KÜHL Women’s Kontour™ Short 8-Inch Review [2025]
Are These the Best Travel Shorts for Women Over 50?
The KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short offers unparalleled comfort and flexibility for active women.
Introduction
Say goodbye to stiff, unflattering shorts that ride up or restrict movement. Finding a pair of women’s shorts that actually fit—especially for outdoor adventures, RV travel, or active lifestyles—is no small feat. Many “performance” shorts fall short (pun intended) when it comes to comfort, coverage, and style.
That’s why I was curious to try out the KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short (8-inch version), which is designed specifically for women’s adventurous lifestyles and is perfect for travel. Women seeking stylish and practical options will love the KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short.
So, are these the holy grail of mid-length travel shorts? Let’s dive in.
The KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short is made for women who want to feel confident in their travel attire. The KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short is crafted for those who appreciate quality and design.
Enter the KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short—designed with stretch, coverage, and all-day comfort in mind. Let’s dig into why these are becoming a favorite among midlife women on the go.
What are the KÜHL Kontour™ 8″ Shorts?
The KÜHL Kontour 8″ Shorts are high-performance women’s shorts made with a cotton-rich stretch fabric designed for mobility, comfort, and a flattering fit. With an 8-inch inseam, they provide generous thigh coverage—ideal for hiking, RVing, and everyday wear where comfort and modesty are essential.
Don’t miss out on the KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short—a perfect fit for any adventure. For daily wear or exploration, they shine in all conditions.
The KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short is ideal for all ages seeking comfort and style.
Who Created the KÜHL Kontour™ Shorts?
KÜHL is a Utah-based outdoor apparel brand known for its functional, flattering, and durable clothing designed for movement and adventure. They’ve earned a loyal following for their high-quality construction and thoughtful design, which is tailored to active lifestyles, especially among women aged 40 and older who prioritize fit and flexibility.
Top Benefits of the KÜHL Kontour™ 8″ Shorts
- All-Day Comfort: The stretch denim-like fabric is soft and moves with you, never pinching or pulling.
- Flattering Fit: A contoured waistband and slimming seams create a shape that is neither tight nor loose.
- Adventure-Ready: Designed for hiking, walking, biking, and bending—without riding up or chafing.
- Polished Look: They feel like technical shorts but have a casual wear appearance that can be dressed up or down.
- Long Inseam: 10-inch length offers better coverage and helps avoid the dreaded “shorts crawl.”
Best Features of the KÜHL Kontour™ 8″ Shorts
These shorts aren’t just a longer version of the standard Kontour—they’re packed with thoughtful features perfect for RV living, summer hiking, or travel.
Stretch Kontour™ Fabric with Stretch Denim Feel
These shorts are made from KÜHL’s exclusive KONTOUR™ fabric—a cotton/spandex blend that mimics stretch denim but with a softer, more flexible feel.
The shorts move with you, whether you’re climbing into a van or walking through a humid market. Best of all, they keep their shape all day without bagging at the knees or backside. A soft, breathable cotton/spandex blend that mimics the look of denim but with far more movement and comfort.
Back Yoke and Darts
Subtle tailoring provides a flattering fit from the back, enhancing your shape without clinging.
Contoured Mid-Rise Waistband
The contoured mid-rise waistband is a game-changer for mature bodies. It hugs curves without squeezing or pinching, and the back yoke enhances your shape without making you feel like you’re wearing shapewear. No more muffin-top moments or constant tugging. The waistband curves with your body for a no-gap fit at the back and tummy-smoothing comfort in the front.
Length and Coverage
It is ideal for women who prefer more thigh coverage—great for mobility and modesty. At 8 inches, these shorts strike the perfect balance: not too short for older travelers, but still breathable and flattering. They offer thigh coverage without sacrificing mobility.
Five Pockets & Zippered Side Pocket
Functionality meets form—ample pocket space for keys, cards, or a phone.
One secure zippered pocket is large enough to stash a hotel key card, ID, or even a small smartphone—perfect for hands-free travel or airport security. The other pockets (front and back) are functional and deep.
Low Maintenance for Travel
These shorts are easy to machine wash and dry quickly, making them ideal for long trips where laundry facilities are limited.
I’ve washed mine repeatedly with no shrinking, fading, or pilling.
KÜHL Kontour Shorts Pricing
The KÜHL Women’s Kontour 8” Shorts retail for $69 USD on the KÜHL website and at major outdoor retailers like REI. They’re available in multiple colors and sizes from:
When choosing shorts, the KÜHL Women’s Kontour Short stands out for its features.
While they are on the higher end of the price spectrum, their durability and performance easily justify the cost. Occasionally, colors go on sale during the off-season.
Pros
Cons
Comparisons
| Feature | KÜHL Kontour Shorts | Prana Olivia Shorts | Columbia Saturday Trail Shorts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inseam | 8″ | 5″ or 7″ | 5″ or 10″ |
| Stretch | Moderate/Denim-feel | Nylon blend | Stretch nylon |
| Travel Pocket | Yes (zippered) | No | Yes (zippered thigh) |
| Flattering Fit | Excellent | Decent | Sporty, more utilitarian |
| Best For | Casual + active travel | Light hiking, travel | Hiking, outdoor adventure |
| Price Range | $69 | $69 | $50–$65 |
Bottom line: The Kontour Shorts win for flattering style and everyday versatility. If you need something more technical (like UPF or bug-repellent fabric), you might prefer Columbia. But for comfort-meets-style, KÜHL stands out.
Case Study: My Personal Experience With the KÜHL Kontour Shorts
My Experience Using the KÜHL Kontour 8″ Shorts
I first tried these on a month-long RV trip through Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island. I wore them hiking along forest trails, walking around small towns, and even while kayaking.
Recently, I traveled up the Sonoma Coast to Salt Point State Park in Northern California, where the weather is very changeable and it’s easy to layer with the romminess of these shorts.
The stretch was forgiving, the waistband didn’t dig in while driving, and they stayed looking nice even after multiple washes. The 8″ inseam was long enough that I didn’t have to think about my thighs sticking to a camp chair.
Summary / Final Verdict
Are the KÜHL Women’s Kontour 8-Inch Shorts worth it?
If you’re a woman over 50 looking for comfortable, flattering, and functional shorts for travel, casual adventures, or summer living—yes, absolutely. These shorts offer just enough polish for walking around town and just enough durability for a trail walk or campsite.
Best for: Women seeking stretch, coverage, and style, especially those who struggle to find shorts that fit mature bodies well.
Avoid if: You prefer ultralight, technical hiking gear or a super tight fit.
Final score: ★★★★☆ (4.5 out of 5)
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