Pearl Izumi Women's Elite In-R-Cool Tri Short Reviews

By Sarah MB from St. Joseph, MI on 11/28/2012

Size: Feels true to size

I wear this for sprint Tri''s.  I really like the short I just wish the dip in front wasn''t there.  It just ''feels'' too low, like the shorts are coming off.  Hard to explain just a odd sensation I get. Love the color.

By Swimfrog05 from Huntsville, AL on 9/19/2012

Size: Feels true to size

Trainging for a half ironman, so these shorts got put to good use as soon as they came out of the bag. I bought the entry-level shorts last year and they have been excellent so I wanted to stick to Pearl Izumi again for my new shorts.

I believe this style is very true to size. I frequently have to order a size up on my Tri gear - per measurements I would be a medium, so I naturally ordered a large. But the large shorts were a bit loose and I wish I had ordered the mediums!

Chamios is very comfortable, and much better than the entry-level style of the PearlIzumi shorts. Grips on the legs are as advertized: they stay in place without making my legs look like squeezed sausages. Love the fit at the waistband, it scoops low in the front to sit comfortably just below my bellybutton where ''normal'' shorts should sit, but they come up high in the back so nothing is hanging out that shouldn''t be when I''m on the bike ;-)

Overall an excellent product. Well worth the extra couple of $$ over the entry-level shorts.

By shmana from brooklyn ny on 8/28/2012

Size: Feels true to size

This is my first pair of tri shorts.  I got them for a half-Ironman and I''ve been training in them for about a week and a half.

Of the various pairs I tried, the material in these felt like the highest quality and most durable.  Not quite like wearing nothing as another reviewer said but when these shorts start wearing out I can see myself wearing them on the couch in lieu of yoga pants...  That said, now that I''ve worn them a few times (2 long bikes and a 2-hour run, plus some shorter workouts) I will say that a slightly snugger fit would be nice.

The waistband is... interesting, low in the front and rising in the back.  I like giving my tummy the extra breathing room, especially on the bike, but others might not enjoy it.  If it feels too weird with the different rises I just fold over the high-rise back part.  I guess this difference is why there''s no drawstring, which is kind of a bummer.  I haven''t tried these swimming yet but I may get another pair for races where I don''t want to bother with a wetsuit.

The one, large pocket (middle of back waistband) can get a bit full and bouncy with some combo of goggles, cap, gels, gloves, and/or keys all in one place.  

The grippers are effective and I thought I might have some problems with the seam on the inner lower leg, but so far it''s been fine.

Out of 4 pairs these are the ones I kept, although it was a close call against the DeSoto Forza compression shorts.  The waistband is ultimately what won out against the drawstringed-but-slightly-pinchy Forzas.

By acush from Decatur, IL on 7/3/2012

Size: Feels true to size

I ordered a lot of tri-shorts before I found these.  I definitely like these the best.  The padding is perfect!  The entire short is nicely fitted all the way through to the band at the thigh.  The silicone beads are great.  While I usually prefer side pockets, at least this one has a large one in the back so you can potentially fit in the one back pocket what you would put in 2 side pockets.  The shorts are lower cut in the front which bothers me and my I've-had-two-kids belly, but the top I ordered comes down long enough to cover everything up.  Plus I love the purple/lime green combo!  I am 5'10", 143lbs and ordered a medium.

By kelly from St. Petersburg, FL on 5/31/2012

Size: Feels true to size

These shorts are such a great cut, lower in the front, higher in the back (no muffin top!).  I'm 5'5", 120 and the small fits perfect.  The only downside is there is no drawstring at the waist, so if you're swimming in these, they will catch a little water. But so comfortable that I can overlook that!

By Carla S. from Sumner, IA on 3/28/2012

Size: Feels true to size

These are awesome shorts!  I often bike up to 100 miles in a day and these shorts do the trick.  The padding is soft and comfortable, not too big like your typical bike short. The seams are smooth and don't irritate your skin.  The leg band is soft, not too tight, but stays in place and the waistband is also comfortable.  I love these shorts!!  Have four pair!!  
Highly recommended........

By Carly H. from Hood River, OR on 4/21/2011

Size: Feels true to size

Just a note about the fit for anyone who cares, they are cut quite low in the front so there is minimal tummy coverage, so if that's what you are looking for, foregt it.  But these are great!  I wore them in my sprint tri and then have worn them on many longer (70+) mile bike rides.  I think they're great.  I forget I have them on.  In fact during the tri I kind of felt like i was running naked!  Incentive to run faster!  LOL!  I might have to buy another pair.