The current collection all started in my head long ago during the end of last summer and into fall. When I have a new idea about a product, colors, or options, I have to follow it through with the internal product team, fabric mills, and our production partners. This process is better compared to attempting to align the stars sometimes with the development of a new product along the path of the unknown and a new problem or solution creating obstacles at every stage, sometimes not even making it past the original sketch. This process can challenge myself and the teams and ultimately delay our deadlines. Still, the yellow brick road to the final product also changes and evolves the molding of the product, hopefully into the best possible version of the original idea.
The Pull-On short is the latest result of this process of launching a new product. It came from an idea I had in looking for a comfortable and stylish short that could answer all of the casual needs of summer. A short that you would wear with an untucked polo or shirt, perfect for hanging out at home but dressed-up enough to make you feel comfortable to take outdoors. I had seen brands out there over last summer push lined versions, almost “almost naked” versions, “Built-in underwear” designs, and all sorts of weird attempts to claim the most comfortable short ever by basically taking the character of a workout or sports short and promote it into an everyday short. The first stage or challenge was to create an elastic or gathered waistband, which was, at the time, completely new for us. With my simple sketch and a few basic numbers and fingers crossed, we forwarded the idea to our sample team. The first sample came back near-to-perfect, with a clean and controlled look that felt like a custom-made product, not sloppy or irregular, which you would normally associate with a casual product. This really made the new idea seem possible and something we could probably get behind in a big way.
From this first sample, I then developed sketches of a series of options for pockets, closures, and details while at the same time thinking of fabric options. I knew that one of the fabric ideas needed to be cotton-based after seeing so many versions out in the market at every price point, so I went to our archive and refreshed myself with a lightweight cotton stretch we had. I loved it because of the light but compact weave, knowing that this would help with light colors and eventual transparency problems. I also loved the soft hand feel of the cloth while having the comfort of stretch, which really adds to performance and movement during a hard day’s wear. The type of short you could wear in the backyard, comfortably take a car ride to the market, or do a coffee run, a true everyday short in some fun summer colors and not forgetting white, to which this fabric lent itself perfectly.
Next on my fabric list was a true performance fabric that would move with you in even the most brutal workouts, at the gym or marathon ready, and on-par with some of the best athletic gear on the market. Our Golf performance fabric is a 4-way stretch, has great wicking characteristics (which means it doesn’t retain moisture, including sweat), and looked really rich in the new colors we had just put into work at the time for Spring 2021. Lastly, I asked myself what would be the short to use if you jumped in the pool or wanted to take a dip in the ocean? I started with the poly-tech fabric of our outerwear. After comparable testing to other candidates, this fabric seemed natural because of its ultra-lightness, proven durability, and ability to retain color in sunlight. The other great thing about this JH exclusive fabric is how quickly it dries, which is, of course, exactly what you want from a swim-style short. It passed the pool test with flying colors, and so the initial lineup of fabric was formulated, ultimately defining the three main characters to the new Pull-on Short.
Everyday
The cool summer cotton stretch fabric makes a truly relaxed short, perfect for Saturdays, barbecues, and sunny days outside. Make it to your own length to suit your look with your choice of pocket options and comfortable waistbands.
Active
You will appreciate the performance built into our stretch short at the gym, tennis court, or running a mile. Fresh comfort is guaranteed all day long. The optional compression liner adds a comfortable layer to this short, perfect for your heavy‑duty workouts.
Poolside
Our lightweight tech polyester fabric is a summer must-have for pool days and beach time. In or out of the water, the quick-dry fabric performs like a champion. These shorts are coupled with a mesh liner and drain-hole details, and a drawstring; this short is ready for a dip in the water whenever you want.
