Roark shorts and shirts are lightweight, comfortable and sporty

By Henry Howard

I had the opportunity to try out a few new running and workout outfits from Roark, which specializes in lifestyle clothing that offers attractive designs.

Founded in 2009, Roark’s philosophy matches that of many outdoor adventurers. Its website says, “The product and stories we create empower people to discover self through authentic, youthful, modern, and purposeful adventure on the road less traveled.”

(If interested in trying out Roark clothing, use this link to visit their website. Note: By using this link for a purchase, I may receive a commission as an affiliate of Roark.)

I received several pairs of shorts and a couple of shirts. I love the fun, creative designs, as well as their comfort. Some are good for running while others are best for a gym workout, yoga or just lounging around. Here are more details on each of the Roark shorts and shirts:

The Bommer Hillside

The 3.5” inseam shorts are moisture-wicking and antimicrobial with a four-way stretch outer shell. There is a compression liner, which makes these a good option for running. There is a specific integrated cell phone pocket, and four others: two small magnetic stash pockets and two in the back with zippers.

I have enjoyed wearing these on a couple of runs. The pockets allow me to carry my phone securely, along with stashing some gels and waffles for nutrition on the go.

The shorts performed well, were super lightweight and will be in my rotation going forward.

The Serrano 2.0 Military 8”

The 8” inseam shorts are water resistant and have an elastic waistband but not liner. There are four pockets, two in the front, one small one on the side and a back pocket with a zipper.

These are ideal for training or just lounging around. I love the fit; they are not too tight or too baggy.

The zippered mini pocket and back pocket make these ideal for carrying what I need when heading to a coffee shop to hang out, shop at a farmer’s market or other such weekend pursuits.

Serrano Active Shorts 5" Hillside

The 5” inseam shorts are water resistant and have an elastic waistband but no liner. There are four pockets, two in the front, one small one on the side and a back pocket with a zipper.

The shorts are made with a lightweight Repreve recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish. I really like the exterior drawstring as many other shorts often have very small drawstrings.

These shorts are best for gym training, yoga and leisurely wear.

The Alta 5”

These shorts are lightweight, made from a four-way stretch nylon with a water-resistant finish, that are ready to guide you on a top-level run performance. They feature an integrated breathable, anti-microbial brief liner.

The shorts feature a water-resistant zippered back pocket for your phone or other items and two external gel pockets on the hips. With a 5” inseam and an extended-slit notched hem, the short is designed to meet the demands of your long run or daily workout.

These are perhaps my favorite of the bunch, and I can see myself regularly wearing these on my midweek runs, as well as hiking adventures or for weekend yardwork.

Mathis Short Sleeve Active Tee

Want comfort? This T-shirt is for you. It is lightweight, made with Drirelease knit and is moisture wicking.

It can be worn for a variety of purposes, including running, other workouts, yardwork or just hanging out.

The crewneck shirt is designed to regulate skin temperature and dries four times faster than a typical cotton T-shirt.

Mathis Long Sleeve Active Tee

Say hello to long-sleeve version of the previous short. Lots of similarities here, except the sleeve length.

The long-sleeve version can also be worn for runs, other workouts and pretty much anything else. It also is designed to regulate skin temperature and dries four times faster than a typical cotton shirt.

I could see myself wearing this on a coolish spring of fall evening at a festival or something when a long-sleeve shirt is preferable once the temperatures go down.