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Review: Shredly Shorts, Pants, Chamois, & More
At Femme Cyclist, weve taken polls of our community multiple times on favorite mountain bike shorts. Shredly always comes out the winner. Thats convenient because they also happen to be mine (especially the short Limitless short with the yoga waistband)!Why are they so popular? Shredly is a woman-owned company that makes shorts that are fashion-forward, have high-quality construction, and actually fit regardless of your size or shape.In addition to shorts, Shredly also makes a bunch of other mountain bike pieces including jerseys, pants, a cute and unique romper, and chamois liners. Ive tested a bunch of their offerings, along with some help from my mom, sister, and a few girlfriends to see how they fit on different body types. This review goes over what we like about each piece (and what we dont)! Read on to learn more. Oh, and if youre interested in learning about Shredly as a company, make sure to listen to my podcast interview with Shredly founder Ashley Rankin.Also, dont forget to peruse my list of favorite mountain bike shorts for even more options.Table Of ContentsShredly shortsTrail RomperShredly All Time pantsBeyond Tech jerseyBiker chamSeamless Hipster GlovesWhere To Shop For ShredlyShredly.comREI.com*Evo.com*Shredly ShortsIf you havent tried a pair of Shredly shorts yet, youre missing out. But what pair to get?They come in two different waistband/fit options and four different length optionsit can all get a little confusing. For now, know that there is a All Time short (a more fitted, traditional short with a mid-rise waist and snap and zipper closure) and a Limitless short (a looser cut with a high-rise waist and yoga style waistband). Ill explain more shortly.Pros:4 Length Options, 2 Waistband/Fit OptionsComes in a wide range of sizes (not S,M,L!!)Cute prints and colors Secure, zippered pocketCons:Fit may be a little too baggy for someDont come with a chamois linerPrice: $98-$138Two Different Waistband/Fit OptionsShredly offers their mountain bike shorts in two different waistband options. There is the All Time short (previously known as the MTB Original) which closes via zipper/snaps and the Limitless short (previously known as the CURVY short) which has a yoga-style waistband.Personally, I think the yoga-style waistband on the Limitless short is THE BOMB and I cant imagine ever going back to a normal waistband again. It works well for curvy women of any size (myself included) who struggle with finding shorts wide enough for their hips and bum, but narrow enough for their waist.With the yoga band waist, you dont have to worry about muffin-top, plumbers crack, or any fly-related disasters. In my opinion, all mountain bike shorts should be made with a yoga waistband! (And in fact, since Shredly created this short, a few other brands have copied it). If for some reason you prefer a traditional zippered waist closure, then the All Time Shredly shorts will work well for you. This waist closes via (very fashionable) snaps, and zipper. That said, the back of the waistband is still stretchy, so it still provides a more forgiving fit than most traditional waistbands.The rise on the Limitless short is a little bit higher than on the All Time, so that might also influence your decision. Short Or Long: Pick Your PoisonThe Limitless short is offered in 7, 9, and 11 inch lengths; the All Time shorts are offered in all of those plus a super-short 5 length. The 11 short falls just above the knee and the 14 long falls just below the knee. The short shorts are well above, and let you get a little extra sun on your thighs.The 11 short is a fairly traditional length for a mountain bike short and offers a good amount of protection. But the 14provides even more protection. Its a good choice for using with knee pads for downhill days or for colder fall/spring riding. Its also nice for the taller ladies who might struggle to get enough coverage with other brands.Heres my mom in the 11 length. Shes 56 for reference.The Shredly 5 or 7 shorter shorts are fantastic for ladies who dont want to mess up their tan lines, or who simply like a shorter short. The 7 Limitless has become my personal favorite go-to short. My legs still get a little sun, the waistband is comfy, and they dont necessarily scream bike short so Im able to wear them for other activities as well.This is my favorite Shredly shortthe 7 Limitless.Lots Of Different Prints/DesignsShredly really made a name for themselves by leaving the boring black bike short behind and creating colorful and fun baggies for women instead. While youll see lots of brands following their lead today, Shredly was definitely the first.They still have one of the largest (and loudest) selection of designs. While I do know a few ladies who choose the more demure Shredly shorts (yes, they do offer a black short too), far more of my friends hoard the Shredly prints like their collector items.Black might be great for a cocktail dress, but the trail is the one place where its okay for women to be loud, silly, and a little crazyand Shredly reflects that vibe.A Looser FitMost women who mountain bike also have more muscular thighs, which is why Ive never understood why most mountain bike shorts are cut fairly narrow. The Shredly shorts arent cut excessively wide, but they do provide plenty of room for more muscular quads. The shorts are easy to maneuver in and never hug or squeeze my quads. While this is a good fit for my body time and preferences, ladies with narrower bodies might prefer something with a narrower fit. Ive also heard some folks complain that they look a little frumpy or not tailored enough for their taste. Zippered Pocket.All of the Shredly shorts have two front hand pockets as well as a zippered pocket. The zippered pocket is a newer addition to the Shredly shorts and something we really appreciate. Its great to have a secure place to stash your phone, credit card, or car key.Wide Range Of Sizes Fit True To SizeOne of my favorite things about Shredly is that they offer their shorts in regular pant sizes. That means if you normally wear a size 8, simply order a size 8 in the Shredly shorts.I get really stressed looking out most brands S, M, L size charts trying to guess where I might fit and whether or not the shorts run true to size. Its a lot more work for a company to offer all those sizes rather than 3 or 4, but we greatly appreciate it.The sizes run from size 0 to size 24 (!!!!) depending on the short. I dont know any other company that offers that many sizes, and we love that they are so size inclusive. Dont Come With A Chamois LinerThe Shredly shorts are sold as baggies without a chamois liner. This means that youll need to buy a liner separately (assuming you like a chamois). Shredly offers two chamois liners (reviewed later on).Our Top Shredly Short PicksThere are tons of Shredly options, so you should have no problem finding the length and waist combo thats right for you. But if youre feeling overwhelmed, here are two of our faves.Limitless 14by Debra Bonkoski (my sister!)These shorts offer a flattering variation on the traditional mountain bike short silhouette. The longer length is convenient for wearing with knee pads on a gnarly downhill day, avoiding scrapes on an overgrown trail, or providingextra coverage on a chilly ride.Prone to chafing? The combination of the length, material and inseam gusset of these shorts helped my size 14 short thighs with a history of painful chafing, avoid discomfort on hot, afternoon rides.Shredly describes their curvy line as accommodating to all shapes, regardless of whether your shape is boxy, straight, hourglass, pear, or apple. The shorts range in size from 0-24 and the stretch in the material make these a no-brainer to reach for when you are feeling your best but also when you feel bloated. Although a separate chamois is available, I found these shorts incredibly comfortable on their own.After sitting trailside after attacking a steep climb, I was able to easily brush the dirt off the bum of these shorts thanks to the recycled poly/spandex blend. The yoga-style stretch waistband is a game changer in terms of comfort. After a long ride, the shorts hold their shape and are a great choice to wear for a post-ride drink with friends.Limitless 7by Kristen Bonkoski (me)As a professional bike short tester my drawers are overflowing with mountain bike shorts. And yet, I find myself grabbing the Limitless 7 short over and over.I like these short shorts so much, that I have a few pairs. For me, they are the perfect length for trail riding and bikepacking.They are short enough that they dont screw up my tan line, and they are airy enough that I get plenty of airflow on hot days. Theres also nothing about them that screams bike short so I felt comfortable wearing them to school pickup or around town on occasion as well.As with all the Shredly Limitless shorts, the waistband is incredibly comfortable. They are quick and easy to pull on and off for trailside potty breaks, and even on loooong bikepacking trips, the waist never dug in or irritated me. Finally, they are durable and brush off dirt easily, so I could wear them on multi-day adventures and didnt worry about sitting on the ground. Bottom-Line: Fun, Colorful, and Well-Fitting Mountain Bike ShortsShredly doesnt make the trade-off between form and function; they manage to excel in both categories. Their shorts come in the funnest designs and prints out there, and yet offer a wide range of sizes and cuts to fit all body types. Shredly Trail RomperLooking for something a little bit more playful than your average pair of mountain bike shorts? Check out the Shredly Trail Romper! This one-piece mountain bike uniform makes it easy to look pulled together and is sure to garner attention on the trail.Pros:Fun, stylish designDurable and stretchy materialNo plumbers crackAdjustable waistComes in larger sizesCons: Short in the torsoChallenging to go potty on the trailPrice: $138No Boring Cycling Kit HereThe biggest thing the Shredly Trail Romper has going for it is the fact that its unique. This doesnt look like every other black short, boring jersey get up on the trail.The Trail Romer comes in a couple of different colors, including the Graphite Tie Die design we tested. Flashy? Yes. Dull? No.I love that there is zero coordination required. You dont have to think about which jersey will match with which shorts. Nor do you have to worry about how well that jersey provides coverage or how low those shorts are cut. You wont end up with any plumbers crack or with your jersey pulling up to flash a bit of belly. Fit Will Work For You..Or It WontLike most clothing items, the Shredly Romper might work great for you, OR it might not. (Sigh).After coveting the Romper forever, I finally got one in a size medium. I wear a size 6 in all the Shredly shorts, so the medium should have been the right size for me according to the size chart.Unfortunately, it was HUGE. I am smaller on top than I am on bottom, so therein laid my problem. The shoulders were way too wide.I also have a long torso which made the shorts that much shorter AND gave me a bit of a wedgie. After reading other reviews, this seems to be a common complaint. If you are a longer torso girl, skip the romper. And if youre small on top, size down. After a few rides in the Romper, I decided it just wasnt comfy or flattering on me. (Sadness!). I passed it on to my girlfriend Ashley who it luckily fit really well.The one really nice thing is that the waist is adjustable and cinches down via buttons. Assuming you order the right size for your body, you should be able to get a nice tailored look. The Romper also comes in sizes from XS to 3X which we really appreciate. Options are generally limited for larger gals, and Shredly is doing a good job of being size inclusive. Wear With A Chamois Or WithoutI dont usually wear a chamois, so chose to wear the romper without one. Ashley, on the other hand, felt that the legs were way too short without so wore a pair of shorts underneath.You could also choose to wear the Shredly Biker Cham underneath the romper. They are made to match so the little bit of leg sticking out underneath looks intentional, not sloppy.The one issue to be aware of if wearing a chamois is the pee-trap factor. When/if you have to pee in the woods, youre going to have to strip all of the way down.If you are wearing just undies (or a short pair of chamois like the Hipster Cham), you could theoretically pull your undies and the romper to the side and pee without undressing. Whether or not you are coordinated enough to do this is up to you.Fabric Is Durable Yet StretchyThe fabric on the Shredly Trail Romper is synthetic and quite thick. At first, I thought this might make it hot or unbreathable, but that wasnt the case.Even Ashley, who is notoriously hot bodies, felt that the Romper was comfortable. It was surprisingly breathable for someone who is a heavy sweater.The fabric also has a fair bit of stretch to it, making it both comfortable and easy to maneuver in. Shredly All Time PantsThe moto-inspired Shredly pants have become my go-to bottoms for downhill bike park days. They can also be used for general trail-riding although are not my favorite pant for that style of riding.Pros:Flattering, comfortable cutLong ankle zippers allow you to access knee padsLots of colors/printsDecent airflowLarge range of sizes Cons: Knee is not reinforcedNo crash replacement policyMoto Inspired DesignWith A Feminine FlairThese pants are more gravity oriented than trail, and look a lot like a moto or BMX pant with their slimmer fit. That said, most moto pants Ive worn are awfully masculine, and these manage to offer a feminine touch with the pintuck detailing and fun colors/prints.I found that they were a great option for the downhill bike park. They provide plenty of room to maneuver but are slim enough, particularly in the bottom half, that they wont snag or get caught in your drivetrain. I did try them for trail riding, but theyre not my top pick for singletrack cruises due to the slimmer fit and fabric. The fabric is thicker (for protection and durability) and feels synthetic. The small vents up the back half of the leg allow decent airflow when youre sitting on the chairlift, but not equate to great breathability when youre chugging up a mountain.For downhill days though, oh la la, I was a big fan. The best thing about them was the ability to access my knee pads! Both legs have a nice long zipper that can be used to put on or take off knee pads without having to undress. Cause how wants to drive up the mountain wearing knee pads?!? Not me.While I do think these are a great pick for gravity riding, there are a couple of things that might give the most aggressive riders pause. The first is that the knees are not reinforced. This is where most pants will tear if crashed in, so thats a bit of a bummer. Also, unlike brands like Dharco, Shredly doesnt have a crash replacement policy, so if you ride hard and shred these, youre probably out of luck.Large Range Of SizesLike the rest of Shredlys offerings, the pants come in a large range of sizes (0 to 24). According to the website, Shredly recommends ordering up a size on these, but I went with my normal size (a 6) and they fit just fine.There is plenty of room for my larger hips, bum, and thighs, and the waistband provides a good fit on my narrower waist thanks to the stretchy waistband. While the pants have a traditional zipper, snap closure, the back of the waistband is elastic and fits snugly without being restrictive.Plenty Of Pocket SpaceUnlike trail rides where I usually have a hip pack AND some sort of bag on my bike, when Im downhill riding I have.nada. That leaves pockets as the sole place to carry essentials.Thankfully, the Shredly pants have four large zippered pockets (two at the hips and two on the legs). I used these to fit my lift pass, credit card, cash, car key, and snacks.There is even enough room for my phone, although I found that putting something that bulky in my pocket did limit my ability to maneuver on the bike. Other Shredly Pant OptionsLike the Shredly shorts, the pants come in an All Time and Limitless version. The pants I have are the Vented All Time pants. I havent tested the Limitless pants, but they do appear to be a little looser fitting and more oriented for cool weather trail riding, if thats what youre looking for. Like the Limitless shorts, they also come with a full yoga waistband.Beyond Tech JerseyThe Beyond Tech jersey comes in several versions: short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long sleeve (which is what I have). Its a silky, loose-fitting a stink free top that comes in fun prints to match your other Shredly pieces.Pros:Stink-resistantLoose fit doesnt rub or tugSize inclusiveCons:Expensive for a synthetic jerseySeamless Construction, Stink-Free FabricSomething thats quite unique about the Beyond Tech jersey is its seamless construction. All of the seams (including at the neck, sides, and waist) are bonded rather than stitched. For those of us with sensitive skin, this is huge! And there are no tags to rub either.The fabric is silky-feeling and isamazinglypretty stink free. Shredly explains: the jersey is treated chemically-free with FAR infrared ray and negative ion technology to achieve anti-bacterial and odor properties. Sounds crazy, but it seemed to work for me!Size-inclusive, loose fitThe Beyond Tech jersey has a looser, less fitted cut. This worked well for me on hot downhill days as I got plenty of airflow and never felt restricted.It also comes in plenty of sizes (xs thru 3xl). That said, I ordered a size small and felt like it was a little too big. If Im an XS, I have trouble believing tinier ladies will get a good fit in this jersey. The long sleeves have thumb holes which are fun off the bike, but on the bike, Im not sure of the purpose. They are awkward to use with glovesso I just didnt. Shredly Biker ChamWho says a chamois has to be boring? Or hidden underneath your clothes?The Shedly Biker Cham is longer and more substantial than most so that you can wear it under your baggies, or all on its own!Pros:Well constructed chamoisCan wear with or without baggiesPocket spacePretty designs, cute leg scallopsCons:Not all women will like the longer inseam and high waistHotter than thinner chamois linersPrice & Where To Buy:$98 ListBuy at Shredly.comBuy at REI.com*Well Constructed ChamoisChamois liners fall all over the spectrum in terms of quality of construction. Many liners that come with baggies are almost an afterthought.If youre looking for a high quality liner, Id highly recommend the Shredly Biker Cham. Both the chamois itself as well as the short material are high quality in fabric and construction. These should last MANY wash cycles.The chamois itself is fairly substantial. The padding is thick enough that you could wear this for an all day ride. (If youre looking for something more minimalistic, check out the Shredly Hipster cham instead).The Shredly chamois (right) has a much higher quality chamois than your average liner. Compare it to the Pearl Izumi liner (left).Can Wear On Their OwnId consider the Biker Cham as more of a cycling short than a liner short. Yes, you can absolutely wear this under your baggies, BUT they work even better solo.Unlike many liner shorts, the Biker Cham is made of a thick, durable material. This means they arent see through; but it also means they are a little hot for my liking underneath a pair of baggies (at least during the hot summer months).Wide, High Rise Waist BandThe waistband on the Biker Cham is different than most chamois weve tested. Instead of an elastic band, there is a much wider panel.This makes it nice in that there is nothing to dig into your middle. It is also higher cut than most, so it holds your belly and you dont get that little roll of fat. That said, I didnt love the higher waist underneath many of my shorts. It worked well under my Shredly Limitless shorts with their higher waist, but less so with nearly every other pair of baggies I own. With most shorts, there was a section of chamois sticking up over the top of the baggies.Fairly Long Inseam, But Cute Scallop At LegThe inseam on the Shredly Biker Cham is 7 inches. This makes it longer than most chamois. My much loved Club Ride June chamois, for instance, has a 3 inch inseam.If you are wearing baggy shorts that are 7 inches or less, the Biker Cham will stick out of the bottom. Even if youre wearing longer baggies, they are likely to ride up while the Biker Cham wont (thanks to the grippers on the leg).Now, this might not be the worst thing in the world. The scallop and perforations at the bottom of the leg are very cute. But whether or not you want your liner to show under your shorts is a very personal style choice.Small Side PocketsAnother nice touch on these shorts are the small side pockets on both legs. Can they fit much? No. But you can certainly stick a bar or gel or some cash in there. The pockets also make them nice for use at spin class where you might want to stash a locker key or gym pass. More Affordable Than The Closest Competitor$98 might seem like a lot for a chamois. And in fact, some of our other favorite chamois cost half of that.Still, the closest competitor to the Biker Cham is the Wild Rye Eleanor Chammy. The two shorts are VERY similar in quality and design. Both can be worn with or without baggies, both have side pockets and a high waist, etc, etc, etc. That said, the Wild Rye Eleanor Chammy* is about $20 more. Wed say save those extra bucks and buy this one instead. Seamless HipsterUnlike the Biker Cham, which can be worn without baggies, the Seamless Hipster is a chamois that is designed to be worn under something. And unlike many chamois liners, these are short enough to fit under ANY short, including the 5 shorts. Theyre also super minimalistic.Pros:No leg bands to chafe or rubDoesnt feel like a diaperCan be worn under short shortsCons:Minimal chamois may not be enough for longer ridesExpensive for a very thin clothing itemNothing to rub or irritateI have really sensitive skin AND I have a tendency to get saddle sores right in my leg/crotch crease where undies rub, so Im a big fan of the fact that these are seamless. Well *almost* seamlessthere is a seam at each hip.But around the leg, there is no seam, no elastic, no stitching, nothing to rub or irritate. Does this cause a problem with the bottoms riding up? Surprisingly, it didnt seem to for me. VERY Thin ChamoisOf all the chamois liners Ive tested, this has got to be the thinnest. If youve ever had a pair of tri shorts, thats what these are like. The chamois is basically a very thinly padded fleece-y liner. This is ideal if, like me youre not a big fan of bulky padded chamois. For some folks, chamois can cause more problems than they solve. All that padding and accumulated sweat can cause chafing, saddle sores, yeast infections, etc.If that sounds like you, but youre not brave enough to forgo a chamois altogether, this might be a good option.Expensive For What They AreMy only complaint with this liner is the cost. These are, essentially, a couple of very thin, very small pieces of fabric. $58 seems wildly high.The Club Ride June chamois, for instance, comes in at $40 and my favorite budget brief from Baleaf costs even less. Shelling out the extra dough for these might be painful. Shredly GlovesLooking for a pair of well fitting, super CUTE gloves for trail riding? These might be your jam.Pros:Super cute colors, designsLightweight, breathable constructionFit well, multiple sizesCons:Less protection & less durable than more substantial glovesFit Female Hands. And Look Cute!One of my biggest complaints about mountain bike gloves are that theyre usually unisex and come in like 3 sizes, leaving the size small to supposedly fit all women. Needless to say, I never feel like I get a great fit with those gloves.The Shredly gloves on the other hand, are sized for women, and come in SIX sizes, so youre ensured to get a good fit. That right there is reason enough to buy these gloves. I followed the Shredly size chart, and what do you know, my gloves fit like a glove, ha!Because they fit well I feel like I have more dexterity to do things with the gloves on. Im not constantly taking them on and off out on the trail. The fingers actually work with the touchscreen on my phone too, so thats helpful. Finally, theyre incredibly cute. They come in a wider variety of prints, and match the rest of the Shredly apparel. So you can put together a super cute fit that includes your gloves.Lightweight And BreathableFor summer riding, these are awesome. Theyre lightweight (you can actually feel the grips thru them) and the thin uppers provide good airflow. Weve had ridiculously hot weather in Boise this summer, and these gloves have been my top choice on sweaty days.The flip side, of course, is that the thinner construction makes them less durable. (Ill likely need a new pair in the spring). And they provide less protection for gravity riding or on overgrown trails. Oh, and theyre not great for winter riding (duh). Lifes a trade-off. Pick whats most important to you. More Mountain Bike Clothing OptionsLooking for cute stuff to wear on the bike? Make sure to check out these articles before you go!10 Best Womens Mountain Bike ShortsWhat To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!9 Best Womens Mountain Bike PantsAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristens favorite disciplines are mountain biking andbike commuting, although youcan also find her crankingout a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.IG:@femme_cyclistThe post Review: Shredly Shorts, Pants, Chamois, & More appeared first on Femme Cyclist.
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