Review: Harlot "Habit" bike shorts

[KnottedYet]

Like, like, like!
http://www.harlotwear.com/habitshort.htm I bought black in size XL

I've been wanting a pair of Harlot shorts since last year, mainly because of the embroidery on the backside. I tried on the Houlihan shorts, but they just didn't fit me right at all.

Yesterday I bought the Habit shorts, and they fit great! The legs are long enough to stay put on the bike, and they look hot-n-sexy off the bike without being at all clingy or baggy. Like all button-n-zip bottoms, the waist gaps out at the small of my back (is it that my waist is so small, or that my butt is too big?) but not as bad as some. When I'm on the bike the gap pretty much disappears as I flex forward. The waist does NOT fall down however I may squrim! My undies remain as private as I want them to be.

So far I've worn these over wool boxers for an 11 mile ride, and over wool boxers and wool long underwear for a 3 mile ride. Great! I'm not too fond of chamois at the moment, but I can see there would be no problem fitting these shorts over a pair of padded shorts.

The fabrics are great. The woven main body fabric has just enough give to be kind, but it doesn't lose shape. It is tough enough that I have no fear of snagging it on wooden benches or shrubbery or any other rough stuff I'm likely to encounter. The water repellent finish is spiffy for slobs like me who manage to goober Clif Electrolyte all over the lap while sitting on aforementioned wooden bench. I'll be interested to see how it handles rain. The knit crotch gusset/panel is heavenly. This really makes the shorts. Comfortable on the bike, no binding as you pedal, air circulates and makes the world a better place. One surprising effect of these shorts was how easily I found my spot on the saddle after I'd stand in the pedals. No fabric getting in the way, and no fabric drag on the saddle nose.

Habit shorts would be good for kayaking, too. And wearing in public just like regular shorts (the black knit panel isn't distracting from the look). No pockets, but the Houlihan has pockets. As far as I can tell the Houlihan and Habit are pretty similar cuts, so I don't know why one fits me better than the other... oh well.

I give thumbs up and 5 stars for the Harlot Habit shorts.