Tri Shorts I Like - Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Race Shorts

A Note About Triathlon Clothes' Sizing in General

The first thing you will find with triathlon clothing is that generally everything runs extremely small. I thought Lululemon ran small until I started purchasing triathlon clothes. I am a size 4 or 6 in Lululemon and I am usually a medium (and sometimes even a large!) in triathlon clothes. However, I have found that the size charts that manufacturers provide are extremely accurate and helpful. So if you find yourself ordering online, grab your handy measuring tape, measure yourself honestly (hey, it's just a number) and without cutting off your circulation (unless you want your clothes to fit you like that), and order the size that your measurements correspond with.

Now, on to the review...

Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Race Shorts

Purchase here!

Pros:

• They stay where they belong - no riding up or any other uncomfortable movement while biking or running.
• Very comfortable, and the drawstring waist means you can make the waist snug without also giving yourself a muffin top.
• They dry very quickly. I was sprayed by a sprinkler about 1.5 miles from my house and I was dry by the time I got to my house.

Front view - for your reference, my hip circumference is about 36 inches. And I love my Newtons - I'll definitely be reviewing them soon! 

 Cons:

• If you're used to the generous padding of bike shorts, these will seem minimal at first. The thickness is consistent with my other tri shorts.
• Limited color options: basically either flat black or black with a color accent.

Side view. And yes, I need a tan. :)

My Thoughts:

When I first started training for my triathlons, I figured I would just wear my cycling shorts on my runs. I would not recommend this, unless you like feeling like you're running in a diaper. So these shorts were my first purchase. I'm normally a small in Pearl Izumi's cycling shorts, so I ordered a size medium and they fit perfectly. I was afraid that the chamois would not be substantial enough, but so far it has been fine. The longest bike ride I have done in them is 17 miles. Also, some reviewers on Amazon complained that the chamois is not fully attached to the shorts, but so far this has not been an issue.

Here's a close up of the chamois

I keep forgetting that these shorts have a back pocket - it is an envelope style flap that doesn't seal. So although it is large enough to fit an iPhone, I would not recommend it. 

Here is the back pocket. It can hold a gel or two.

Overall, for the price on Amazon (~$60), these are a great value. There are definitely better fitting and performing shorts out there, but you will also have to pay more for them. And, as much as I would love for these shorts to be loud and colorful, I do realize that black matches everything. :)

Thanks for stopping by! This is not a sponsored post – I purchased the above item(s) with my own money and I am reviewing the product(s) because I like them a lot. :) There may be Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by or affiliated with the manufacturer of the product(s).