Until quite recently, if you thought of all athletic shorts as being pretty much the same, you’d have been right. The biggest differences were in branding and aesthetics, as every mid-length pair of shorts with an elastic waistband did pretty much the same thing. That changed in 2015, however, with the founding of Vuori. The California-based company pledged to provide “a new perspective on performance apparel,” and their flagship Kore Short shows that they’re delivering on that promise.
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The Kore Short is made of a blend of 46% Recycled Polyester, 44% Polyester, and 10% Elastane, an engineered fabric that gives these a quartet of superpowers: four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and anti-odor properties.
And it’s not just the materials. There are design touches throughout that are both well-executed standards—the functional drawcord and secure-but-not-constricting elastic waistband come to mind—along with the breathable liner that feels like a premium pair of boxer briefs sets the Kore Short apart. The liner makes the shorts comfortable enough to wear commando, but if that isn’t your thing you’ll still appreciate the extra support sans heat retention.
Of course, all of these benefits are purely theoretical without a wear test. That’s why we’re happy to report that after a full weekend of putting the Kore Short through their paces, they became a fast favorite. They were the perfect shorts for an early morning yoga class, chasing a toddler around a playground, or just hanging on the couch. Comfortable and functional is the name of the game. They are fast-drying, don’t retain any odors, and stayed fresh after two days of wear given the forgiving fabric.
The Kore Short is designed to be universally used and loved— ”one short for every sport” —but that doesn’t mean Vuori is insensitive to personal preference. It comes in a slew of colors, from staid charcoal to bold brass to rich beryl. Lengthwise, the Kore Short is available in 5-, 7.5-, and 9-inch varieties. And while the short itself is enough for a shirts vs. skins pickup game, it pairs nicely with Vuori’s super soft Strato Tech Tee that fails to trap heat or moisture the way soft fabrics often do.
Are we saying that the Kore Short will shave down your mile time or make your next HIIT workout feel like a walk in the park? Unfortunately not. But if you’re looking for apparel that can make those workouts more comfortable and enjoyable, and you more motivated to do them regularly, the Kore Short is the way to go. You can thank us later.