Le Col Women's Waist Shorts review

Can these shorts from Le Col convert a bibshort rider to try the half life?

Cycling Weekly Verdict

Comfortable shorts carrying trickle down features from the top end creations. The high waistband works well, whilst the chamois is a little bit marmite and leg grippers need some work.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    High waist

  • +

    High quality fabric

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Tight leg cuffs

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Le Col's women's waist shorts cost come in at £80 - which is a full ton less than the brand's flagship Hors Categorie bib shorts (£180). The dream scenario would be that Le Col has provided heaps of trickle down tech from its more expensive range, making minimal adjustments to achieve the lower price - and in many ways that's the case, though there are some sacrifices.

Personally, I am typically a bib short wearer, I would much rather cycle in shorts with a mesh upper guaranteed to keep it all in place without any digging in at the waist band. However, I've yet to speak to a clothing brand that says its women's bib shorts outsell waist shorts, so Le Col's decision to offer a half short (not available in the men's range) simply represents the greater market's preferences.

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