Harlot update

From the president of Harlot:

"Thanks for the review! Yes, belts help with that short if you are narrow waisted. You’re right - women come in so many shapes that it’s hard to create a short that fits all waist/hip combos. We are actually in the process of designing a new short for 09 that has an integrated waist adjustment system so watch for that next year. It also has a little stash pocket.

Many cheers,

Jennifer"

The next ride...

...wore a belt

It was better like that.

Athleta UPF Performance Polo

At a tech training I once won a Nike golf shirt for women. Not a golfer, I rode in it. The fabric was cool and comfortable, and the polo styling was a welcome break from the boring old cycling jersey. The only problem: it's white. White shirt and brown dirt - you get the picture. Then I found a brown golf shirt in the Athleta catalog.

First Impression: The polo looked exactly like it did in the catalog. It's really lightweight, and feels good on the skin.

Overall Fit: Overall the lines are very feminine and flattering. The bust darts and princess seams make the top form fitting. The length hits at mid-hip on me (I'm relatively tall), leaving plenty of coverage between the polo's hem and the waist of my shorts. I was pleased that the shoulder seam met the arm seam in the same actual place where my arm connects to my broad shoulder. My only complaint is that where these seams join they create a point. The squareness reminded me of epaulettes.

Technical Performance: Very comfortable, didn't inhibit my riding in any way. The eyelet-type knit of the Wick-It™ fabric kept me cool and comfortable. When I took off my pack to put on my gear, I felt an amazing cooling sensation on my back, like the heat and moisture were being lifted right off of me.

The Nutshell
Love, love love:

• overall fit
  


• breathable
  


• ultra-wicking


• attractive color

• attractive lines

Things I'd like to see:

• a rounder shoulder
  

Overall score: 10 out of 10...

...because this polo is great for getting sweaty and dirty, while still looking kinda' girly.

Athleta Drynamic™ Fitness Capri

I have a never ending quest to find fitness wear that fits both my rear and my waist. I have had the unfortunate experience of exposing crack while in certain yoga poses. After receiving the catalog, I decided to give these capris a try.

First Impression: I get bored easily with my clothes, and was tired of pant options in drab colors like black, brown, and olive, so I chose the Berry Swirl. I immediately loved the color when I took them out of the bag.

Overall Fit: The waist fit is perfect. The Drynamic™ fabric stretches in every direction, so the fit was excellent through the hip and over the rear. They hang nicely from the thigh to the bottom seam. My only complaint is that the fabric (possibly the color?) highlighted the not-so-perfect portions of my upper rear thighs.

Technical Performance: These capris really wick! I was so comfortable throughout the Vinyasa flow workout. And no slipping off of my waist! They stayed put and maintained their shape despite the series of bends and twists.

The Nutshell
Love, love love:

• the beautiful color


• the non-binding, yet secure waist band


• breathable


• ultra-wicking


• overall fit
  

Things I'd like to see:

• less snug on the rear and over the upper thigh
  

Overall score: 10 out of 10...

...because it's not Athleta's fault that I've been eating lots of pizza.

Harlot Habit Short

Encouraged by the dream of a cycling shell-style short that wouldn't give me diaper butt, I made the decision to order the black Habit short.
The shorts shipped right away. I ordered them Sunday and was riding in them the following Saturday.
Opening the box, I was amused by the extra touch of wrapping them in red tissue paper. Very Harlot - like indeed.

First impression: I tried them on, and sure enough, no diaper butt. In fact, my girl friends exclaimed, "your ass looks great in those shorts! " I love my girlfriends. I also love the styling of the embroidered logo.

Overall Fit: The waist fit is a bit big. They are made for wear over padded shorts and armor. I did wear them over a Womens Minkman Liner, however, the crotch caught on my saddle when I tried to slide forward at the end of a steep decent. I'll have to get a belt to ride in so I can keep wearing these shorts without crashing when they fall off of my waist. The shorts got bigger as the ride went on.

Technical Performance: At one rest period, I looked down to see that the Dryon™ water repellent finish was doing its job. Tiny beads of sweat sat gingerly upon my thigh, glistening like the morning dew. The shorts stayed dry throughout the three hour ride, and that says a lot. I am known to perspire. I haven't crashed in them, yet, so I'll have to let you know about the abrasion resistance.

The Nutshell

Love, love love:

• fit on the rear


• overall styling


• water repellent
  


• secure and comfortable waist closures
  

Things I'd like to see:

• those snappy things to fasten your under-chamois to the shorts


• Harlot's design of a comfortable and stylish belt to wear with these shorts


• a discreet zipper pocket on the front for little things like lip balm


• integrated waist size adjustment options because hip to waist size ratios vary so greatly from woman to woman
  

Overall score: 8 out of 10...

...because I like my shorts to stay on and not keep me from riding