On rowing shorts
I received the rowing shorts in the mail and tried them out.
They're not likely to take me to the next level but I'll list some observations, pros and cons.
Constructed of a polyester/Lycra mix, they fit well in so far as I guessed the size correctly. As advertised, they have a double layer on the inside of the buttocks (kind of a fleece). This inside layer is not form fitting like a modern bike short chamois but is just sewn in flat, like I said, a second layer that doesn't continue across the perineum (aka what-what in some circles). The shorts performed well in that they didn't interfere with my leg action at the crotch and my ischial area (the particular bone site on which one sits) remained mostly comfortable (some heating is to be expected).
The shorts fit mid thigh or a little shorter than my more expensive sugoi's and bontragers that reach down to just above my knees and with the aid of non slip bands do not crawl up. I was anticipating the rowing shorts to ride up but they stayed in place.
I have a very old pair of cheap bike shorts that have lost whatever elasticity they had while still being usable in the rotation. The rowing shorts are a little tighter than these. This has some significance in that it is my understanding that a major benefit of compression athletic wear reduces muscle fatigue due to stabilization during muscle lengthening (reset) phase.
The rowing shorts are cut such that when you are in a sitting position the waist of the short stays with your waist.
One other unusual feature is that the waist has a continuous draw string that you pull to a suitable tension and tie it with a loop (or, if you're a sailor, a clove hitch(?)).
After one ride I'd say I like them. I like my modified bontragers better right now but we'll see over time.
Jim