non cycling-shorts for cycling in...?

Getting to that time of year where I wear shorts most of the time for commuting and then continuing to wear in the workshop.

All mine are worn out and I'm a bit stuck as to where to look.

Back in the old days I'd go to a shop to try things on, feel the fabric and stitching etc.
Usually I'd buy sturdier 8quid Primark jobs to ruin at work and then something a bit nicer for other occasions.

However that isn't going to work currently so as the daft title suggests I'm looking for shorts.
Chino shorts, cotton shorts whatever you want to call them. Classic shorts really.

I'd like heavy cotton with good stiching in black or dark colours.
Above the knee (but not mid thigh) in a looser fit.

Can anyone point me to shorts they like and experiences of them.

I'm looking at various price points, but as my ability to pay the rent has been rather curtailed I'd rather not blow the weeks food budget on a pair.

Cheers
Thomas

Dickies slim straight.

Patagonia stand up, beige/sand colour, used. The best are from the early 2000s. Like all Patagonia clothing free repair for life, no receipt or proof of purchase needed.

Rapha ones are nice but I've got a semi baggy pair of cotton GAP ones that I've had for years that are still my fave for cycling around in. Good pockets too.

Primark ones dont last very long at all

Nothing lasts long in my workshop/studio :)

Blue Harbour from M&S.

Excellent, I shall have a good look on ebay.
I'm not adverse to dying lighter colour shorts to my desired colour

+1 for dickies slim straight plus also old levi jeans cut off, folded & sewn up

Good tips. I think we have a thread along these line already. The Rapha touring ones were good but they're like £90 now

workshop/studio

Deffo Dickies then!

Howies
Organic Welsh cotton
Last long

https://www.howies.co.uk/collections/mens-jeans-trousers

I think we have a thread along these line already

Whoops, sorry. I did a search and even remembered having posting on a similar thread donkeys years ago, but couldn't find it.

Ah well.

Thanks all for the suggestions, I'll have a good hunt online tomorrow

yeah i'm not policing it or anything. found it though - conveniently named as well :)

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/336852/

Pricey but I've had a pair of these for 2 years of solid mistreatment and they're just excellent - perfect for touring too.

https://www.elevenpine.com/products/crank-it-up-2018

My Swrve shorts are holding up well. Very comfy.
Decathlon is always worth a look

@platypus have you ever used the repair service?? Do they have authorized workshops in UK/EU or postage is needed? The YKK aquaguard zip to my favourite parka just gave up and I was wondering whether I should chase the unicorn (or let my local dry-cleaner do a bodge)

Not a lot of sizes left but these are good (I’ve got 4 pairs) and for £10 can’t fault em

https://huez.co.uk/collections/mens/products/huez-utility-shorts-khaki

I've never used the Patagonia service myself, but in the UK, the are 2 repair shops that pretty much all outdoor brands use. Can't remember one, but the other is LSR. Lancashire sports repairs. Something like a zip on a waterproof, the dry cleaners will defo not do a great job, if they even agree to do it, and they almost certainly won't source an aquaguard zip. And no seam taping. If you want it waterproof don't let them.. zipper on your trousers, just fine...

If patagonia received your jacket, and decided that is was a fault and not just wear and tear, they will send it to LSA on your behalf. They don't do it themselves. No one does really. Tents, sleeping bags, waterproofs, down clothing, backpacks... They do all tech gear, and are total specialist, authorised by the big guns like goretex, event etc etc. I have had repairs done by LSA via Berghaus warranty, and they are pros.

They always have a fairly long turnaround time, but always nice to repair an otherwise usable item.

Not really a great answer to your question, but maybe useful when the zipper on your £600 down sleeping bag needs attention...

This is the other one https://www.scottishmountaingear.com/

+1 here for décathlon hiking shorts. £15, stretch, and they breathe. Plus pockets that dot impede peddling motion.

Ah nice one.. I never remember that one.. I think because I was introduced to LSA years before I learned about them..

SMG do great work and good prices. I've had a few jackets repairde by them.

Yes, I know about them and SMG.

I have used the Patagonia service several times, all with old pieces purchased on eBay for £20 or so. You pay postage to a UK address and then it is sent to a repair centre in Portugal. The quality of the repairs there is very high.

I don’t normally support brands much but you have to respect a company like that standing behind its products forever, even if they’re as old as the wearer and full of holes.

Deffo Dickies then!

Have you bought any Dickies recently?

I have 2 pairs of loose fit work trousers cut off and hemmed to below knee shorts that are still soldiering on after probably close to 20 years use.

Bought a couple pairs of slimmer fit, pre-made shorts a few years ago and they wore through in the crotch in under 6 months.

Someone told me production shifted to the far east and the quality dropped at that stage. Belt loops seem to be the best way to tell the difference. If they are small and you have like, one belt that only just fits, they are older and will be well made. If the belt loops are larger and all your belts fit through easily, >>>>>>>>>>