Oiselle Roga Shots are magic! I first saw these shorts during a trip to REI, and when I touched the fabric I gasped out loud. There is a texture to the fabric that encourages it to not lie flat on your skin, it’s extremely light, and it’s soft. The fabric seems futuristic, I would expect an astronaut to wear these on the moon. The color options are fun and colorful. The four way stretch fabric means they never bind or pull. I love the flat waistband, and I’m starting to wonder what we were ever thinking with generic bunch up elastic waistbands. There is a zip pocket in the back that is generously sized.
I found the Oiselle sizing chart super helpful. I also appreciate that the brand offers individual sizes 2-14 instead of the typical XS-XL. These shorts have a drawcord in the waist so you can adjust the fit.
I now have several of these pairs of these shorts and have around 200 runs in them. With other brands I have had issues with chafing on my inner thighs, and in these shorts that has never been a problem. I did have an issue during a few particularly long runs (18 miles or so) on Maryland humid and hot days. I put a smaller phone in the back pocket of these shorts and it has enough room to move around. If I run for a few hours that phone moving around is basically making a rubbing of my lower spine. You could have a similar problem if you put keys, or anything else small and heavy, in the pocket. Oiselle uses a small loop of stronger fabric on the inside of the waistband showing the size. I carefully cut that loop off, put the phone in a fabric bag designed for sunglasses so it wouldn’t move too much, and I use anti chafe cream. I’ve had no problems since.
Roga shorts are also available in quite a few versions. The “toolbelt” version is a long distance runner’s dream. So. Many. Pockets. There is basically a layer of mesh pocket around the outside of the entire waistband. Plenty of room and nothing bounces. They also make a shorter version (“Mac”), short with pockets (“Mac Toolbelt”) and longer version (“Long Roga”).
Oiselle seems like a smaller company and describes itself as “by female athletes for female athletes.” They offer items in smaller quantities so particular colors and styles come and go.
Frugal tips: The standard Roga shorts are $58. If you’ve never ordered from Oiselle before feel free to use this link for $20 off (they would also send me a discount). Right now Oiselle is offering free shipping on all orders. They normally charge for shipping on orders under $75. You can find the Roga shorts here. Roga shorts are also sold at REI. If you are a member you could get 10% back. Oiselle products are also carried in many local running stores.