I usually take reviews with a grain of salt, but since the fading problem was repeated over and over, I should have heeded them this time! I purchased these swim trunks in black in the 6" and 8" inseam when they were on sale. I guess I didn't fully believe all the reviews that mentioned how quickly they fade. After wearing the 6" inseam trunks for lap swimming (~3days/week), the black has faded to a washed out pinkish color, after only a few weeks. I had a similar pair of a 'swim company' brand that I purchased at my local warehouse/club store that didn't fade after over 1-2yrs, I only replaced those when the elastic wore out. Needless to say I am returning the unworn 8" pair. It is a shame, since these fit great and I love the soft feel of the supplex fabric. I guess these just weren't made for pool swimming. I'll keep using the washed-out pair for lap swimming, but I will remember to look elsewhere for a swimsuit in the future.
I never even got to the drawstring issue mentioned by a few reviewers because 1. The inseam is NOT 6 inches--more like 5 to 5 1/4 inches (too short for me) 2. The legs are way too baggy.
I have some of these shorts from a year or two ago, and these aren't up to that level by a long shot. The inconsistency in manufacture in items with the same item name is a real problem.
I've just purchased two MORE pairs of the LL Bean supplex gym shorts. I've been wearing these to the gym, plus hiking and other activities, for years. Take 'em to the beach, too. All told, I'm wearing a pair of these probably 5+ times per week.
I take care of my clothing and all of my pairs have lasted a good long time.
About a year ago, I discovered that size L was suddenly too large. (Hah !!! All of that time spent at the gym is worth something !!)
So I purchased several pairs in size medium and they fit great and are just as durable. I just got 2 more pairs 'cuz I'm not too keen on doing laundry all the time.
My old size L were in great shape and I donated 'em to my local 2nd hand store and likely someone else is getting good use out of 'em.
I agree completely with the previous review which stated that the drawstring did not work properly. I bought these for my husband; fit was fine, but the waistband becomes too loose when the suit is wet. The drawstring does NOTHING to help adjust the waistband. I've been sewing all my life, and I tried to make the adjustment myself to the elastic in the waistband. Opened a seam in the back - wouldn't work. No adjustment can be made. So... elastic and drawstring are not well done on this suit. Other than that, the suit would have been fine!
