Pearl Izumi Women's W Elite Inrcool Shorts

**UPDATE** The shorts have ripped a hole in the thigh, just pulling them on. Not on a seam or other stress point. Just in the main part of the fabric. Possibly because of the type of fabric, it’s barely stretchy. The stitching attaching the chamois has also started coming out, the chamois is only about 1/3 securely sewn in at this point. The chamois is actually really comfortable which is why I kept using them but now with the holes how can I. I have shorts I’ve had more than double the time and they are still usable. If you are looking to buy, beware of the fabric, don’t expect it to last long. While you have it the chamois is nice but the price is way too high for something that is going to fall apart like this. ***The fabric is stiffer and not as stretchy as most bike shorts so it doesn't conform to the body as much as other PI or other brands of shorts.For example the fabric doesn't curve all the way around my backside, rather it stretches from it to my thigh leaving a gap or air pocket. It is the correct size but the fit is weird. The seams are a little more stiff and press into the skin on your thighs. This also happens to be one of the low rider styles with a drop waistband. I can see now on the product photo but didn't pay that much attention pre-order. Hits just at the roundest part of the belly so it loses to gravity and rolls down constantly during rides. Having to think about your shorts at all during a ride means they aren't great. Ideally they do their job so well you don't think about them. I hate having to adjust my shorts multiple times and having the waistband roll all the way down. The chamois seems ok. But honestly it's so annoying and uncomfortable riding with these that I haven't gone more than 10 miles in them at a time so I can't say for sure if the chamois is ok for longer than that.

After writing a question asking if these shorts go to the waist, I ordered a pair. Please note: THESE DO NOT GO TO THE WAIST. They are about 2 inches shorter from crotch to waist than my other pairs of PI cycling shorts. In addition, be aware that this style runs SMALLER than standard PI shorts. I usually order a med and it fits perfectly. I ordered a med in this style and it is much smaller/tighter. I had to return them. Having stated all of that, these shorts DO meet the high quality standards that I have come to expect from Pearl Izumi. The fabric and the padding within are both excellent. If you like a more short-waisted style, these would be fine for you - just get a size larger than you would normally order.

I am a huge PI fan and have a couple of pairs. I read the reviews and was concerned about the size issue that some people mentioned but I went ahead and ordered the size I usually wear in PI, a large. I was also a bit concerned about the legs and whether they would be too tight and if the little elastic nubs around the leg bands would be irritating. I needn't have worried. The shorts fit nicely (they look snug when you pull them out of the bag but when you put them on the material stretches just right) and I did not notice any tightness or irritation in the legs. I wore them yesterday for the first time (after washing) on a 20-mile ride and I never once thought about them, a good sign that they are a good fit. If you love PI and want a nice pair of bike shorts, consider these. Finally, I like the higher waist on these. The shorts with a V-type waist tend to let my little after-baby tummy pooch ooze out which IS noticed by me when I ride.

I love these! The fit is really great. I usually wear a small but these were only available in an XS but they fit so much more snug like they should. Im glad I went a size down. I always had baggage with my shorts around the crotch area but these fit very tight. They just tight enhough to avoid baggage & chaffing but leave enough room to breath. The chamois is great quality too. It's just thick enough for long extended rides. I probably wouldn't wear these for short commuted.

I am 5'6" 130lbs with a straight figure. The Small seemed a little big as far as there was extra fabric in between the seams, if that makes sense. But an extra small would have been uncomfortable due to to tightness of the bottom leg band.vThe criss-cross paneling of the shorts causes creases/thigh bulging which is not cute and not exactly comfortable. I didn't get a chance to ride with them, but I imagine the cushioning would be good enough for long rides. Decided on the PI Attack Shorts because they have a higher waist and fit the legs well with no bulging and have smooth paneling.

I' 5'6, 135 lbs.. I have the Pearl Izumi Thermal bike pants and bought them in a large having read several review. They fit ok but wish they were a bit snugger.I read the reviews on these shorts and decided to try the medium. they are quite snug in the hip/waist area, but not terribly uncomfortable. I will keep them, I definitely think Pearl Izumi needs to resize as their larges are to big and the mediums are to snug.

Wow are they small. I wear a small for every other Pearl Izumi product I own. I actually found myself wondering if they'd sent me a kids size when I opened the package. Put the shorts on (a miracle) and while I could get them on there's a seam that runs just below the waist band and over your hip joints. Why that seam isn't a tight elastic I have no idea, but a rough sewn seam is going to chafe big time. I'm returning the shorts and going to try for a size up, because the chamois was really nice and I liked the rest of the fit, but I'm not sure it'll fix the seam issue.

These are the best shorts that we have found. They provide comfort while riding our tandem bike for rides 30, 50 or more miles. We just found out that Pearl Izumi Clothing has a lifetime guarantee against defects. The price was also a deciding factor to purchase them here. We have shorts that we bought 5 years ago and wear for short rides. These shorts are worth the cost especially when you can get them for less than retail price.