The Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer Walk Shorts are a casual, “do anything” pair of shorts. These shorts have similar features to the Baggies Longs (our review) but are much less casual. I’ve worn these shorts for everything from around the house, to hiking, and out to a casual lunch.

Fabric

These shorts are made from a 96% nylon (62% recycled)/4% spandex blend with 4-way stretch, a DWR finish, and a 50+ UPF sun protection rating.

The 4-way stretch makes sure the fabric never gets in your way (even with their slightly longer length), and the combination of the DWR and nylon content help keep the shorts from getting wet, and when they do get wet, helps them to dry quickly. There is some “nylon” noise with these shorts, so they won’t completely blend in.

Fit and Performance

While they are advertised as 20” (outseam), the inseam is about 9.5”. Being chino-styled, these shorts come in the usual even numbered inch waist sizes. For me, they fit true to size. The internal drawstring is a very nice feature and something that I look for on any short I buy now. It allows you to wear the shorts without a belt, even without an exact fit (or if your pockets are loaded down).

The fit of the shorts is standard, not too baggy or slim. They fit in most anywhere shorts are acceptable. Although I wouldn’t wear them for all occasions (that’s where the OUTLIER New Way Longs come in for me), at about half the price, they are a step up from many other performance shorts. The chino styling helps step up the looks a bit, but the slightly wrinkly and noisy fabric (and the embroidered “Patagonia” on the leg) detract some. Even just the removal of the embroidery would improve the look.

There are two front slash pockets and two back pockets with mesh linings (for easy drainage). The right back pocket has a button closure (with lay-flat webbing, the same as is used on the top button) and an elastic key loop. The key loop is on the center side of the pocket, so it is not comfortable to use for a set of keys. It seems to be designed to loop around a single house style key.

While I think the Patagonia Baggies are more suited as a short/swim trunk hybrid, these will do in a pinch if you weren’t expecting to get in the water (without looking too casual).

Overall

The Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer Walk Shorts are a great value if you are looking for a casual, chino-styled short. While they aren’t quite a do-everything short like the OUTLIER New Ways, they are a solid choice.

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