At a glance High-end, 8-panel women's cycling shorts with a top quality, Italian chamois and a high Merino wool content for comfort and durability
Tested by
Jane Conway, tester for The Bike List
Performance
A great pair of cycling shorts makes a massive difference to your riding, and the easiest way to tell if your shorts are up to the job is if you forget you're wearing them. A bit of padding to cushion your sit bones and delicate bits, and some supportive fabric to keep your quads and hamstrings warm is the purpose of a pair of cycling shorts, and since the benefits of these things are imperceptible, anything that actually reminds you you're wearing a pair - like rubbing, chaffing, scratchiness or constriction is bad news.
As the name suggests, Smartwool uses natural
fabrics in its products, and the Ewetopia short features a blend of
39% Merino Wool (Ewe - geddit?). The wool gives warmth,
breathability and a resistance to odours, and it's mixed with Nylon
and Elastic to give that stretchy cycling-short styling. The
overall feel is a bit thicker than your standard Lycra shorts, and
there's a nice matte finish that works well with the visible seams.
The shorts are constructed from 
8 panels, and there are fully overlocked flat seams
throughout to ensure that no seam chaffing can occur. The waistband
is really broad and flat, so there's no real opportunity for your
tummy to suffer when you're hunched over the bike, and the thick
fabric feels comfortable and supportive.
The fit is spot on. I'm a size 10 in everything else, and the 10 fit me perfectly, with no sagging areas around the chamois and no overly-tight areas, either. The chamois itself is a quality piece of kit. It's Italian made, but unlike most other pads, this one has been coated in a thin layer of Merino wool, so the high-wicking, odour control properties extend right through the shorts to the chamois. The pad is large enough to remain comfortable whether you're low down on a road bike or more upright on an MTB, and because of the wool content, it doesn't dry quite as fast as a fully synthetic pad. This is no big deal though, as the shorts will still air-dry overnight, provided they've been spun in a machine or rolled up in a towel and walked on (the spin-dry equivalent trick for campsites and B&B touring).
The shorts look good on their own, but they're also comfortable
underneath leggings or baggies if the weather's cold or you prefer
a less Lycra-oriented look. If they get wet, they retain their
warmth and their shape, and thanks to the wool content, they give
off a very natural woolly smell. This isn't 
noticeable in the dry, but after a good soaking on
a rainy ride, the aroma will transport you back to the days before
synthetic fleeces (assuming you're old enough to remember wearing
real wool for outdoor activities!)
With regard to value for money, there's no getting away from the fact that the £85 price puts the Ewetopia Short up there with the expensive, high-end brands. It competes directly with great top-of-the-range products from makers like Gore, Castelli, Sugoi and Pearl Izumi, so it really has to be pretty special to stand out. To be honest though, the design and styling is very laid back, and the Ewetopia distinguishes itself by remaining quiet. The black-only design, and the lack of any large logos or contrasting panels makes this a high quality short for those who don't want to peacock their wares.
The only branding is a one-inch, retro-reflective Smartwool logo on the right outer thigh, so these really are the antithesisis of 'team' style shorts with brash branding and traffic-light colourways. Many may actually prefer something a little more ostentatious for a whopping £85, but there's nothing in sight to break the calm finish. Merino garments are expensive, and if you want the magical properties and robust performance, you have to accept this and fork out for it. There's nothing remotely disappointing about these shorts, and those who like quality kit with quiet, conservative styling will love them.
Buy from UK stockist: 01753 497190
Smartwool says:
We took a women's-specific Italian chamois and covered it with SmartWool's Microweight fabric. This means you get all the benefits of our soft merino wool next to your most sensitive parts. You'll stay stylish, as well as dry, odor-free and comfortable, miles on the road. Made in Vietnam of New Zealand Zque™ Merino wool.
- 45% Nylon, 39% Merino wool, 16% Elastic
- Colour: Black only
- Size: XS (UK 8) - XL (UK 16)
Find out more www.smartwool.com
