Review: Outdoor Voices Solar Panel Soccer Shorts

Athletic clothing firm Outdoor Voices has released their first ever soccer collection. Called The Intramural Capsule, the range is highlighted by The Solar Panel Shorts.

This is our World Exclusive look at them along with our thoughts on their performance after wearing them for match play and training.

Here are further details on the Solar Panel Shorts from Outdoor Voices. They come with noble inspiration and make a contribution to reducing our carbon footprint and climate change.

Inspired by soccer shorts and the club colors of SSC Napoli and others, these 6″ shorts are unlined and lightweight. Featuring a drawstring on an elastic waistband, the shorts is built to withstand long stretches of Doing Things.

The shorts feature a jacquard pattern based on a photo of solar panels in Big Bend National Park in Texas. The shorts come in three colors—Brilliant White, Napoli, and Nero—and will retail for $55 at OV shops and OutdoorVoices.com. Alongside the shorts, OV will launch graphic t-shirts (long and short sleeve) inspired by intramural team kits. 

With the Solar Panel Shorts, OV will be initiation their first carbon offset program. For every individual who buys a pair of the Solar Panel Short, with the help of their partner Chooose, OV will offset their entire month’s worth of carbon footprint (on avg. 1.375 tonnes per month) with investment in renewable energy projects in the regions where we produce our product.

Design

With 1990s fashion revival movement now in full swing, Outdoor Voices’ Solar Panel Shorts carry a silhouette and aesthetic reminiscent of the classic soccer shorts of three decades ago.

If there was a modern version of the iconic mid-1990s Umbro Checkerboard shorts and the many others that followed its vibe, the Solar Panel Shorts would be it.

Once slipped on the look of the Solar Panel Shorts is timeless and will work in a multitude of scenarios from playing soccer to casual wear to the beach. We’d even dare to say that they would work well as from beach attire instead of the ubiquitous board shorts.

The brilliant solar panel tonal pattern throughout the shorts are its standout design element and show up nicely in bright sunshine. The Solar Panel Shorts also have a clever, flattened waistline drawstring that can be worn in a number of stylish ways. Our favorites are the tied look for a tight fit and the untied hanging look for a touch of swag.

The Solar Panel Shorts are one of the few soccer shorts on the market with side pockets. They are full size and big enough to put your phone or keys in. This adds to them being usable for leisure wear.

The Outdoor Voices Solar Panel Shorts that we tried out were in light blue / Napoli (clearly inspired by the Italian Serie A giants SSC Napoli) and black / Nero (Manchester United glory days shorts anyone?). They also come in all white.

Performance

Despite their 90s throwback look the Outdoor Voices Solar Panel Shorts are completely modern when it comes to on the pitch performance.

The shorts have a unique waistband that provides a very comfortable and near perfect fit. They feel almost like board shorts at the waist but require no drawstring adjustment or tying. You would even think that they are not elasticized since there is no digging into the skin at the waist.

We took the Solar Panel Shorts off and pulled them at the waistline and did see elasticity. We’re guessing that OV is using cutting edge technology to good effect and for wearer comfort.

The Solar Panel Shorts are made of the latest in woven nylon jacquard fabric. The result is extremely lightness yet durability when pulled. These are the type of shorts that make you feel like you’re not even wearing any because of their silk like feel.

During physical activity they keep you cool by allowing good airflow. They also absorb and dissipate sweat quite rapidly to keep you dry during and after soccer play, running or moving around in warmer temperatures. Throw them in the wash afterwards and they are as good as new and ready for another run.

The Outdoor Voices Solar Panel Shorts are dropped on October 3rd, 2019. They are now on sale at the Outdoor Voices online store.