Sugoi Wallaroo 170 Boxer : Fancy Pants

I see London, I see France, I wear wool underpants. Yes, I do, especially on hot, humid days when I know I'll be covering a lot of ground on foot.

The first time I wore my Sugoi Wallaroo Boxer (women's pictured, men's style also available), I was vacationing in Minneapolis and had an afternoon journey to make in order to get to a friend's house in St. Paul for dinner. With temps in the high 80s and killer humidity, it was the kind of day that makes your pants feel like soup after just a few minutes outdoors.

Since I didn't want to carry a backpack with a complete change of clothes, I selected an outfit that would afford me the best breathing, wicking, and fast-drying materials. I started with my merino wool Wallaroo boxers, my Freya sports bra, and my caviar-colored Nau Courier Skirt. Naturally I wore wool socks with my hardcore Keen Shellrock walking shoes. On top, my new Sugoi Wallaroo 170 Cruiser S/S top. And red glass earrings.

I figured the walk to the light rail station would take 20 minutes, but of course, it took 45. I was sweating like crazy. I thought I'd feel better at the station, where I'd have a few minutes to just stand and feel the breeze.....but duh, there is no breeze in Minnesota--not on a day like that. So I stood in the open-air sauna and felt the sweat trickle down the backs of my knees. The ride to my stop took about 10 minutes; then I met up with my friend, who drive us to her house. By the time I arrived, I should have smelled pretty bad, but I didn't because wool is naturally odor resistant.

Once I took of my tiny day pack and sat down for some water, my top was already starting to dry. I excused myself so I could go to the bathroom and inspect my wool undies - they were drying, too! So, I smelled ok, my clothes were drying quickly, and after splashing some water on my face, I felt cute and presentable.

As for fit - love these undies. Unlike some boy-cut styles I've tried that ended up creeping up my butt because they didn't have elastic around the leg holes, the Wallaroo 170 boxer has a snug but not binding fit around the leg holes. These boxers are 100% merino wool, so there's no Lycra to stretch them out. I like that because the wool has some natural give. I like the body- (bun-) hugging fit. No bunching, no fuss.

I also love the 1 1/4 inch-wide waist band. All in all, the Wallaroo 170 boxer is a super performer, an essential under garment for those of us who like to walk to dinner parties in blazing heat, and it gives me modest coverage that's also flattering.

Sizes: Men's (S-XXL), available in two colors; women's (XS-XL), available in a variety of colors.

Bottom Line : No more hot pants for me. I'm keeping it cool with my fancy breathable boxers.--E.D. (Aug 09)

Price : $45 (some colors on sale for less). Men, click to shop/purchase. Women, click here: Wilderness Running Company and at www.gearwest.com.

Manufacturer's Site : www.sugoi.com/usa