AERO|TECH|DESIGNS Men's Competition Triathlon Shorts

I've ordered several items from Aero Tech over the past few years including bibs, cycling shorts, a TRI suit, and variations on the TRI shorts. I must say I love the products, but the sizing remains a mystery to me.For most athletic clothing I wear a 2XL. That is, gym shorts and t-shirts. Two of my cycling shorts (one by Performance, one by Canari) are actually XL.Having never purchased jammer style swimming shorts, I wasn't sure what size to get so I ordered a 3XL just to be modest. When those arrived, I could almost not get them on at all. Astonishingly, they were tighter than a pair of XL cycling shorts (of the same material) that I'd purchased just this past October.Surprised and embarrassed to some degree, I returned the shorts and elected for the 4XL! When they arrived, the difference in size was tremendous. Despite being Lycra they are genuinely baggy on me....which leaves me confused between a 3XL that seemed like a size L, and a 4XL that is likely true to form.All that being said, these are just my training shorts, and I really don't have an issue with them being too large considering there is a drawstring.The odd feature though, is the back waistline is transparent like single layer mesh. This is probably intended for ventilation during biking and running. Unfortunately, it's very much inline with the top of my ass-crack. When exiting the pool I find myself needing to really hike the shorts up in the back to compensate for the weird, revealing nature of the design. Take a close look at the pictures and you'll see the material difference in the back!

I have used Aero Tech's other tri shorts for about three years. Those shorts ride super high on the waist, up past my belly button. I love to wear them when I run long distances, as they keep everything in place. During triathlons, they have dried quickly, so I have never had an issue on the bike. These shorts deliver in the same way, except the fabric is thicker. Overall, the shorts feel much sturdier. The primary drawback is that these shorts have a lower waist that's closer to normal. Since I'm a big guy, I like the high waist because it has a spanks-like effect. I don't really care too much about the mesh in the rear. I don't care if people see my coin slot because I'm the one out there running and swimming. Due to the low waist, I recommend buying a size up.

Fit as expected. Performs well for swimming and feels good when I run in them. When I bike they are ok, not a thick pad but I wouldn't want a bulky pad (nor soggy) when I transtioned to the run. I have only used them for the individual legs of a triathlon and not all together (no brick training). The only thing I find weird is that on the back right below the waist line it is about 2 inches of black mesh that spans across the entire waist. It's Probably for ventilation but it exposes part of your backside.

I went a size larger and was happy with my decision. I had previously ordered and used the size I normally get, but liked have a slightly looser feel. The only design aspect that I was not crazy about (with the smaller size) is the mess window in the back of the shorts (think plumber crack). Another reason for larger size.

I’m a woman, but these fit really well, better than others I tried from Zoot or Coeur.

On my 3rd pair and won't spend more money for less quality shorts! Love the minimal chamois. Great to MTB, road bike or run in. Done several centuries, a few marathons, an IM and several HIM races in these and they are durable and trustworthy.

Stretches well, fit great looks nice padding is average, but a must buy everyone, super comfortable for swimming and cycling

I don't like the netting on the top-back part of the shorts. The shorts fit great and feel good but I would not order again because of the netting.