Stio OPR 11.5” Shorts (Men’s)

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

Stio’s OPR 11.5” Shorts are designed for mountain biking adventures, prioritizing sun protection and comfort. Their appearance and functionality make them suitable for both the trail and more casual social settings.

Detailed Review

The OPR 11.5” shorts  are made from Schoeller® four-way stretch fabric, which offers moderate stretch, breathability, and quick-drying capabilities—ideal for staying comfortable on rides. The fabric also features an eco-conscious Ecorepel® PFC-Free durable water repellent (DWR) finish to help shed water and keep you dry. The shorts include two front hand pockets, a zippered front-left thigh pocket, and a rear zip pocket for added security.

Sizing runs true to standard men’s sizes. If you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit, consider sizing up—though I found the built-in stretch more than adequate for comfort and mobility during both walking and riding. Breathability is enhanced through perforated paneling at the waistband, hand pockets, and inseam, and the material feels noticeably higher quality than standard nylon shorts.

The T-lock waistband closure was a new feature for me: you simply interlock the two sides and slide them to secure the waistband. Additional fit adjustment is available via hook-and-webbing loops on each side. Both the gusseting and bottom hem appear well-constructed.

I wore these shorts on trail rides and at bike parks. The 11.5″ length works well with knee pads while still allowing free movement. I experimented with different waistband tightness levels—you can really lock them down or keep a looser fit depending on your preference. The fabric breathes well, and I never felt overheated while wearing them. The side zip pocket was perfect for securely holding keys and other essentials, while the front pockets were handy for snacks or gloves. The stretch fabric allows for unrestricted pedaling and movement, and there’s ample room to wear padded chamois shorts underneath.

I wore these shorts while riding and running errands, and they performed well in both settings. The stretch allows full range of motion on the bike, and the breathable material makes it suitable for warm weather.  I could easily wear these on a casual workday and head straight out for a ride—they offer solid temperature regulation and sun protection.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the Stio OPR 11.5” Shorts are made from high-quality Schoeller® fabric that provides excellent sun protection, light water resistance, and all-day comfort. They don’t trap heat, allow full mobility, and are versatile enough for biking, hiking, office wear, or casual outings. These are now my go-to shorts, and I really enjoy wearing them in both active and casual situations.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.