The following review was compiled by trail runner Sarah Barber and features Ciele Athletics DLYShort 4” long brief vs TRNShort 4” brief. Product was provided for the test and review at no charge.
Trail runners, if you think shorts season is coming to an end, think again. Most athletes are comfortable training in shorts in temperatures as low as 40F, and in calm, sunny conditions, some brave souls go bare-legged even when the mercury dips close to freezing. However, if it’s motivation to get outdoors that’s coming to an end, that’s a different thing entirely, and it’s completely understandable after a long summer of training and racing on trails. Fortunately, the remedy for a diminished desire to scamper through the woods dodging roots and rocks might be as simple as shorts! New shorts, that is.
Enclothed cognition
Chat GPT tells me that by leveraging psychological principles such as “enclothed cognition” and creating positive associations, donning fresh new attire can make one feel more prepared, confident, and committed to fitness goals. The novelty of new gear can also boost mood and mindset, signaling that it’s time for physical activity and reinforcing one’s identity as a runner.
Seeking inspiration for a fall training block, I turned to Ciele Athletics, one of the classiest outdoor apparel companies on my radar. For Ciele, what began as a headwear obsesh became a full-body focus on performance in sport and protection from the elements. With their flagship store in a decidedly northern climate—Montreal, Canada—one might wonder what these Francophiles know about shorts. I’m here to tell you that Ciele Athletics knows a lot.
Shorts put to the test
I took both the DLYShort (4” long brief) and the TRNShort (4” brief) for a few test drives and found that I appreciated their differences without having a clear preference for one or the other. They also have quite a few similarities. For starters, the creative colorways offered by Ciele Athletics can’t be beat. Tints like Dark Wine Red and Deco Rose are exactly as they sound: subtly feminine and softly sophisticated. Most of the time, my athletic look leans toward a ninja theme—all black all the time—so it was fun to experiment with brighter hues that tempted me to seek out matching tops and socks.
Both shorts are made of a ripstop recycled polyester textile with, “a touch of elastane for stretch.” Both are lightweight with a water-repellent finish in case the occasional autumn cloudburst strikes mid run. Unfortunately, both shorts also have a very generous rise. In other words, the distance from the crotch seam to the waistband is right up there with the current (and also terribly unflattering) fashion trend: mom jeans. The day that trail running goes vogue instead of rogue is the day that I need to switch sports. Thankfully, we’re not quite not there yet!
Fit and function
The high rise on the DLYShort and the TRNShort creates pooched-out fabric if you bend over or sit down, but if you’re sitting down, you’re doing it wrong. Ciele Athletics made this garb for functional movement, and function it does.
The TRNShort boasts a tall, belly-smoothing waistband with hidden no-zip pockets to stash car keys and gels, while the DLYShort rocks a more elastic appearing waist, a zippered pocket, and stretch pocket in the liner that’s large enough for a phone. Speaking of large, the liner in the DLYShort is large in more ways than one. First, the brief itself has a 4” inseam so it peeks out below the bottom edge of the shorts. It’s also large in size compared to the shorts, suggesting that the intent was never to provide compression. Instead, it merely serves as an elongated barrier against chafed inner thighs. I’m not looking for Spanx, but I would prefer a liner brief with a bit more squeeze.
However, like everything else I’ve seen or worn from Ciele Athletics, both shorts have a lifetime guarantee, meaning they’ll still be around when they eventually become vintage collectibles. Durability aside, another notable feature is the attention to detail in the stitching and seam placement, which minimizes irritation and maximizes comfort for long runs. Whether tackling technical terrain or logging easy miles, these shorts deliver a reliable fit and thoughtful design that excel at keeping sweat and moisture at bay, which is crucial during longer trail runs where comfort can make or break your experience.
So, whether you choose the DLYShort or the TRNShort, just know that while the rise might be higher than your last summit attempt, at least your sense of style (and your legs) will be well-protected. In the end, the only thing these shorts won’t help you outrun is the changing seasons—so you might as well look good while trying.
Editor’s note: Read more articles and review from ATRA’s gear wrangler Sarah Barber, here.
