I bought these based almost entirely on the very humorous review written by Thomas McDonald. In fact, I was so smitten by the review I didn't even know I was buying shorts that are marketed primarily as swim shorts. So, silly me. Funny thing is, when I put them on I thought these would be great if I ever get caught in the rain - seems like they would repel water to some extent.

Aside from that, I like them for the most part. Got them in a L even though I normally do M because Asian sizing can be hard to predict.

Waistband is not too snug (that's how I like things) but still leaves some ridges in the skin where the waistband is. No biggie, that is common I guess for this type of waistband.

Zip pockets are OK. Deep enough for small stuff and zips for security. Zippers look a bit funny like some gaping mouth full of teeth and feels that way then plunging a hand in there but not in a painful way. I just hope I remember to zip them up before washing with anything else.

Full white liner inside, front and back. I do not like tight liners and this one is fine although it can peek out depending on how you sit. That applies to the contents of the liner as well depending on how you contort yourself in front of someone but not very likely. Just know that it could.

Good shorts overall but I have others I like better that are not swim fabric. But I will put them on for my walks when there's a light rain or chance of it. Looks good even on a skinnier guy as opposed to that hunk of meat model in the pics.

There was an option in the review to rate them based on Sheerness. I skipped because I have no idea if 1 star would mean not sheer at all or completely see through. The pair I got are not at all sheer and even if they were I think the full liner would solve that problem.

Being a swim fabric they seem a bit hotter to wear (in Texas at least) than my other similar shorts of an athletic/lounging around variety.

Fits and looks great. the zipper pockets with the black lines are great, and they complement perfectly with the main color of the shorts. I got American size (M) and I am 5'10 and about 190 semi fit dude.

Bought these as a back up for a 10 day SCUBA event for back up. Ended up using them as the primary suit. They dried faster, had zipper pockets which were an added benefit! The color was great, no fade from the pool, and no snags from the hot tubs bumpy seats. I did buy my normal size, but ended up sending back for the next size up. HOWEVER, sizing was borderline for me. Not saying the run small, but if in doubt order up a size. Stretch was fine in the band, but there really is not much stretch to the material.

LOVE IT!

Only gave 1 star on 'Sheerness' because these trunks are not sheer.

I love these shorts. I'm a 6'1", 220# middle aged guy. A little too thick for my own comfort, but also not grossly overweight. Finding trunks that make me feel somewhat attractive is no easy fit. Most are either too skimpy for my comfort, or I feel like I'm wearing 80's board shorts. These are actually PERFECT for me. I feel like they offer a slimmer profile pushing the risker boundaries, yet look extremely tasteful and fitting for a guy that does not look at all like the models they use in advertisements. And the zipper pockets are function, when zipped keep the pocket area from looking baggy or stretched out, and also add just enough of an accent that I think they break up the 'solid color' look and give it a little character. I ended up buying 3 pair in different colors!