Smartwool Straightline Short : Sweet Summer Style

Just in time for my summer vacation, I have the ideal short for travel. Smartwool's Straightline Short is a lightweight, smart-looking alternative to my usual summer bottoms (a pair of old sweats with the legs cut off!).

Made out of a thin merino wool and polyester blend fabric, the Straightline Short breathes well and dries quickly - both important features for a summer short and for a travel garment. The short is well-made, durable, and doesn't require ironing--another key feature for me. Because wool is naturally odor-resistant, I can wear these shorts many times before I feel like they need to be washed. That's great for me, the environment, and the short (the less you wash your clothes, the longer they'll last). (P. S. - I don't put these in the dryer.)

The large plaid print is nice because makes the short stand out in a sea of khaki shorts and it's easy to "dress up" with a white or dark brown merino tee. The back pockets, which are both covered with protective flaps, are set at angles. It's a nice look that, combined with the back darts and low-rise waist, is also flattering. I'm heavier this year than I was last summer so I appreciate all the help I can get in the caboose dept. I like the 10" inseam on these shorts -- reminds me of the fit and style of the Bermuda-style shorts from my youth. It's so nice to have shorts that don't flare out at the ends.

Most of all, I love the fit. For too long I wore baggy men's shorts in the summers because I could never find women's shorts that fit me. Now that many companies, including Smartwool, are making pants and shorts in a lower rise (that's still plenty modest), I can actually wear shorts that fit my body and look good on me. What a concept. The Straightline Short also had nice deep front pockets that are reinforced at the corners with metal grommets. I like the button-tab enclosure and the belt loops. Both give the short a classic look.

Available in Pumice Plaid or Loden Plaid, sizes 2-14. Smartwool also makes the Straightline Skirt out of the same material. Material: 70% merino wool, 28% polyester, 2% elastic.

Eco Creds: contain merino wool, a renewable resource.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a variety of activities, weather/temps, and travel destinations, the Straightline is a smart-looking, durable short that I'll be wearing next summer, too. And the summer after that, and so on.--E.D. (May '10)

BUY ONLINE : $80, click to shop

Manufacturer's Site : www.smartwool.com

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Manufacturer's Site : www.mountainhardwear.com