Lightweight, breathable underwear for travel and outdoor activities.
I’ve been wearing the same brand and style of cotton underwear my entire life, but I’m past ready to admit that when I’m active or traveling, cotton doesn’t cut it. I need thin, quick-drying fabric that wicks and breathes. I need Royal Robbins ReadyDry underwear!
Featherweight & Quick-Drying
Weighing in at one ounce, the Royal Robbins ReadyDry Bikini and Boy Short underwear styles are made out of S.Café®, a mesh-style polyester fabric created using recycled coffee grounds. According to the Royal Robbins website, the odor-resistant fabric is designed to wick moisture, breathe, dry quickly, and hold its shape.
After a couple of months of wearing both styles, I am happy to report that the S.Café® fabric is a welcome change from cotton. I don’t divide my days or night into distinct categories or activities. I’m more of a flow person. That means: If I’m away from home and want to stop for a hike in a park or take a work break for a quick spin around the neighborhood I don’t change what I’m wearing; I just go. So, I appreciate having underwear that keeps me comfortable when I’m moving through my day.
Both the ReadyDry Bikini and Boy Short did a great job of breathing and wicking during activity. When I return from an outing, the body of the underwear is dry. (Not to get too personal, but the crotch panel takes longer to dry. The panel in the Bikini style is wide enough to accommodate a mini pad, and the pad sticks to the fabric just fine.) Overall, the feeling of thin, light, breathable underwear is so much more comfortable than cotton for active days.
The S.Café® fabric drys very quickly after washing, too. I rarely use my dryer, preferring to hang my clothes to dry. The mesh fabric dries faster than cotton (and I can wear them before they are totally dry if needed). Handy for travel when I pack light and washing things in the sink at night.
Dependable Fit & Shape
I wasn’t sure of my size when I tested the Royal Robbins ReadyDry Bikini and Boy Short underwear styles because I’ve gained quite a bit of weight the past few years. I stubbornly tried my usual size, M, before opting for the L. The underwear has some give, of course, but it’s not super stretchy. This is a good thing because when underwear is too stretchy it loses its shape and can get bunchy and droopy. In both styles I feel that the sizes and fit (body hugging but not at all tight) line up with similar products I wear.
I wish the Boy Short underwear was longer, more like a bike short. I didn’t feel that the fit or look was that different than the Bikini, and I prefer having more fabric on my thighs when I wear skirts.
Details
Material: 94% polyester, 6% elastane
Colors: Available in four colors: White, Jet Black, Balsam, and Powder. Also available in full brief style and in men’s styles. See our reviews of other items in the ReadyDry collection.
Sizes: XS-XL
Bottom Line
Great for active lifestyles and travel. This lightweight underwear packs small and performs big.
Manufacturer: royalrobbins.com
$20 bikini and $24 boy cut at Moosejaw
Photos source: royalrobbins.com
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