Lose the Lycra
There are cycling shorts, and then there are shorts that just happen to be for cycling. Looks-wise, the Virage Shorts from Kiwi brand Mons Royale are a far cry from lunchbox-hugging luminous Lycra trunks, but they’re every bit as practical on the bike (or the hiking trail, for that matter). Made in a merino wool and recycled polyester blend with a touch of elastane for stretch, they’re durable, lightweight, comfortable and quick-drying – with extra brownie points for having thought about where to put the in-seams so they don’t chaff when you’re in the saddle. There’s also an integrated stretch belt, meaning you won’t accidentally start showing everyone your undercrackers if you lose a bit too much weight during a long bikepacking tour
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- Lightweight shorts for biking and hiking
- Made from Stretch Wool Cordura
- Inseams placed for comfort when cycling
- Integrated stretch belt
- Zipped side pocket for your phone
- Back pocket
- Kneepad compatible
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- 81% Recycled Polyester
- 14% Merino Wool
- 5% Elastane
- Fabric weight: 136 gsm
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Small Medium Large XL Waist (cm) 77 82 87 92 Waist (inches) 30 32 34 36 -
- Ethically Sourced Materials - This product is made with recycled polyester
- Ethically Sourced Materials - Mons Royale partners with New Zealand’s ZQRX Merino, the world’s leading ethical wool brand.
- Manufactured Sustainably - Mons Royale wool is spun at Süedwolle, a global leader for worsted spun yarn and certified with the latest eco certifications including Bluesign and Oeko-Tex standards.
- Sustainable Packaging - Mons Royale have phased out 90% of virgin plastic from their hang tags and accessories, replacing them with recycled and natural alternatives. Their products are packaged in plant based compostable bags and FSC certified paper.
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Flashy technical outerwear is all well and good, but the foundation for all-day comfort in the great outdoors is a solid baselayer. Unfortunately, most are tight-fitting and uninspired, made from flimsy fabrics that look like Swiss cheese after a week or two on the trail.
Enter New Zealand-based brand, Mons Royale, born out of the Kiwi snow sports scene in the mountains above Lake Wanaka. Making merino base layers, jerseys and sweaters is what they do – and it really shows.
Just about everything in the Mons range is built around ethically and sustainably produced merino wool – a fibre with so many miracle properties that only Mother Nature could have come up with it. But it’s Mons Royale’s more relaxed approach to design that really makes them stand out. Constructed for comfort and flexibility, their base layers fit like your favourite T-shirt, rather than feeling as if they’ve been sprayed on.
We love Mons Royale because it’s technical stuff that looks good enough to wear every day. The cuts are casual, the pastel colours are cool but muted, and the branding isn’t too full-on. Take your Mons kit out for a day on the mountain, then stick the bike or climbing gear back in the van, switch the shorts for a clean pair of jeans and you’re all set to go for a post-adventure beer.
Excellent, so comfortable hard wearing, keep their shape
-Joe, Verified Buyer