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ST 04 Essence Black – sweat shorts in black stretch cotton
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Shorts

ST 04 Essence Black

300 g/m² stretch cotton

€69
4.7 16 reviews

Choose quantity

More pieces, better value.

Choose your size

Relaxed fit, close waistband. Between sizes? Go one size up.

Size guide

Find your size.

Relaxed fit, close waistband. Between sizes? Go one size up.

ST 04 · measurements in cm

S M L XL XXL
1Waist relaxed 35 38 41 44 47
2Hip 50 53 56 59 62
3Inseam 10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5
4Leg opening 30 31 32 33 34
Waist stretched 44 47 50 53 56
Front rise 30 31 32 33 34
Back rise 42 43 44 45 46
Thigh 32 33.5 35 36.5 38
Waistband 4 4 4 4 4
Back pocket 14 × 16.5 14 × 16.5 14.5 × 17 14.5 × 17 15 × 17.5

Measurements are taken flat, from seam to seam. Compare them with a similar pair you already own.

Compare with what you already have

  1. Lay your shorts flat on a surface. Smooth the fabric without stretching it, then compare each measurement with the table above.
  2. Measure the numbered points as in the drawing and pick the size that comes closest.
How to measure each point

1Waist Measure across the top of the waistband from one side to the other. For the stretched waist, gently extend the elastic waistband without forcing it.

2Hip Measure across the shorts 20 cm below the waistband.

3Inseam Measure from the crotch along the inside seam down to the bottom of the leg.

4Leg opening Measure flat from seam to seam across the bottom of the leg.

Front rise Measure from the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband at the front..

Back rise Measure from the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband at the back.6. ThighMeasure flat at the cross seam.

Our team is happy to help Talk to one of us
  • Ships next working day, delivered the day after
  • Free delivery from €150 with DHL
  • Wrong size? Exchange it for free

How does it fit?

Small
Large

Between sizes? Take the bigger one.

Wesley is 185 cm / 6'1 and wearing size M

Frequently bought together.

Description

Sweat shorts get worn more than almost anything you own and are usually made as though that matters least. The ST 04 is cut relaxed and falls clean above the knee, in a heavyweight stretch cotton at 300 g/m² that hangs instead of clinging. Pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. Pair it with a tee for a set. Off duty, still put together.

Premium features
  • Heavyweight stretch cotton. Holds its shape, soft against the skin.
  • 300 g/m². The fabric hangs instead of clinging, also after washing.
  • Elasticated waistband for everyday comfort.
  • Relaxed fit with a clean fall above the knee.
  • Composition: 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane.
  • Made in Turkey. Designed in the Netherlands.
Show all 8 features
  • Easy to pair with ETQ T shirts for a clean set.
  • Pre washed to reduce shrinkage.
Size & fit
Wesley is 185 cm / 6'1 and wearing size M

A relaxed cut with a close-fitting waistband. Take your usual size, or go one size up if you're between sizes.

View size guide

Material info

Weight you can feel. Knitted at 300 g/m2 from 95% cotton with 5% elastane. The cotton gives it a dense, structured hand and a smooth, clean surface. The elastane lets it move with you and pull back into shape, wash after wash. Substantial on the body, soft on the skin, made for daily wear.

Care
  • Wash cold on a gentle cycle, inside out with similar colours
  • Do not tumble dry
  • Iron inside out on low heat
  • Wash only when needed
Shipping & Delivery

Order before 23:59 and we ship your order the same working day.

Prefer to collect your order? Choose a pick-up point near you at checkout.

Good to know

  • We ship on working days. On New Year’s Day, King’s Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, we take a day off.
  • Delivery times are a guide. Very occasionally it takes a day longer, for example while your payment is still being processed.
  • We don’t deliver to PO boxes.

Insured in transit

Your order is insured until it reaches you. Sometimes we ask for a signature on delivery; from then on, the parcel is your responsibility. If someone else signs for you, their signature counts as proof of delivery.

Ordering from outside the EU?

Outside the EU (except the UK), you don’t pay Dutch VAT: the 21% comes off your order automatically at checkout, as soon as you enter your address or switch country or currency. Import duties and local taxes aren’t included; the carrier collects them on delivery (DDU). We can’t calculate or cover them in advance, so check with your local customs office what to expect.

Questions about shipping? Our customer service is happy to help.

Returns & exchanges

Return or exchange until 31 December

Ordered from 1 November? Register your return or exchange in our return portal by 31 December. You always keep at least 14 days after delivery. Exchanging for another size is free.

Good to know

  • Send your items back clean and unworn, with their tags and packaging. That way we can process them quickly.
  • Underwear can only be returned with the seal intact.
  • Returning more than one item? We charge a €2 handling fee for each extra item.
  • You can also send your return with your own carrier. Even so, we recommend our return portal: if your parcel goes missing on the way, we’re responsible, and we process your return faster. We can’t reimburse the cost of your own carrier.
  • Price difference because of a promotion? We make up for it with a voucher.
  • If an item doesn’t meet these conditions, we may refund it in part or not at all.

Returning from outside the EU?

Outside the EU (except the UK), any import duties or taxes on your return are yours to pay. More about returns

What our customers say
when wearing it

  • Christian

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 12/08/2026

    Fit: Runs large

    I live in these

    Perfect shorts for lounging or heading out. They dress up and down effortlessly. Super comfortable with a great elastic waistband — you’d never guess how put-together they look given how comfortable they feel. Heads up: the “Desert Taupe” color is not the same as ETQ’s other Desert Taupe. This one leans much more green than the usual ETQ brown. The color itself is great, just misleading if you’re expecting a match (though it matches perfect with the T-shirt). Would love to see the same silhouette in pants so I can keep wearing them once the weather cools down.

  • Annelies

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 26/07/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Great service

    High-quality shorts—great color, great fit. I had to exchange the shorts because they were too small. The return period had expired, but after a phone call, everything was taken care of by an extremely friendly employee. Kudos!

  • Bjorn

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 16/07/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Comfortable shorts

    Well-fitting, minimalist shorts. Shorter than chino shorts, but that’s actually nice in this weather. Comfortable fabric. The color matches the selection of T-shirts. Stylish and easy to pair with other items. Delivered quickly.

  • Ludovic

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 12/07/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Comfort and Quality

    Stunning, high-quality shorts—stylish and casual

  • Bastiaan

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 11/07/2026

    Good

    Good and comfy

All customer reviews (16)
  • S

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 08/07/2026

    Fit: True to size

    I'm really happy with it

    It was a gift, and the recipient is very happy with it!

  • Bart

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 06/07/2026

    He's doing great

    He's doing great

  • Danny

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 06/07/2026

    Awesome!!

    It's so comfortable!

  • Kevin

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 06/07/2026

    Fit: Runs small

    Short

    Nice pants, really comfortable. I did go a size larger than my usual size, though, because otherwise I find them too short.

  • Bart

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 24/06/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Shorts

    Comfortable fit, good quality, and a zipper pocket so you don't lose your keys

  • S

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 23/06/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Beautiful

    Great fit and excellent quality. Runs true to size.

  • Yves

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 22/06/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Great quality and service

    Delivered very quickly, and the issue was handled very well

  • Remy

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 15/06/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Perfect

    Great shorts! They also have a zipper so your cell phone doesn't fall out of your pocket when you sit down. Comfortable fabric and a great fit.

  • Mark

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 12/06/2026

    Fit: Runs small

    Shorts

    Great pair of shorts would buy again.

  • Bobby

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 08/06/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Nice fit for every day use

  • Ruud

    Verified Buyer

    ★★★★★ · 12/10/2026

    Fit: True to size

    Black isn’t black anymore

    An honest review after a few times wearing. The black fades out and becomes brown.this only after a couple of times wearing as i have ordered a few other shorts as well. Black tshirt is holding up well but this short is rubbish. Customer service says its normal wear. Never would buy this specific short again in black.

Made by specialists.

No single factory does everything well. So we don’t ask one to. Every piece is built by the maker who masters that exact craft — the cut, the cloth, the finish. Chosen for skill, never convenience. It shows in how it’s made, and in how long it lasts.

See how it's made

Product design, not fashion.

From our Dutch studio we don’t reinvent each season. We refine. The same items, made better every time. The wardrobe you keep, not the trend you replace.

Our fabrics.

What we use, why we chose it and what it asks of you.

Read more

Questions about the ST 04 Essence

How does the ST 04 fit?

A relaxed shape with a close-fitting waistband and a clean fall above the knee. Take your usual size, or go one size up if you are between sizes.

What is the fabric like?

Heavyweight stretch cotton at 300 g/m²: 95% cotton, 5% elastane. Dense enough to hold a shape and soft enough to wear against the skin. Heavy enough that the fabric hangs instead of clinging, and it stays that way after washing.

Will it shrink?

It is pre-washed to reduce shrinkage, and the fabric stays the same weight and hang after washing.

How do returns work if it doesn't fit?

Open our return portal and choose your new size: it ships as soon as your return is on its way, and you don't need to place a new order. Prefer a different colour or model? Choose store credit and order again, or choose a refund. Costs per country are on our returns page.

Is there a warranty on my ETQ product?

Yes, manufacturing defects are covered by the statutory warranty. Something not right? Send us a photo and your order number and we’ll find a solution together. Normal wear and damage from use are not covered.

Do you have a store?

We don't have our own store: ETQ is online only. You order here and try everything on at home. If it isn't right, you can exchange or return it through our return portal.

Something not right? Tell us.

We’ll sort it out with you. And it goes back to the studio, so the next version is better.

  • We’re here for you

    Something not quite as you hoped? We’ll look at it together.

  • Between two sizes

    Tell us what you normally wear and we’ll give you our honest advice.

  • Send a photo

    With your order number. We’ll look at it and tell you what we see.

  • A solution that suits you

    We’ll find what works for you, not what’s easiest for us.

Questions about this model?

Get a direct answer about the ST 04 Essence Black: size, material, care and more.

Our team is happy to help Talk to one of us

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