Which shorts have no plastic in the waistband, the drawcord, the pockets or the zipper?
This category is being vetted. Nothing here is a recommendation yet.
Where plastic hides in shorts
Shorts sold as 100% cotton are rarely all cotton. The waistband carries elastic, which is elastane wrapped in nylon or polyester, and a drawstring short often threads a polyester cord through a plastic or metal eyelet. Pocket bags are polyester-cotton. Zip pockets and fly zippers run on polyester tape. Active and swim-style shorts have a polyester mesh liner, and trail shorts add a water-repellent coating. Chinos carry about 2 percent elastane for stretch. Buttons are resin unless the page names shell, corozo or metal, and the thread is polyester.
What to check before you buy
- Fabric: 100% cotton, linen or wool, or stretch with elastane?
- Waistband: elastic-free, natural rubber named as natural, or elastane?
- Drawcord and eyelets: cotton cord and metal grommets, or polyester and plastic?
- Liner: none, merino or cotton, or polyester mesh?
- Pockets and zipper: cotton pocket bags and a named tape, or polyester?
- Buttons and thread: shell, corozo or metal with cotton thread, or resin and polyester?
- Coatings: a water-repellent or quick-dry finish, or none?