Retailer Review: United By Blue Anywhere Short
Townsend Bertram & Company Adventure Outfitters' brand manager may have discovered the perfect pair of female shorts for running, yoga or just walking on the beach.
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Raise your hand if the only downfall to summer is finding that faultless pair of shorts? United By Blue’s new Anywhere Short is truly for anywhere, anytime, any activity, and any body, that being the operative word.
I often feel self-conscious in shorts because they aren’t quite the right length or rise and distract me from being fully immersed in my outdoor activities. The fit and feel of these shorts keeps me present and in the moment without rubbing, chaffing, or riding up whether I am practicing yoga or running on North Carolina’s beaches. They hang nicely on the body and the leg width is perfect, not too baggy or too tight on my upper thighs, giving them a relaxed and stylish fit. A wide waist band optimizes comfort and style, looking great with a tucked or untucked shirt. The moisture wicking, nylon 6-ounce weave fabric provides all the benefits of an active performance short, while having the fit and weight of a lifestyle piece.
The number one quality I consider when purchasing any piece of gear is versatility, which is at the core of sustainability when we think of all consumption as ultimately unsustainable. As someone who travels a lot, I am always looking for items I can wear from the yoga mat to the the trail to the beach to the coffee shop to dinner with friends. Most shorts that I feel confident practicing yoga feel too athletic to wear everyday, but the UBB shorts defy categories. They have become an essential on my packing list.
One of my biggest pet peeves is the lack of useful pockets in women’s apparel. Too often, even if women’s shorts have pockets, they don’t have zippers or depth, lacking the ability to actually hold anything of size, thus requiring a bag or friend to help me keep track of my keys and wallet. These shorts have not one, but two zippered back pockets. The one on the left has the rare and practical feature of a paracord loop, perfect for securing a key. I also appreciate that the front two pockets are deep enough to accommodate a phone or wallet rather than only being for looks.
The moisture-wicking material dries quickly, adapting these shorts for all aquatic activities. As a kiteboarder and stand-up paddler, I love when I can find a short that I can wear on the water, rinse after a session, let dry in the sun and put back on for an evening BBQ. The paracord in the back pocket is an especially clutch detail for water activities.
How will Anywhere Shorts sell in stores?
We carry a large selection of UBB product at Townsend Bertram & Company and appreciate UBB’s dedication to the environment and specialty retail. For every item UBB sells, they pick up a pound of trash, giving the brand a unique environmental story to tell our customers. We do not have this specific style in stock currently, but I plan on recommending it to the buyer based on my love for the fit, function, and feel.
I appreciate that UBB was able to use 12-percent recycled nylon for the construction of the short, although my only critique would be the desire to see more of the nylon content recycled, or for there to be a short in the same construction made from a natural fiber like hemp.
This review is part of our new Retailer Review program, written by retailers, for retailers to help guide their buying decisions and provide brands honest feedback from those selling their products.
