Whether you call them “knickers,” “shants” (a combo of shorts and pants) or “your little sister’s pants,” the 3/4 pant fill a unique need in the commuting and utilitarian cyclist’s wardrobe. Eminently functional, it’s impossible to get them caught in your chain. Many are also fashionable enough to wear to social outings and casual work environs.
One pair I like, Nau’s Trajectory pant, have a semi-baggy cut and are made of a 80/20 poly/organic cotton blend that is light and almost wrinkle free.
They may be the only pair of “shants” you will need. Wanna pedal to work, knock out a full day, and hit the climbing gym on the way home? These will work on all fronts. Unlike a lot of knickers, the Nau pants don’t scream “cyclist.” At $95, they’re not cheap, but they are less expensive than other options in this corner of the cycling-apparel realm.
—Stephen Krcmar
