PEARL iZUMi

Launch Women's Shorts

Both the act of mountain biking, and the culture, leave no room for doubt that versatility is a key component to its apparel. By this, we mean that the act of mountain biking is far from straightforward. In one day, you could be hiking, hucking, and climbing. And then, after the trail, you're most likely going to stop off for lunch, dinner, or a pub. At once, this 'anything goes' atmosphere is what's so attractive and frustrating. Thankfully, though, Pearl Izumi designed its Launch Women's Shorts to accommodate both the trail and apres ride. So, at least a little bit of the guesswork has been removed.

For construction of the Launch shorts, Pearl Izumi used a blend of nylon and elastane. Why combine these two fabrics? Well, the nylon fibers dramatically lower the overall weight of the fabric, while also retaining a high-level of breathability. And, just as importantly, these fibers are quite adept at managing moisture. As a result, you'll remain relatively dry over the long course of a day. As for the elastane, these fibers provide a natural four-way stretch for the fabric. This means that the shorts remain malleable, following your movements in and out of the saddle.

In terms of fit, Pearl gave these shorts a nine-inch inseam and a very light degree of bagginess. The waist features a shank button-front closure, a zippered fly, and a back-waist adjustment. Additionally, there are a series of belt loops and a removable pair of liner shorts. These liners feature a composition blend of polyester and elastane. This provides a soft-to-the-touch feels against the skin, only without compromising either stretch or moisture management.

As for the insert, Pearl Izumi went with its lightweight, Minerale-powered W MTB 3D Chamois. This insert features a variable density construction, which means that it places a focus on supporting the areas that need it and not the ones that don't. Additionally, the Minerale treatment at the surface layer of the chamois ensures that moisture is transferred away from the insert, leaving you dry and comfortable.

To house your ride essentials, Izumi included two zippered hand pockets.

The Pearl Izumi Launch Women's Shorts are available in the color Black and in six sizes from X-Small to XX-Large.