I’m always on the lookout for shorts I can wear both hiking and casually around town, and when Kuhl reached out to Brady and me about an opportunity to try out some of their shorts, I was stoked!
I went with the Kontour Skinny Short 4” in the color Harvest (I love their color selection, it was hard for me to narrow it down to one).
Details and Features
- Fabrics: Cotton, polyester and spandex (stretchy and comfortable)
- Inseam options: 4” and 8”
- Pockets: 4, two in front and two in the back
- Color options: Harvest (gold), Pavement (dark gray), Seagrass (green), Antique Rose (red), and Olive.
- Skinny fit
- Stretchy fabric for activity
- Drawcord on the waistband for a customized fit
- MSRP: $60.00
- Link to view product on Kuhl.com
I’ve worn these shorts so much the past few weeks and I love them. They are so versatile and the stretchy fabric is super comfortable, making these perfect for outdoor activities as well as daily wear. The color selection is also varied and I love the natural tones.
Style and Fit
This review is for the 4 in. inseam but if you prefer more coverage, Kuhl also carries the same short in an 8 in. inseam. I absolutely love the style and comfort of these shorts, however, they do run a bit on the small side so I would recommend sizing up!
The shorts have a zipper and a snap-style button, as well as an internal drawcord in the waistband if you need to tighten them for a better fit. My pair does fit snugly, so this is something to consider when choosing shorts for long-distance treks or intense exercise, but if you’re on the hunt for shorts to wear day hiking these are a solid choice. I’ve also worn them out and about with friends, shopping, etc. and have received a bunch of compliments!
The fabric is form-fitting and flattering, and the shorts do have four pockets (two in front and two in back). The pockets could stand to be a little bigger (true for basically every pair of women’s pants ever) but they are functional and not ridiculously small (for example, I can fit my wallet and keys in them, but not my iPhone 12 Pro Max).
Comfort
When I first received these shorts, I remember thinking how comfortable the fabric looked. My first impression was spot on. These shorts have a sturdy, soft, comfortable feel to them, which for the light day hikes have worn these on, I prefer. They are also stretchy for a full range of movement. The fabric is not moisture-wicking, although they do dry fairly quickly in the sun.
Durability
The fabric is not especially breathable as compared to some other athletic wear styles, but I can confidently say these shorts are durable.
I’m notorious for being hard on clothing (if it’s able to be damaged at all, I somehow find a way) and these shorts are Alyssa proof! Granted I haven’t owned them for more than a few months, but since they are now my new favorite shorts, I’ve put in some time wearing them and they look like new still. I’ve worn these for hikes and yard work, and there’s not a single sign of wear and tear. They also retain their fit really well, with no bagging or wrinkling. This is huge for me, I try not to purchase clothing often and will keep an item as long as it lasts, so these shorts are great if you’re looking for a sustainable option.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I highly recommend these shorts! Cute style and utilitarian use is a hard combo to get right in women’s clothes in my experience, and Kuhl nailed it with these. These were my favorite and most worn shorts this summer, and judging from how well they’ve held up, I will have them for a long time. Although these were gifted to me, I would gladly purchase them and just might get another pair in Seagrass (my runner-up color).
If you want to get yourself a pair, check them out at Kuhl.com
