So, these used to be sold locally at a department store. I should note, up front, that the ones that used to be sold there, which I bought over four years ago now, show minimal signs of wear, despite constant use and countless washings.
When I bought them, I loved them, but, when I went to buy another few pairs, just a month later, they were no longer being sold. I looked all over, and could not find them anywhere. Crisis! I thought Russell Athletic simply stopped making them. So, I got stuck with other shorts since these ones seemed gone for good.
Of what was available, I bought and used other options, but didn't like any of them and ran into issues such as: hanging down to the knees like basketball shorts, made of either too thick of material, or not 100% cotton material (usually a mix of synthetic materials, or some kind of filmy polyester stuff that didn't breathe at all, like cotton does), awkward fit (too bulky or too restrictive), crummy elastic (too tight, too loose, or the worst — exposed elastic that is scratchy on the skin), etc.
It's hard to tell, on here, what any of the shorts will really be like, but I took a shot on these, since they seemed closest to what I bought years ago, and I was super happy, upon buying one pair, to discover that these are EXACTLY the shorts I used to be able to buy. THANKS AMAZON! I just bought three more pairs, in case they do stop getting made at some point.
Personally, I lounge/sleep in them, as well as work out in them. They are just super comfortable and, I don't know, I'm just picky about stuff like socks and underwear and shorts, lol, and especially I like something just right for sleeping, since I just wear these (I'm a picky dude I guess, since I won't wear just anything, and when I find something I like, I pretty much don't want anything else, so it's been a frustration to only have two pairs of these awesome shorts).
They are somewhat thin, so they are perfect for sleeping and working out because they don't get too hot. The waist band is covered elastic, and soft. It is a strong waistband without at all being tight or restricting. I have never needed the draw string. Pockets aren't really necessary, but are well made and don't get in the way — and do come in handy sometimes.
Length is perfect, like gym shorts from the old days, coming down to slightly above the knee. They give plenty of room for full range of motion, but are not at all baggy or cumbersome.
As I say, they are great for working out, as well as sleeping, and it was awful to only have a few pairs, since I wind up having to use shorts I don't like once these are in the wash (with my crazy schedule, my laundry stacks a bit before I can take time to get to it, and I really miss having these while they in the clothes bin!). Because I like them so much, I have worn and washed them like a zillion times, so it's a testament to their quality that, four years on, those old ones are in such great shape.
I bought the J. Navy color (not sure what the "J" is for?) and they are 100% Cotton, just like the ones I used to be able to buy. Be advised that some colors are apparently NOT 100% Cotton, for whatever reason, so choose color accordingly.
As I said, my two pairs from four years ago are still going strong. Only in the past month or so has the elastic started to loosen, a little bit, but still not to the point that I need the drawstring, so these bad boys wear like IRON. I think I paid fifteen bucks a pair, four years ago, and on here they are less than ten bucks! Pretty darn good for shorts that are this sturdy, plus are perfectly comfortable.
Bottom line, I highly recommend these! It's hard to find 100% cotton for some reason in shorts like this, and, like I say, there are a lot of variations in material and fit that I don't at all like, so I'm sure I'll be ordering up more of these, lol, for the end of the world or whatever. Even though these last for years, I like them enough that I'm happy to keep some tucked away. They're just the perfect shorts!
Oh, and size is true. I wear a large, in terms of size, and I ordered the large, and it fits just right.
