Posts Tagged shorts
Bonobos Casual Cotton Chino Shorts
Bonobos is an under-the-radar brand that deserves to be in the wardrobe of anyone who enjoys J. Crew or Banana Republic style. The classic, yet edgy, look of many of their products fits a wide age range. This pair of Graham Canyan chino shorts is stylish and comfortable. An embroidered anchor above the right back pocket sers as a popular Bonobos signature mark, but is understated and classy. Minimal seam lines on the shorts give them a crisp, clean look while a gunmetal finish button is masculine, almost outdoorsy. The length of the company’s shorts cuts off just above the knee making them perfect length for a day out on the putting green or at an evening beach cocktail party.
I like them because they are machine wash-friendly and do not wrinkle easily making them perfect for constant travel. While I do not wear shorts frequently on the road, they are small enough to roll up and pack away for those moments when you want to relax or go casual for the evening.
The shorts fit the way most chinos should: not too tight, but certainly not baggy. The hip features a bit more streamlining than the thigh, which tapers out slightly for increased comfort.
While Bonobos does not market itself this way, many of their products seem fitting on a boat the same way that Brooks Brothers clothes befit a country club afternoon. There is an elegance about the clothes and high-quality production of the Bonobos brand that justifies the solid price point. An added benefit is that since it does not market itself as a retail outlet scattered in malls everywhere, Bonobos brings a touch of uniqueness and exclusivity to one’s attire.
These chino shorts are my go-to pair for comfort this summer when a casual atmosphere calls for a twinge of class without being too showy. To spice things up a bit, get a pair of shorts that features some interior detailing with a colorful plaid fabric on the inseam or back pocket lining. Bonobos sells its full line from its web site Bonobos.com, and a generous return and exchange policy lets customers shop without worry.
Posted by Ramsey in General Gear, Travel Light on May 16th, 2011
Hard to Say, Easy to Wear: Shorts from Fjällräven
They wear shorts in Sweden? That’s what two people asked me when I told them that’s where these cool trekking shorts were from. In Scandinavia, Fjällräven is a well-known brand, with a long history of putting out quality backpacks and other gear for trekking, camping, and being outdoors. The company was founded in the small town of Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden, so double points if you can pronounce both those words.
Summer is something to be savored up there, so these are quality shorts meant to last a lifetime and hold up in multiple weather conditions, not just worn for a year or two and discarded. This Sarek G-1000 model I’ve been trying out is comfy and durable, looking well-made and flicking off water like it’s a mere annoyance. The shorts “can be waxed and ironed for a water-tight seal, or washed clean on hot days for more breatheability.”
Yes, they are waxed shorts, which means they repel water naturally—see the pic here of how water beads up. It seems a bit odd that you would heat up your clothing with an iron or hairdryer before a hike, but apparently it works—the company has been making jackets and pants out of this fabric for decades.
The Sarek shorts are tough and have comfortable stretch Cordura. I especially dig all the pockets that manage to store lots of items without looking bulky. There’s a “map pocket,” small leg pocket with a zipper, two hand pockets and two back pockets with snaps. The Karl version is pretty much the same, but has one less pocket and is slightly lighter.
Fjällräven recently opened it’s first US store in New York City at 262 Mott street. Otherwise, get the scoop at the straight-Roman-script site www.fjallraven.us
There are few shorts I’ve bought that I can imagine still having a decade from now. These are a different story. They’re expensive at $65, but they’ll be around for the long haul.
Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, General Gear on July 29th, 2010
