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review

Craft Women's Cool Boxer

8
£15.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Comfortable, well priced and good looking women's padded underwear made from fast-wicking fabric
Weight: 
69g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Craft's Cool Bike Boxer is a great choice of padded underwear for riding on warmer days when Lycra shorts are overkill and you fancy going casual, as well as under civvies for commuting. Thanks to their low legs and well contoured chamois, happily there are no issues with unsightly lines showing through, even when worn under tight clothing like jeggings.

The shorts style is flattering and the low waistband is fairly wide and sits comfortably on the hips. They come in either black or white – with a bright pink chamois pad, so your partner won't put them on by mistake.

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The fabric is very soft and stretchy, and is Craft's high-tech 'Cool Layer' material designed to effectively draw perspiration from the body. It works; even after hectic commutes rushing for the train the material felt dry. For even more of a cooling effect, they also have a fine mesh panel that reaches round from beneath the waistband at the rear and down the front of the legs in a snazzy fashion.

The antimicrobial pad is 6mm thick and fairly wide at the back, compared to the Club Ride Jewel inner short, but it doesn't feel bulky or restrictive in any way. I found it very comfortable and with ample padding for rides of a few hours. Craft says the chamois is resistant to perspiration, water and, interestingly, sea water as well. Also, the fabric is rated SPF 50 for UV protection. In Sweden (where Craft is based), maybe you would go for a ride and stop off for a swim and sunbathe along the way in this multipurpose underwear – sounds rather appealing!

In all, these are a fab pair of performance underwear, made even more attractive by their reasonable price tag.

Verdict

Comfortable, well priced and good looking women's padded underwear made from fast-wicking fabric

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Women's Cool Boxer

Size tested: Womens ,Small, Cool Bike Boxer, White

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Craft's 'Cool Layer' fabric padded underwear is "designed specifically to keep you cool while exercising in warm conditions". The material wicks very well and the chamois is comfy too.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Ergonomic fit for total freedom of movement

- Antimicrobial EI Light Women Chamois

- Cool Mesh side panels

- Slim and lightweight fit

- Super cooling effect

- Excellent moisture transportation

- Keeps you fresh during exercising

- UPF 50

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Stitching and seams are all well finished.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

I've only been wearing and washing them for a couple of months, but they're well made so I've no reason to doubt their durability.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

I found the hems on the legs roll up, but this is a minor niggle rather than causing discomfort. If you have super slim thighs then it won't happen.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

These shorts do just what they should, provide comfort on the bike and stop you feeling sweaty like you can in normal Lycra shorts.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The styling and appearance, the soft, wicking material and the comfy pad.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 170cm  Weight: 60kg

I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er  My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mtb, Audax

 

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