Is It Possible to Do This Much for 2,990 Yen? The Reason UNIQLO's "Geared Shorts" Earn So Much Trust

Summer at UNIQLO is packed with mega-hit items, like AIRism T-shirts and UV-cut outerwear.

When it comes to shorts, a summer essential, there's a true masterpiece—the Geared Shorts.

Since launching in 2021, these outdoor-ready shorts have steadily become a summer staple. But how are they different from other brands? We posed the question to the PR team at UNIQLO.

The Culmination of High-Performance Shorts Debuting in 2021

These shorts were born against the backdrop of the ongoing outdoor boom.

"The outdoor boom that started around 2013 led to a surge in people enjoying activities like trekking, camping, and music festivals, which increased demand for high-performance shorts.

"At UNIQLO, we've continually updated our nylon shorts with easy belts and multiple pockets. The name 'Geared Shorts' was adopted from the spring/summer 2021 season."

Indeed, Geared Shorts represent the culmination of UNIQLO's high-performance shorts.

Durability Fitting the Name & Bag-like Storage Capacity

Let's take a look at the specs.

The body is made from nylon ripstop—a material widely used for outdoor outerwear, tents, tarps, and backpacks. Its origins date back to World War II, when it was adopted by the US military for parachutes.

If a hole appears, the crosshatch weave of thick fibers prevents the fabric from tearing further. The name "ripstop" comes from this function.

"Along with tear strength, it's lightweight and flexible. And since it's nylon, it dries quickly even if it gets wet. The surface is treated with a water-repellent finish, so it repels light rain. The water-repellent agent is bonded to the fabric, so the effect lasts."

With its unlined, single-layer construction, the shorts are light and highly breathable. The smooth texture feels especially comfortable on sweaty skin in summer.

Its bag-level storage capacity is arguably the strongest selling point.

In addition to the slant pockets on both sides, there are zippered thigh pockets and snap-button back pockets—a total of six pockets.

"Especially noteworthy is the zippered thigh pocket with a gusset, which is big enough to completely fit a 500ml water bottle. You can also stash a book, a compact camera, or any outdoor gear you need. Even our staff have praised it for letting them go hands-free."

The design is thoughtful even down to the smallest parts.

"For extra utility in dark places, the zipper pulls on the thigh pockets are woven with reflective material. Plus, we've added drain holes at the bottom of the pockets so water doesn't accumulate during waterside activities or when washing."

"Adding more pockets can affect how comfortable the shorts are to wear. That's why we repeatedly conducted tests to fine-tune the pocket number, arrangement, and how the shorts feel overall."

"For a breezy, comfortable wear, the waist uses elastic shirring for an easy fit. The belt features a unique buckle."

The buckle is made from resin, making it light and low-profile, so it doesn't feel bulky at the waist. Since you can open and close it with one hand, it makes putting the shorts on and taking them off incredibly smooth.

A Perfect Blend of Comfort & Style

When you actually put them on, you'll notice generous room in the rise and thigh, so there's no sense of tightness. Some outdoor shorts are cut short to allow for easier movement, but Geared Shorts are designed just a bit longer for added style.

Even though the fabric isn't stretch material, you can still move your legs freely, which is a major plus.

The secret is the gusseted crotch—a design commonly used in climbing pants. By sewing an extra piece of fabric into the crotch area, the range of motion for your legs is extended, making strides and squatting completely stress-free.

"While the concept is outdoor-focused, these shorts also work perfectly for daily urban wear. We suggest pairing them with an oversized, simple T-shirt. Thanks to the eye-catching details, even a plain tee can pop when combined with Geared Shorts."

The current lineup comes in five shades, including olive and dark gray.

"The color palette primarily features earthy tones that aren’t overly vibrant, so they blend seamlessly into city style outfits."

With a comprehensive size range from XS to 4XL (XS and sizes above XXL are available online only), these shorts are designed for anyone, regardless of gender.

Focused on Quality that Exceeds its Price Tag

According to the PR team, what really sets these apart from other brands is their "texture."

"No matter how functional or comfortable they are, if they look cheap, they’re not right for sophisticated, everyday wear. That’s why we’ve obsessed over every detail—from material to components—to ensure the texture feels premium. We’re confident these shorts look far more expensive than their price of 2,990 yen."

Creating these Geared Shorts was no easy task, though.

"While they were officially released in 2021, we’d been offering nylon shorts since 2018 as their base. Initially, they weren’t a big hit, but we kept making small updates based on feedback from customers and staff. All that effort paid off—now, we’ve perfected a product that reflects everyone’s ideal. Today, it’s become an essential, signature summer item for UNIQLO."

Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or living life in the city, Geared Shorts continue earning people’s trust as must-have summer gear.