Review of Pearl Izumi Women's Launch Short

Customer Ratings:

The legs in these shorts are so much wider than they look in the photos! Depending on the style of Pearl Izumi bike shorts, I sometimes wear an XS, sometimes a S (I'm 5'4", ~110 lb, typically a size 1-2 in pants). I ordered these "Launch" shorts in a S; the liner chamois fit perfectly, but while the outer short fit great in the waist, they were positively gigantic in the hip and leg. I looked like I was wearing culottes. One positive? At least the fit was consistent. Check the comments: I posted the link to these shorts on Pearl Izumi's website, where the photos are a much closer depiction of what the shorts actually look like in person.

To get the shorts to look like the "stovepipe" style the Amazon models are wearing, a good 4-6 inches of fabric would need to be removed from the circumference of the leg opening. I imagine they used hidden clips or clothespins during the Amazon photo shoot to make the shorts look that slim in the leg. Amazon's product photos can often be hit or miss, and unfortunately these are definitely a miss -really misleading.

I ended up getting two pairs of the Pearl Izumi Women's Canyon Short, in black and brown, both in an XS, instead. While a teensy bit tight, they actually look in person like they do in the photos. They're not stovepipe-slim, but they're better-looking than these huge culottes.

I wanted to like these shorts so badly -especially the black plaid! I ordered two pairs in different colors and unfortunately had to return them both. They might work for people with more of an hourglass figure or with very large quadriceps. Good luck!

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Pearl Izumi never let's you down. These are great quality and very comfortable shorts. These can also be worn as regular shorts without the liner. They fit and look great. I highly recommend these Mt. Biking shorts!

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My first ride in these shorts was 40 miles. They remained comfortable for the entire ride. They wicked away moisture as I would expect and kept me dry. The length is also good for my 5'7" frame. I only wish that the 4 pockets on these pants had zippers or snaps on them. There is no way to keep them closed. The two front pockets are deep enough for a cell phone and wallet when you're off the bike.

Honest reviews on Pearl Izumi Women's Launch Short

I LOVE these shorts!! Regular bike shorts did not look good on me. These are great; very comfortable, easy to wash and sooo comfortable.