The Best Slip Shorts – What to Look For
Short answer: The best slip shorts have four things in common: a soft material that carries sweat away, leg openings that stay put, flat seams and a fit that neither pulls nor rolls. Bamboo viscose is the best starting point for all four.
The material is the first choice
Slip shorts sit close to the skin in one of the warmest places on the body, so the fabric has to breathe and move moisture. Bamboo viscose does both and feels smooth against the skin, where cheap synthetics quickly turn clammy. Have a look at the range of slip shorts as a benchmark.
The leg opening decides whether they stay put
The edge decides whether the shorts stay where they should. A wide, soft edge or a laser cut edge with no stitching holds best without pressing a groove into the thigh. A narrow edge with heavy elastic leaves marks and starts rolling after a few hours.
The seams have to be flat
Flat seams do not chafe and do not show under clothing. Turn a pair inside out before judging them: if you can feel a thick seam with your finger on the inner thigh, you will feel it after an hour of walking as well.
The fit has to be even
The fabric has to lie evenly close all the way round. If it pulls in one place and hangs in another, the cut is not made for your body, and no size will fix that. Take your usual size, and go up if you are in doubt.
Length is a demand of its own
A model that stops above the point where the thighs touch does not solve the problem. Measure it standing with your legs together, and choose a length that goes a couple of centimetres beyond. That measurement is behind most of the wrong purchases.
The brands that do it properly
Decoy and JBS of Denmark are good examples of well made models where edges and seams have been thought through. JBS of Denmark has more than a hundred years of history in underwear, and that shows in the details inside the garment.
Try them for a whole day
A model can feel perfect for three minutes and wrong after three hours. Wear the first pair for a whole day before buying more, and note whether the edge has moved by lunchtime. That is the only test that counts.
What they are not meant to replace
Slip shorts are a layer on top, and most people wear them together with ordinary bamboo briefs. The shorts are sewn as an outer layer and do not have the same gusset, which is why the two are not interchangeable. See also finding the right size in bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
What does a good pair cost?
The price follows the fabric and the finish more than the brand. A pair with a laser cut edge in soft bamboo viscose costs more than a synthetic pair, and it is also the one that lasts longest.
How many pairs should you own?
Three to five if they are worn daily in summer. Then you can change to a clean pair every day while the others are in the wash, and that is also what makes them last longer.
When should a pair be replaced?
When the leg opening starts to roll even though the size is right. The elastic is then used up, and the shorts stop staying in place however well they fitted at the start.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
