Steph Wetherell awards the the Maier Sports Lawa Shorts a high recommendation. Find out why they stood out.
Whether you’re a year round shorts wearer or someone who throws on a pair in the peak of summer, the Maier Sports Lawa shorts offer a comfortable and longer leg cut than many other brands.
Steph Wetherell highly recommends
Maier has done a really good job of adapting to the way bodies often change with larger sizes and I found they fit around my belly and hips really comfortably.- longer length
- wide size range
- no thigh pocket
| Quick Specs |
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| Price: $134.99 / £79.95 (available from www.vampireoutdoorgear.com) Weight: 260g (size 48) Materials: mSTRETCH Pro 4, 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane Pockets: Two pockets with zips, internal security pocket Sizes: EU 34 – 54 (approx. UK 6 – 26) Women/Mens version: Yes (Huang) www.maier-sports.com |
I get really hot when hiking in the summer months and often opt for shorts when it’s warmer out. These Lawa shorts are made from a lightweight mSTRETCH Pro 4 fabric that is soft and really stretchy, making them a comfortable choice for a range of shapes and sizes as they stretch and adapt well around different body shapes. The lightweight fabric also means I found them an excellent choice on really hot days.
They come in a wide range of sizes (approx. UK 6 – 26), making them one of the few technical options available above a size 18. The European sizing can be confusing if you’ve not navigated it before, but Maier have an accurate size chart and I opted for a size 48, which fit me as a size 20-22 really well. They’ve also done a really good job of adapting to the way bodies often change with larger sizes and I found they fit around my belly and hips really comfortably.
Maier Sports are known for being trouser specialists, offering a selection of cuts and options in a broad size range, and this same experience has translated well into shorts. The waistband has a ‘flex zone’ which consists of two highly elasticated sections, and the integrated belt allow them to be adjusted further. I have quite a large difference (10 inches) between my waist and hips and often get gaping with trousers/shorts. However the fit around my hips and waist on these shorts was so good thanks to the four-way stretch fabric and elasticated waistband that I found I didn’t need the belt and the shorts didn’t fall down or move around.
One of the real highlights for me is the longer length in the leg. As someone who has what can only be described as sturdy thighs, I often find that shorts are cut too short and I end up with chaffing, especially if I’m on a longer walk. These are deliberately a Bermuda cut, sitting just above my knee and ensuring all day comfort.
The material is quick drying and even on warm days I found they wicked moisture from my skin effectively. They also have a PFC free water-repellent finish, and combined with the quick drying property, they proved a comfortable and practical choice in some pretty showery weather.
They have two pockets at the hips. These are a good size and have a zip fastener, but it might be nice to have a thigh pocket too (my favoured place to keep my phone), especially given the plentiful place offered by the longer leg cut.
These shorts are a versatile and incredibly comfortable option, ideal for those who want a longer option than many other brands, or for those in plus size or larger bodies.
Testing Conditions
These shorts were tested across southwest England and South Wales in the spring months. Steph is a size 20, fairly pear-shaped and 5’10.
