women's active wear reviews

Loeka's Second chance

2008-09-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Caught on my saddle on descents. Grrrr...however, I know two other women who don't have the great variation between hip and waist, who LOVE theirs. And they look good on them, too!

I'm using them now for riding to and from the beach when I swim. They are great for that! Quick drying, soft, and work over bikini bottoms.

Sombrio LA NINA Freeride Knicker

2008-09-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

An awesome pal, and superior endurance rider, is moving to Hawaii. Because of this, I was the lucky recipient of the Sombrio knickers, because she said they just would be too hot in Hawaii.

First Impression: Great color, nice stretch, and wow, a huge amount of spandex mixed with nylon. Cool styling, nice lines. I saw them on three friends before I tried them on. They hung well on everyone, but fit me the best! The swirly graphic on the lower leg and printed mesh on the zip vents were a nice aesthetic touch.

Overall Fit: the usual fit issue that I have with the waist, and I was concerned when I saw that Sombrio's solution was to wear a belt. Why, why why do they think we all want to wear belts? However, great fit over the rear, no diaper butt over my Swobo Womens Technical Liner: OS 11. I was super excited to try them out.

Technical Performance: I rode them up to my favorite quick loop on a cool evening . Easy climb, little launches, high banked turns. I did a little photo session along the climb, placing my camera in the back pocket. This pocket protected the camera from my sweat, was easy to access, and never caused a thought. The fabric is giving, the pocket flexible, and I was able to keep the camera on my outer side, never having it interfere with my pack or getting close to the saddle. Before the ride, I was worried that they would catch on my saddle on the downhills like others have done in the past on this very trail, but no problem! The final refreshing surprise was the pull-cord on the legs. They are knee length on me, so I decided to try to secure them tightly over my leg armour. They crept up a little, but stayed over the armor the whole decent, giving me full coverage in case of a crash. They also seem to be water-resistant, as droplets beaded up on the outside of the short. I only was irritated once when I felt my belt buckle rub on my skin.

The Nutshell Love, love love:

overall stretch and resilience of the fabric

full coverage and protection

worked well over my chamois

attractive color

attractive lines

Things I'd like to see:
better fit for big bottomed girls, but, hey, that never happens in the mass market...maybe an integrated waist adjustment, because I HATE wearing belts when I ride, and so do a lot of my friends.

Overall score: 10 out of 10...because I haven't experienced anything like this fabric - awesome! I can't wait until winter!

Fox Racing Womens Sierra Short #26068

2008-08-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

We've got a guest reviewer this go-round. She's a friend of mine,

an excellent rider and had an opinion to share. Here it is:

"First Impression

Nice light fabric
Appealing accents that are feminine without going overboard
Available in a very nice grey and a deep brown color

Overall fit

I am a 30” waist and 40” hip and I found the Medium to fit well. As I tested that squatting off the back of the bike position for unwanted draftiness, I was pleased to find these shorts gave no hint of the dreaded plumbers crack. Next I did a turn in the mirror, to make sure I didn’t look like I needed a wide load sign and the shorts earned a extra point for flattering cut. I should have expected as much from a company like Fox. Now down to the important stuff. The length on the shorts was good for freeride shorts, falling just at the knee on my 5’4” frame. The outer fabric felt light enough to not chafe like heavy DH Azonics will on a hot day, but still strong enough to offer some protection. The built in liner short was a light fabric with venting that seemed to promise excellent wicking and had a nice soft feel. The chamois was the only component of the shorts that gave me pause in the dressing room. The chamois was not held in place well by the built in short and was fighting to resume the shape it had been folded into during shipping, it was a bit like a diaper wedge. However, most chamois require a little break in time so I was willing to withhold judgment until I had a bit of ride time into the chamois.

Technical Performance:

I have used these shorts on at least 10-15 rides in areas varying from the somewhat rocky steep and climbing portions of Skeggs to the swoopy, hippy areas of UC with drops, jumps and other fun silliness. I was pleased overall with the performance of the shorts. They did what freeride shorts should do, protect my soft girly skin while staying the hell out of my way and keeping me cool. The fabric did not chafe, and the inner short wicked well. My only disappointment is that so far despite having 20+ hours and 10+ washings in the shorts the chamois is still stubbornly riding up my tukas. Admittedly, I don’t notice it too much while climbing. However, any time there is a long standing DH section or when we stop to regroup, I feel the intense need to pick the chamois out of my butt.

The Nutshell

Great fit
Good fabric
Functional while looking good
Not black, ;)
Chamois needs tweaking

Things I'd like to see:

These shorts overall are great. The chamois is a bit of a buzzkill, but I suspect the chamois is not at fault. It seems like the wicking material they used for the built in short does not have enough elastic strength to hold the chamois flat and in place the way a pair of road shorts does. In their next revision of this short, I would love to see them resolve this issue with a different fabric or maybe a removable or separate inner short."

Alas, my gal pal gave it no score, so here's my best guess:

8 out of 10, because you should never have to think about your chamois.

From Loeka:

2008-07-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

"Hi Dawn,
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate all the feedback. It helps us improve our clothes for the future. Thanks again. Rory Harmse"

I say, thanks Rory and Loeka for making cute stuff and venturing into this market. I do truly love the fabrics and the styling. Loeka is well on its way...

Loeka update

2008-07-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

It was pointed out to me that these are freeride shorts, and they will perform differently than cross country shorts.

Since I took 'em on an XC ride, next time I'll take 'em on a freeride. As soon as my ride gets back from the mechanic, you'll hear back on how they perform in their intended game.

Loeka Tech Shell Short - Digger

2008-07-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

While cruising the Sea Otter Classic booths this past spring, my eye was caught by Loeka. The fabrics and design were unique and attractive. I stopped to have a chat with Rory, the owner, about how to find Loeka products, based in Canada, near me. Alas, there are no brick and mortar retailers in Nor Cal, but there are some U.S. online retailers. I eventually chose to risk not being able to try them on, and order from Freeride Foundation because not only are these women retailers, they are active in racing and promoting women's cycling.

First Impression: beautiful chocolate color with nice pink, but not too pink, contrast stitching. The polyester woven fabric is really soft, and feels good on the skin. Cute rear pockets with flap closures and a subtle logo on the left.

Overall Fit: According to their size chart, I'd wear a small. I can't help but wonder in what other universe I'd wear a small. It seems that many of the women's baggies producers have taken the movement toward vanity sizing to an extreme. I could not trust that I was a small, so I ordered a medium and a small. The small fit my waist, but was tight on the upper thighs and lower butt. I'd say the size chart is accurate if you do not have a large ass, like mine. The medium was big all over, but especially in the front waist. The waist size adjustment system is two pieces of black webbing that secure with a buckle in the front, and are about half the width of the waist band. Although this "belt" passes through two belt loops, it rides up above the waist band and cuts into the belly, leaving the waist gaping below. This will not happen if the waist fits exactly, or close to it, but that never happens to me in any garment because my hips and rear far exceed my waist.

Technical Performance: I took the medium out on a cross country ride on a warm evening, putting them over my favorite chamois, as recommended.Very comfortable and very wicking. Alas, they were a bit big, and friction did occur between the shell and my liner. The inner thighs rode up as I pedaled on climbs. I had a hard time sliding freely on my saddle. At the end of the ride, my girlfriend declared, "Those are too big for you. Give them to me!" which I think speaks to both the crazy sizing and the attractiveness of the design.

The Nutshell
Love, love, love

wicking
great feeling fabric
attractive color

Things I'd like to see:

side waist adjustment system, or an integrated belt that matches the width of the waist band
a size small-and-a-half OR the big booty version

Overall score: 8 out of 10... because the bizarre sizing and lack of a comfortable waist adjustment system.

Swobo Update

2008-06-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, I love a vendor who responds with such charm:

"Thanks for saying all of the very kind words about the shorts.
They were so compelling in fact, they made me want to be a lady.

Ill link your blog in the next day or so on howtoavoidthebummerlife.com
so the world knows were not just a boys club.

Again, many thanks,
Stevil"

And, please Mr. Stevil, stay manly. We girls like it like that.

Swobo Womens Baggy Short Combo-Union 1.0

2008-06-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

I can't help loving Swobo. So fun, so maverick, and so cute! T hese are my first baggies ever purchased, and my favorite thus far.

First Impression: Uh, Swobo, these don't look like the picture on your website. Even after I emailed them about it, months ago, my charcoal and gangreen shorts still don't look like the picture on the website. Still, I tried them on, and despite the rustling sound they make when I walk, I have grown to love these shorts. Cute details like a corduroy pull tab on the waist closure make them all the more lovable.

Overall Fit:
Shell: Great! Fitted look, so I feel like a girl, and no extra fabric to get caught on my saddle. The waist adjustment tabs, sturdy and secure, allow for a lot of variance, which works great for me, although I'd still like a bit more adjustment for my figure. Still a bit of diaper butt, but hey, less than other shorts I've worn.
Womens Technical Liner OS 11: Love it! the waist band is so sexy. It dips down under the belly-button like a cute bikini bottom. I love feeling like a girl!

Technical Performance: Wow. This shell never gets wet. I don't know how Swobo did it, but even on really hot days, this is a dry short. The velcro waist closure topped by a quality snap is secure and never pops open. The liner is really comfortable; the chamois is perfect - comfortable and not bulky. No matter how I move around on the bike, this combo acts like one unit, I never suffer from strange friction or getting hung-up on the saddle. All high stress areas are sensibly reinforced with attractive complementary colored bar-tacks.

The Nutshell
Love, love love:

overall fit

sturdy

ultra-wicking

attractive design

well-constructed

Things I'd like to see:

More like this on the market. I'm in love.

Overall score: 10 out of 10...

...because when you look great and feel great, your ride is great.

Under Armour Women's HeatGear® Original 2 Sports Bra

2008-06-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

Before the 24 Hours of Adrenaline at Laguna Seca Raceway #2 in September of 2007, I needed more sports bras. I decided to try out the version of this one , for sale at the time, because of the mesh back. It was a good choice, because it turned out to be very hot that weekend. Because of a good experience, I bought more this year.

First Impression: the bra is lightweight, well-made, and shows resilience when stretched. I was attracted to it initially because of its lack of bulk and the feel of the fabric.

Overall Fit: I'm a 36 D and purchased the medium. I find the size chart to be true to chest circumference. It's not too tight or too loose. I feel safe and secure. I love it, because women my size are so often restricted to those enormous bulky bras. It doesn't give me a super shape, but it doesn't smash me either.

Technical Performance: Super comfortable, and able to support through the trials of roots, rocks, ruts, and small jumps. I never think about lack of support, so it must be really supportive. It's also cool and comfortable.

The Nutshell
Love, love, love

overall fit
support
ultra-wicking
great fabric

Overall score: 10 out of 10... because this bra exceeded expectations for its design

Harlot update

2008-05-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

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