Sam Gravestock makes the most of summer with our vintage combat shorts.
Allegedly summer is here in the United Kingdom and so when the sun decides to appear from behind the clouds it's time for the legs to come out. I am not a fan of the short shorts preferred by those who should know better, neither am I a fan of the sporty style of shorts.
Another result of the sunshine is the tendency not to wear a coat thus reducing the amount of pockets available for all the vital gubbins someone would need throughout a normal day. But what is the solution to a need for pockets and practical leg covering?
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Vintage Combat Shorts!
Available in Olive Green, Woodland Camouflage, Urban Camouflage, Black, Sand and US Tri-colour Camouflage. These are manufactured from 100% percent cotton and then stonewashed to give the vintage look whilst softening the fabric as well (on occasion you will find some of the stones used still lurking in the pockets - don't panic this is fine).
The shorts come with six main pockets - two hip, two back and two cargo pockets. All these are reinforced to make sure they do not give out when you over-fill them (we all do it don't we?).
The cargo pockets are bellowed so when not in use they lie flat preventing any strange appearance but allowing a surprising amount of space when in use. You can fit four baby feeding bottles between the two pockets and still have space. Or for those who aren't parents or familiar with baby bottles you can fit OS maps, tinder pouch, tobacco tin, pipe, folding pruning saw and whatever else you might feel the urge to put in there. The pockets have a tardis like capacity without appearing bulged or over loaded. Fastened with two buttons they are easily opened with one hand allowing you to readily access items without the disturbing sounds of Velcro ripping which in some circumstances, i.e. bird watching or animal tracking, can alert those you are trying to quietly observe.
The two hip pockets are deep and comfortably fit door keys, mobile phone, pocket knife, zippo lighter and anything else you might want instant access to again without feeling or appearing crammed and bulky. Another plus is that when sitting down the cut of the pockets does not result in everything in your pockets making a dramatic bid for freedom.
The two back pockets are again closed with buttons to keep anything secure within and can fit wallet in comfortably.
There is also a small fabric pocket within the belt line of the shorts for small items you may not wish to have lurking about in the main pockets. I usually fill this with change to make sure I have some for parking, emergency Mars Bar purchases and such like.
The shorts have a drawstring waist to allow quick adjustment fastening but also have belt loops for those of you who believe, as I do, that a gentleman is not dressed with out a belt (I don't know where I get this idea from but it's deeply ingrained in me that you should always have a belt). There are also drawstrings on each leg to allow you to tighten the legs and hold them tighter to the leg although personally I am not sure why you would want/need to - perhaps to prevent them catching on plants when walking in the woods etc.
These shorts are comfortable, practical but also look smart enough for day to day wear. In fact, when it has been sunny I have worn mine all the time to work, to family gatherings, down the pub, pottering about in the garden (another time it is handy to have plenty of pocket space) and just mooching about. At no time have I felt inappropriately dressed.
These shorts will be a permanent addition to my summer wardrobe and one of the first items I reach for when packing for holidays in exotic climates.
You can buy the Vintage Combat Shorts directly from this site.
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July 2011
