The CEP Women's Core Run Loose Fit Shorts are a comfortable versatile option for running and adventuring.

 Details

• Wind-Resistant & Breathable Fabric
• Spacious Side Pockets
• Relaxed Athletic Fit
• Reflective CEP Logo
• Adjustable Drawstring Waistband
• Rear Zippered Pocket for Valuables
• Integrated Key Loop
• Supportive Inner Brief
• Side Slits for Mobility & Ventilation
• 5" Inseam
• OuterFfabric: 100% Polyamide
• Inner Liner Fabric: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane

Fit

I'm a women's size medium on the CEP size guide and I found that the Core Run Loose Fit Shorts are true to size.  The waistband hits me at my navel and has an elastic band with an adjustable drawstring for adjustability. The inseam is 5" long and the fit is loose and relaxed, but not in a way where the fabric puffs out awkwardly or affects the fit.

CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts

Detailed Review

Running shorts can be tricky for me.  I have thicker upper thighs (i.e. no thigh gap) and running shorts tend to migrate upwards and cause chafing issues. I generally love running shorts for general summer wear, because they're lightweight and have a built in brief. But for running, I generally prefer tight fitting shorts or triathlon shorts because the legs don't move or cause chafing issues.

I've been wearing the CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts during my lunch runs, approximately 45-60 minutes in duration.  I also brought them with me for a weekend trip to Utah where we watched the UCI World Cup XCC and XCO races.

Erin and Savillia Blunk

Immediately evident is how lightweight and comfortable the shorts are.  Generally, running shorts look like running shorts - they don't go incognito.  The CEP shorts with the longer inseam and relaxed fit makes the shorts fit into a broader range of situations. You can easily wear them out to lunch without looking like you've just come back from a run.

The pockets in the CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts are excellent, especially for more casual wear.  There are two generous drop in hand pockets on each hip.  These pockets are plenty big enough to hold your phone.  I wouldn't exactly use them for snack storage while running because they will bounce around.  The rear waistband zipperered pocket is also generous.  This pocket is plenty big enough to fit your phone and will also provide secure storage for gels, keys, and your ID without feeling bouncy or in the way.

The CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts were perfect for a weekend trip to watch a mountain bike race - but how do they perform while running?

CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts

The TLDR is that they are really great.

As I headed out on my first trial run in the CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts, I applied a light layer of ant-chafe cream on my inner thighs and hoped for the best.  To my delight, the shorts generally stayed put as I ran.  They crept up a little bit, but not enough to cause any chafing.  I was also a little concerned about chafing from the fabric or any seams in the inner thigh, and again, I was left chafe free.

As a bonus, I felt like I wasn't showing off too much leg as I wrapped up my lunch run in the office parking lot and ran into a coworker. Sometimes such sightings can be awkward when I'm wearing tri shorts or short-shorts, but the CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts have enough length to make a random parking lot encounter feel not so awkward. These will be a nice option for my office gym as well.

Closing Thoughts

The CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts are a reasonably priced ($60) and comfortable pair of running shorts.  The 5" length is perfect for those who have issues chafing in shorter running shorts.  And the length is also a great option for more casual wearing.  The pockets are gererous and the fabric and fit are comfortable.

The CEP Core Run Loose Fit Shorts are available for both men and women.  Women's options come in 3 different colorways (black, light grey, and purple) and range in sizes from XS to XL.  Men's options come five colorways and range in sizes from S to XXL.