Stio Women’s OPR Short

Review by Kate Agathon

For Spring/Summer 2026, the Stio Women’s OPR Short 9” underwent a redesign.

Changes include optimized storage, improved breathability, and an emphasis on sustainability (the shorts are constructed from new Pertex® Equilibrium® NetPlus® fabric- material recycled from fishing nets).

Look and Fit

Described as having a “Slim Fit”, the shorts offer a minimalist silhouette that can easily transition from the trail to the brewery.

Initially, I was surprised that Stio offered them as a “Slim Fit”, as that is normally not a description I would associate with mountain biking shorts. But somehow, Stio makes the streamlined look work.

I am 5’0” and found that the Stio Women’s OPR Short 9” was the ideal length for my petite size. I liked the simplicity of the design and my chamois (not included) underneath didn’t bulge out or provide unnecessary bulk.

Usually, I tend to go for a baggier style, but I was pleasantly surprised with how this minimalist design hung on my middle-aged body.

The integrated belt allowed for a more customized fit and the ergonomic contoured waist provided additional comfort.

Since they are slim fit, I sized up and wore a size 6. The 6 fit well and was not too loose, as I had feared.

Details and Performance

Sometimes appearances can be deceiving.

Despite the slim and tapered fit, the Stio Women’s OPR Short 9” was not at all restrictive. Thanks to four-way stretch and action gusset, the shorts moved dynamically with my body as I negotiated tree roots, rock gardens, and hill climbs.

Speaking of hill climbs, the updated perforated paneling strategically placed along the back of the waistband, inseam and hand pockets provided improved breathability.

The re-engineered hand pockets are less bulky than earlier versions of the short. The new pockets provide light compression, sit closer to the body and do not interrupt the minimalist appearance.

Other Details

• Custom Stio® snap with T-lock closure and zippered fly
• Double-weave fabric
• Water-repellent finish resists water and reduces dry time
• Bonded hem for lightweight, streamlined comfort
• Heat transfer Stio® and pinecone logos
• Four pockets (drop-in hand pockets, zippered thigh pocket and one snap back pocket)

By introducing responsibly sourced fabric to its popular OPR mountain biking short, Stio lowers its environmental footprint while maintaining the high performance required for its gear.

Overall Thoughts

Stio Women’s OPR Short 9” offer a fashionable design that doesn’t scream “mountain bike shorts”.

Overall, I like the look of the OPR Short 9”. It was neither too short nor too long on my petite frame (I didn’t choose 11.5” because of my height and past tendency to have longer shorts get caught).

The 9” option was a relief, because I find it difficult to find shorts that are either too short or too long and uncomfortable for mountain biking.

The shorts hung nicely and were not too baggy. I was initially hesitant when I read that they were “trim fit” (that does not sound comfortable), but they were not restrictive. In fact, they were stretchy and allowed for greater mobility and layered well over a chamois.

The pockets were well placed and I liked the Raven color because it is a departure from my typical black but subtle and matched my bike. The contrasting side webbing, flap back pocket and engraved snap were nice aesthetic details.

Stio offers a variety of options for its OPR mountain biking shorts: two inseams (9” and 11.5”), nine sizes (0 to 16) and five colors (Vintage Indigo, Castlerock, Forage, Lavender Haze, and Raven).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.