Patagonia vs. Uniqlo: Which Brand Makes Better Shorts?

Welcome to Head to Head, where we size up two like products with hands-on testing to determine which one you should buy.

The best activity shorts can stand up to intense wear and handle a water-bound adventure without looking too crunchy. While many brands now offerversions of this go-anywhere style, Patagonia Baggies ($55) are the pair to beat. To see if this outdoor classic still holds up, we tested it against the Uniqlo Active Swim Shorts ($30).

Patagonia Baggies vs Uniqlo Active Swim Shorts

Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Gerald Ortiz

Introduced over 30 years ago, these versatile shorts were designed specifically for the water, with a mesh lining for drainage, on-seam pockets for less drag and, famously, enough room in the pockets to carry two tennis balls. The simple design has gone on to become one of Patagonia’s most popular items. After hands-on testing, we think they’re the shorts to get.

Overall Fit

Baggies are, as the name implies, baggy. They’re not frumpy, however. If anything, they’re a classic cut that’s got enough leg room for acrobatic feats without feeling like you’re wading through a sea of fabric with every step.

The popular 5-inch inseam model sits mid-thigh and doesn’t ride up the leg. They’re also offered in a 7-inch inseam, unlike the Swim Actives.

Fabric

Like the Uniqlo Swim Active Shorts, Patagonia’s Baggies are made from an all-nylon fabric. Unlike the competition and in-line with Patagonia’s eco-modus operandi, they’re made with 100-percent recycled fabric. They also feature a water-resistant coating, which makes them quick-drying.

Gerald Ortiz

The hand is slightly less smooth than Uniqlo’s. While Uniqlo’s feel closer to something like rayon, Patagonia’s are more like an end-on-end shirting fabric. By no means are they rough, but they don’t warrant a near-silky stamp like the Swim Actives.

They’re a denser weave than Uniqlo’s and thus a bit heavier. Of course, being shorts intended for the water, they’re still plenty lightweight. That said, the density and weight give the shorts a more satisfying drape and greater durability.

Details

The rear pocket is the most visible difference between the two shorts. Patagonia’s is secured with a snap flap and are sewn inside the shorts, rather than an outward-facing patch pocket like Uniqlo’s. The design is not only slightly cleaner, it is a bit more functional, too. The mesh lining is incorporated into the rear pocket and is better at draining water than the two eyelets found on the Swim Actives. And, Patagonia places its key loop in the front right pocket. It’s a better placement because it prevents your wallet from getting scratched and its more comfortable to sit in. The drawstring is also notable; it’s a flat lace design, which is less bulky and more comfortable on the skin.

Gerald Ortiz

Gerald Ortiz

Price

Uniqlo Swim Active Shorts

Gerald Ortiz

Uniqlo’s Swim Active shorts were first introduced in summer of 2014 as a versatile pair of shorts. As the name implies, these shorts were built not just for the water but for an active lifestyle in general, much like the Patagonia Baggies. At nearly half the price of its popular competitor, it’s a worthy option to consider.

Overall Fit

Uniqlo’s Swim Active Shorts fit baggier than Baggies. The leg room is wider, the waist a touch looser, and they’re even slightly longer. More than that, the mesh lining is more generous.

Fabric

The lightweight nylon fabric comes in a range of colors, though no patterned options. It has a very smooth hand that feels great against the skin, and the weave is just a touch more open. This is great if you’re looking for a pair of shorts to help you survive the heat.

Gerald Ortiz

Details

Like the Baggies, the Swim Actives feature on-seam pockets, a single rear pocket, mesh lining, an elastic waist and a drawstring cord. The drawstring cord, however, faces the outside of the shorts, leaving them to hang visibly. They’re also a round cord, as opposed to the concealed and flat lace of the Baggies.

Gerald Ortiz

Gerald Ortiz

The rear pocket is also a point of difference. The Swim Actives feature a patch pocket with a welted opening and snap closure. They also feature a key loop and two eyelets for drainage. The overall design is the least minimal part of the shorts and is, perhaps, somewhat bulky, especially if you have a larger wallet coupled with a set of keys.

Price

Verdict

The Uniqlo Swim Active Shorts are worthy competition, especially given the budget-friendly price, but Baggies are just too hard to beat. The fabric of the latter feels more substantial, the fit is more accommodating and the quality has been well-documented. You’d certainly be satisfied with the Uniqlo option, particularly if you nabbed a pair on sale, but if you have the cash to upgrade, Baggies are worth the slight splurge.

Courtesy Patagonia

Patagonia Baggies Short

• $48.00 at Huckberry
  $65.00 (26% off)

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