Cargo bib shorts are the in thing right now and most shorts making companies have at least one model on their range so what makes the Lusso Terra shorts different?
MADE IN MANCHESTER are the three words that made these shorts stand out to me before I’d even pulled them on. In a world where strawberries can be grown in Argentina, packed in Indonesia and sold in a shop in Birmingham it’s a great thing to see that a company is manufacturing on the UK.
Designed as part of Lusso’s Terra range these bib shorts are hand made with natural and sustainable fabrics from Italy. They have two rear mesh pockets and a pocket on each thigh.
The bib straps themselves are made of the same mesh material and so there is plenty of breathability. the end of the legs has a wide elasticated section that grips well without digging in. The thigh pockets swallow a modern smart phone easily so gels and energy bars can be stowed securely. Even with something heavy like a phone the pockets never felt baggy or restricted movement
The material feels luxurious against your skin and the pad feels just on the right side of reassuringly thick. It supported me comfortably over short and long distance rides, with and without chamois cream. I’d have no qualms about wearing these on a multi day trip in hot or cold weather (both experienced during the test period). The rear pockets were useful but as with all cargo rear pockets near to your body heat if you intend to carry something moisture sensitive in there it may be as well to bag it in something waterproof as it can steamy in there. Thankfully I haven’t crashed in these shorts yet but after many rides including those in wet and gritty conditions they continue to show little signs of wear. They also wash very well, keeping their shape and the pad remains supportive.
Sizing is normal, I usually wear an XL short being just over 180cm tall and the XL terras felt good, although I might go up one size for a longer bib strap. Lusso offer returns so you can get the correct fit.
It is also great to see some different colours from the usual boring black most shorts come in, the Lusso Terra’s can be purchased in slate (pictured) or thyme both have pockets in a contrast colour.
The Lusso Terra bib shorts are quite simply a great feeling and looking short that will support your adventures over many rides. The fact that they are hand made in the UK and Lusso’s stance on sustainability makes them stand out above other quality shorts in the same price bracket, definitely check these out when you are looking for your next pair of shorts.
you can find out more about these shorts, Lusso and their thoughts on sustainability on their website here
UK GRAVEL COLLECTIVE 