One of my favourite brands, Flanci, has designed new running and hiking skorts in a lighterweight fabric. I have been testing the size small, while my friend Izzie gives her views on the size medium. The skorts are very similar to the standard Flanci version but the fabric feels lighter and silkier.
Lighterweight Flanci skorts features:
Compression high-recovery fabric: 75% polyester, 25% spandex
Seamless hem on the shorts for added comfort
Stitch-free ultra bond zipped pocket on the back of the waistband
Neoprene pad behind the back zip for comfort – especially if wearing in the gym
Two thigh pockets
Bonded openings for the draw-cord (remember to tie a knot in it when washing).
6 different sizes from XS-2XL
Inside leg (for Medium size): 19cm ( 7.5 in )
Skirt length (for Medium size): 38cm (15in)
Waistband depth (for Medium size): 11cm (4.25″)
Price: £44.99
See Flanci skorts – remember to use the Fiona10 code for 10% off full price (this doesn’t apply to sale prices)
Note about sizes: The sizing of this range is slightly different due to the higher compression in the fabric. They are more accurate to UK dress size, so a size 12 would be a medium. You will probably need to wiggle into the waistband but once on they should be comfy. You may wish to size up if you are used to Flanci’s standard range.
Review: New lighterweight Flanci skorts
There are currently four designs of the lighterweight Flanci skorts. Izzie has the “Bonnie Scotland” in a size medium and I have Fin Frenzy in the size small.
Izzie: Things I like about Lighterweight Flanci skort
- Blue colour
- Good fit for UK 10-12. I am a bit pear-shaped so my lower body is nearer a UK 12 and the fit is perfect.
- Material hangs nicely
- Use of Celtic knot designs and weather symbols. In fact, I think these could be more prominent, or the main designs.
- Deeper waistband feels good and maybe creates a slightly larger pocket?
- Quality is always good from Flanci. It’s well-designed in shape and well-produced.
Izzie: Things I don’t like about Lighterweight Flanci skort
- The main designs. They’re pretty garish and “touristy” Scottish. I wouldn’t actually wear it, even abroad.
- If it’s being marketed as “lighter-weight material”. I’m not sure it really hits the mark. I weighed this Flanci at 10oz and my standard Llama one is 11oz, so it’s hardly “lightweight” in comparison. Compared to my Tikiboo skort (7.5oz) it’s still heavy.
- New sizing. Psychologically this has a negative impact on me. As a UK 10-12, I liked being a Flanci Small. I don’t like the idea of now being a Flanci Medium.
- Longer shorts and shorter skirt. I prefer them to be same length. As someone with thighs I’m trying to hide, this isn’t so successful in this skort.
- Use of black material. I think it’s an attempt to calm the mad Scottish design but it doesn’t work for me. Blue and black generally don’t compliment each other.
My thoughts: Lighterweight Flanci Fin Frenzy skort
I agree mostly with what Izzie has said in her review, although I do really like the fabric. I feels lighter, silkier and “swishier” when I run. I weighed the standard skort as 287g, the lighterweight skort as 269g and compared to my previous go-to skort, the Skinfit (very pricey) at 116g. So, there is not a lot of difference between the standard and the lighterweight Flanci skort – just 18g – but the fabric does “feel” much lighter.
The small fits me well – I am usually a UK10 – and I like that the shorts legs peep out below the skirt. One of the great pros of Flanci is their many funky and colourful designs so it is great to be able to see the skirt design and the shorts design at once. I really like the Fin Frenzy design.
It is a bit of a squish to get the waistband over my bum but, as Flanci states, once on, it fits nicely. I am not a big fan of high waistbands. However, while I thought the higher waist would really annoy me when I was running I didn’t even notice it. It’s when I sit down that I am aware of the slightly narrower and higher waistband.
I compared a standard skort with the new skort and there is very little difference in sizing at the waist, maybe only a few millimetres. I think it’s the height of the waist that is different.
I appreciate that many people prefer a higher waistband because it can be more flattering to cover the stomach.
The new bonded zipped pocket at the rear of the waistband looks really good. I have found that the zip in the older skorts ends up a bit sticky and glitchy. Flanci has obviously listened to consumers and made some adjustments.
The skort has the same open topped pockets on both thigh sides of the shorts, the same as the standard skorts. I use these pockets a lot for carrying my large iphone.
It’s a shame that you can’t fit a large phone in the rear pocket. This is true for both styles of skort. It’s the width of the opening that makes it difficult, rather than the depth of the pocket.
I don’t think there is much difference in the depth of the rear pocket between the skorts.
The look of this skort is flattering. The lighter fabric glides over the hips and sits at just the right A-line shape.
The shorts legs are a bit tighter and the hem is not as wide but they still fit comfortably and stay in place. Many other skorts I have tried have shorts legs that ride up the thigh, which is both annoying and uncomfortable.
Overall, the skort is up to Flanci’s usual high standards and I think the size small fit is better in the new lighterweight skort than the standard, but that’s personal.
- I was sent both skorts courtesy in return for an honest review.