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Reviews > Clothing > Skirts and Kilts > SkirtSports GymGirl SportsSkirt > Test Report by Stephanie MartinTest Report: SkirtSports GymGirl - 2 pocket Skirt
- Commentary on Skirts and Sports - Product Features and Construction - Product Performance in the Field - Field Report - Product Performance in the Field - Long Term Report - Summary INITIAL REPORT: May 29, 2007
It's Here! The GymGirl Arrives!
A Brief Commentary about Skirts and Sports
Product Features and Construction
The skirt itself is simple in design, featuring a wide 2-inch (5 cm) flat waistband made from a doubled layer of TRIKSmesh (the same fabric used for the shorts) and a pair of 7-inch (17.8 cm) slits on either side to allow for additional freedom of movement as well as access to the two pockets that are sewn onto the shorts underneath. The skirt itself is made from SpeedSilk - a nylon/spandex blend that has a very smooth hand to it along with a slight sheen, not unlike actual silk. As expected, the fabric is quite stretchy due to its spandex content. Not far down the side seam on either side of the skirt are small button-hole like slits, that are designed to allow the cord for an MP3player to pass through. The TRIKS logo is applied to the skirt off to the side, just above the hem, in sparkly silver dots. As I mention above, the undershorts (or shorties, as they are referred to) are made from TRIKSmesh, (a lightweight stretchy matte mesh fabric made from a blend of nylon and spandex) and they feature flat sewn seams and a pair of 3- x 4.5-inch (7.6 x 11.4 cm) pockets (also made from TRIKSmesh) - one on either leg. As seen on the photo, the pockets are flat, and are designed to hold small items such as a small MP3 player, some spare cash, an ID, and small snacks (such as energy gels). The seaming on the shorts is thoughtful, and as flattering as tight fitting shorts can be. Unlike some compression shorts, these do not have any elastic gripper panels at the bottom of the leg, though after a little bit of activity and some light sweating, they are supposed to stay in place. Like a lot of other technical clothing these days, the GymGirl does not have any tags inside to cause itching or unsightly bumps; instead, the skirt size and care instructions are printed on the inside of the shorts fabric. Care instructions are simple and as expected for technical apparel: machine wash cold with like colors and hang to dry.
I was unable to find any guarantee or warranty information about the
GymGirl on the SkirtSports website - though returns and exchanges are accepted
within 30 days of purchase on merchandise that has not been used, worn or
altered.
Initial Impressions
The length of the skirt is about the same as many of my hiking shorts (and is even longer than some), and even with the side slits, the skirt is quite modest in appearance. I know I wouldn't feel shy wearing the skirt elsewhere other than to the gym or while out on a hike or a run. The skirt does need to be hiked up a little bit to get in and out of the pocket (shown with the SkirtSports company info card in the photo), though I feel I can do so without flashing the world.
The TRIKSmesh is not completely opaque, allowing a fair amount of show-through
if the viewer is really up close - so I'll have to refrain from wearing any wild
prints underneath ;) though from a respectable distance away, the mesh
provides adequate coverage and modesty. Product Performance in the Field (FIELD REPORT August 1, 2007)
During the Field Test period, I've had an opportunity to wear the GymGirl on numerous occasions - during the week, I often wear it as my preferred garment when I'm slated for aerobic exercise - especially if I'm planning on running. I've also had the opportunity to wear and evaluate the GymGirl while out hiking - both in low desert country as well as high above-treeline excursions. In all cases, the GymGirl was comfortable and flattering to wear, providing modesty and coverage with a little sass. I've been quite pleased with the performance of the GymGirl across the range of activities and environments I've tested it in. Durability-wise, the skirt shows little sign of all the wear it's been through. I have not noticed any loose threads or seams, nor have I observed any fading in color or change in the fit. Surprisingly (to me anyhow), the fabric of the skirt remains smooth and blemish free - even after being worn off trail. While the off trail hiking did not subject the skirt to much brush, I did have to slide and climb down various slickrock sandstone obstacles. The GymGirl took it all in stride, and any dust or sand that was initially attracted to the skirt was easily brushed off. While at home, I've simply thrown the skirt in with the rest of my laundry and hung it to dry. While out backpacking, I would rinse the skirt when possible, and I never had any issues with it being damp in the morning. In addition, I did find that the skirt does dry quite quickly, as one of my hikes included extensive wading, resulting in the skirt periodically getting soaked. While the skirt does look a little bit rumpled after being squashed haphazardly into a pack, the wrinkles seemed to release after some time. Wearing the GymGirl has been quite pleasurable. The skirt (and the undershorts) are comfortable and quite breathable, and neither the waistband nor the shorts were binding or restrictive in any way. I never had any issues with the wind kicking up the skirt and "flashing" my hiking partners, nor did I have any difficulty with the skirt riding up while a pack was worn on top of it. I welcomed the light and breathable compression shorts, especially on my low desert hikes. With the high temperatures and little wind, regular shorts would have made for uncomfortable walking, for they would have constantly been riding up and I would have been in danger of severe chafing in the upper thigh region. I had no fears of (or problems with) chub rub during the test period - once a light sweat was built up, the shorts of the GymGirl could be tugged into place, and there they would stay, providing protection against the dreaded thigh chafing!
On occasion, I used the pockets of the GymGirl while hiking - though I used them
primarily for storing wrappers and baggies after having consumed the goodies.
Accessing the pockets wasn't difficult or hindered at all, even while wearing a
full backpack. I have used the pockets while running to securely hold my 3
oz. (90 g) mp3 player with no difficulties - the only quibble I have while using
the pockets in this fashion is that the button hole provided to route my
headphone cord out is a rather tight fit for after-market headphone jacks.
I should note that I rarely use my pockets to carry snacks or other things while
I hike/backpack - and if ever I'm hunting for a pocket to use, it is typically
for the same use that I put these to - to store wrappers and empty baggies from
snacks that have already been consumed. Product Performance in the Field (LONG TERM REPORT October 8, 2007)
During the Long Term Test period, I continued to wear the GymGirl on all of my hikes and for my aerobic workouts at my local gym - in all cases, the GymGirl has continued to perform well and hold up well to continued wear and washing with no changes to report from my field report. The skirt still seems to be the same size (no shrinkage over time), and it does not appear to have faded in color at all during the course of the test period. All stitching has also held up well, with no damage observed. The fabric still has a nice smooth finish to it, and I've somehow managed to not snag it even while scrambling, climbing and hiking off trail! I have discovered during this test period that for cooler mornings I can don a pair of light pants over the top of the GymGirl without much difficulty or bunching - this was certainly easier than trying to get a pair of tights on over the undershorts, but under the skirt portion of the GymGirl. This is primarily due to the way that the garment is made in addition to how it is designed to be worn - relatively low on the hips. I found that while attempting to go the tights route, I wasn't able to get the waistband of the tights high enough to not feel like they were about to slither on down my hips. As noted in the field report, I find the GymGirl to be both comfortable and flattering to wear - so much so that I don't mind running errands while wearing it. While it does (especially in brighter colored models) seem to draw attention while I'm running in town (apparently a girl running in a short skirt is still not considered "normal"), I'd prefer to wear the skirt rather than running shorts any day. Interestingly enough, I haven't noticed the same reactions while I'm out hiking in the GymGirl, nor do I notice any different reaction if I'm just walking around town going about my business while I'm wearing the GymGirl - the surprised stares appear to be reserved for running/jogging activities. Oh well.
Overall, the testing of the GymGirl has been fun, and it's worked its way into
my hiking and fitness wardrobe. I've found the GymGirl is a welcome change
from shorts - especially since I don't have to worry about thigh chafing or
short creepage while hiking or running. I certainly wouldn't
hesitate to wear or pack my GymGirl on any of my backpacking adventures.
Summary: Woo Hoos and Boo Hoos - Woo Hoo: Very
comfortable, the waistband and compression shorts don't bind or squeeze.
This concludes my report series for this product. My thanks to BackpackGearTest.org and SkirtSports for this testing opportunity. Read more reviews of SkirtSports gear Read more gear reviews by Stephanie Martin Reviews > Clothing > Skirts and Kilts > SkirtSports GymGirl SportsSkirt > Test Report by Stephanie Martin |