Gear Review: CVG Shorts
In case I haven’t mentioned it before, leggings are my jam. Whether I’m hitting the trail or sitting in the stands at my daughter’s volleyball match, you’ll most likely find me in a pair of leggings. I love my PowerSofts and my Oalkas and my bright, colorful CVGs. Sometimes, though, full-length leggings (or even capris) just won’t cut it. When it’s hot and humid and the idea of pulling leggings over my already-sweaty legs sounds like torture, I just need some shorts.
Through the years, I’ve found a few types of shorts that were comfortable—and a whole lot more that weren’t. I have, let’s call them…substantial thighs. They’re more muscular now than they once were, thanks to my walking, but they never shrunk like I hoped they would. I do not have a thigh gap—so shorts tend to ride up or cause chafing, which makes me cranky.
What doesn’t make me cranky? Colorful prints from Constantly Varied Gear (aka CVG). And, fortunately, the company offers shorts in three different lengths: 2.5, 5, and 7 inches. While I love all of the pictures that people post in their cute shorty-shorts, they’re just not for me and my thighs—so I went for the 7-inch length.
Like their leggings, CVG’s shorts come in a variety of fun, colorful designs. The fabric is super soft and comfy (not to mention squat-proof, if you’re into that kind of thing), and the compression is both comfortable and flattering. They have pockets, too—which is incredibly important for me.
The shorts, however, come with one rather controversial feature: silicone. The insides of the leg openings (in the 5” and 7” styles) are ringed with a slip-resistant stripe of silicone that’s designed to keep them from riding up. Some people find it annoying and uncomfortable—and they end up removing it—but I quickly decided that I love it. It holds everything in place and prevents unnecessary rubbing and chafing.
Since most of the athletic shorts on my shelf have an 8-inch inseam, though, 7 inches seems just a little bit short. I feel like that extra inch gives my legs a little extra coverage (and chafing protection). But since I haven’t had any chafing issues yet, that may just be in my head. And the fun patterns more than make up for my concerns.
Of course, CVG’s shorts aren’t exactly budget-friendly. While they’re still cheaper than the popular brands that all of the cool kids are wearing, the $47 price tag might cause some sticker shock. But if you’re willing to splurge a little, these shorts are worth trying.
Pros:
– Super fun prints
– Heavy-duty fabric that’s comfortable and squat-proof
– Pockets
– Perfect compression
– Inclusive sizing (but be sure to check the size chart before you order!)
– Available in three different lengths
– Stay-put silicone strip
Cons:
– Higher price point
– The 7” length isn’t quite as long as the usual “long” length
– Some people find the silicone strip uncomfortable
You can find the latest CVG shorts at ConstantlyVariedGear.com
