently pointed out I was wearing shorts and said, “Around the house? Yes. Running errands? Yes. Out for date night? Put on something a bit more refined please.”

I did so, but as I reflect on that exchange now, I realize that I would be perfectly happy if I could live in these all year long.

Some may balk at spending $88 on a pair of sweatshorts. I understand that but feel compelled to point out that, thanks to the high-quality materials and construction, for $88, you are buying the last pair of sweatshorts you will ever need.

The Olivers Classic Sweatshorts sell for $88; they are available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Amazingly soft but thick and rugged material; Masterful construction; Side pockets are deep; Thick waistband is comfortable, and the drawstring lets you tighten them if need be; Faux Fly gives the shorts a more finished look and makes them a bit more versatile

What Needs Improvement: Their price will give many pause

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.

2 Comments on "Olivers Classic Sweatshorts Review: More Comfortable Than Your Favorite College Sweatshirt"

  1. Jeane Campbell | August 3, 2022 at 2:18 pm |

    My husband has an old pair of shorts. His go to weekend wear during the summer. These look great. Going to be showing him this review. Thanks. Look better by far than some of the shorts out there.

  2. Jeffrey Smead | September 20, 2022 at 11:01 am |

    looks super comfortable!

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