Kitsbow

A/M Midweight Shorts - Men's

With the same extensive testing and research that led to Kitsbow's core "kit" of clothing, its A/M Midweight Shorts rely on the best fabrics, fit, and purpose-driven details for their makeup. Using the proven Soft Shell A/M Shorts as a platform, the Marin-based apparel designers at Kitsbow applied that exact level of technical obsession to their new A/M Midweights. The result is a sleek pair of all-purpose riding shorts built to keep you supported and comfortable during your most grueling rides ahead.

Following the same ethos as every product within Kitsbow's line, the A/M Midweight shorts embody a minimal, function-driven aesthetic and attention to the small, but crucial, details. Such is the case with the materials that compose these shorts, as the designers called upon the fabric experts at Schoeller Textiles for the materials necessary to construct the most ideal lower body layer for all-weather riding. Schoeller's "bluesign-approved" softshell fabric received the nod here, as this durable, abrasion- and water-resistant eco-conscious material is perfectly suited for trail riding. This softshell material provides a smooth interface with the rider's skin, which also aids in transferring moisture to the fabric's outer surface. The result is a comfortable, dry lower half and a consistent, evenly-regulated body temperature.

With its controlled stretch, Schoeller's softshell material selected for the A/M shorts also served as the perfect foundation for Kitsbow to dial-in the best fit possible. The designers eschewed conventional trail short sizing (think catch-all adjustable waistbands) in favor of a more structured platform that relies on even and odd waist measurements. They then created a silhouette with minimal paneling for a trim, unobtrusive fit that follows the body's movements while in the saddle. The back panels were shaped as to not brush the rider's calf while pedaling, with the inseam breaking where the knee naturally bends. Taped seams on the interior further this notion, along with a textured, mesh-lined waistband that naturally rests above the pelvic bone. The built-in articulation here ensures complete coverage and freedom of movement, while also reducing overall friction while pedaling.

A large portion of Kitsbow's obsessive mantra also stems from its dedication to the functional details. This is ever-present with the A/M Midweights, as a discerning eye will quickly pick up on the finishing touches — aside from their balanced fit — that set them apart from other trail riding shorts currently available. For example, rearward facing seams have been cover-stitched, which serve to both enhance durability and create a clean aesthetic, and zippered side pockets are reversed and contoured along the leg to boost storage space without pedaling interference. The Midweights bump the pocket count compared to the Soft Shells, with five in total. In addition to the zippered side pockets, Kitsbow added two front hand pockets and a clever horizontal zippered pocket along the back of the waist panel. And speaking of pockets, they have been lined with stretch mesh, which, when zipped open, double as ventilation channels. The hardware has also been carefully selected, with the intuitive RiRi slider-snap front closure and YKK zippers providing proven reliability to the overall design. The shorts were finished off with subtle stitched-on logo patches and reflective accents on the side panels. Every pair is made in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Kitsbow A/M Midweight Shorts - Men's are available in odd and even sizes from 28-38 and in the colors Black and Slate.