Nero vs 4 popular training shorts
P.S the answer was on the composition tag the whole time
1. Lululemon: recycled plastic is still plastic
86% recycled polyester in the body, more in the liner, the waistband, the mesh and the pockets. Recycled only tells you where the plastic came from. It is still a drinks bottle against your groin, and it sheds around 55% more microfibres than virgin polyester.
2. Nike: a billion bottles a year, into your shorts
Five different blends of polyester, nylon and spandex in one short. Bottles, shredded into flakes, melted into pellets, spun into yarn, worn against open pores. Those particles are turning up in human blood, in lungs, in testicles. You don't just wear plastic. You absorb it.
3. Vuori: the softest way to wear a plastic bag
The liner they invite you to go commando in is 94% polyester. A trash bag with a soft finish, against the most absorbent skin on your body. Plastic cannot absorb sweat, it just smears it around until it evaporates off you. That is what quick drying means.
4. Gymshark: one fibre on the whole tag
The whole tag reads 100% polyester. One fibre, pumped out of the ground, drawn into thread, heat sealed with a shark. It holds 0.4% of its weight in moisture. Merino holds up to 30%. The margin is the business model.
5. Nero Active Shorts
We went to the literal opposite end of the earth to kill off plastic sportswear forever. Nero is forged from 100% RWS-Certified New Zealand Merino Wool and GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton.
- Active Icebox Thermoregulation: Naturally dumps excess body heat instead of turning your groin into a sauna.
- Zero Petrochemicals: No plastic filaments shedding into your bloodstream.
- No Bold Logos: Clean, athletic tailoring that looks like pure luxury, whether you're deadlifting 500 lbs or stepping off a plane.
The tags, side by side
Every brand on this page sells you the same three adjectives. Breathable. Quick-drying. Anti-odour. The tag is a legal document. The ad is not. So we ignored the ads and read the tags. Four of these shorts are melted crude oil. One is not. You were sold plastic and told it was performance.
Swipe to compare
 Merino Liner Short |
LululemonPace Breaker, lined | NikeFlex Stride, lined | VuoriKore Short, lined | GymsharkArrival Short | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell | 100% organic cotton | 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane | 100% recycled polyester | 48% recycled polyester, 42% polyester, 10% elastane | 100% polyester |
| Liner | 100% merino wool, 17.5 micron | 82% polyester, 18% elastane | 89% recycled polyester, 11% spandex | 94% polyester, 6% elastane | None, unlined |
| Plastic | None | Every panel | Every panel | Every panel | The whole short |
| Certification | GOTS, RWS, OEKO‑TEX, WRAP | None listed | None listed | None listed | None listed |
| Microplastics | None | Every wash | Every wash | Every wash | Every wash |
| Trial | 99 days | Varies | Varies | Varies | 30 days |
| Try 99 days risk free |
Why Nero is built the way it is
Polyester exists for one reason. It costs about two dollars a metre. Ultra-fine merino costs many multiples of that before it is even graded, scoured, combed and spun. That gap is Big Activewear's entire business model. Pennies of crude oil, dressed in a logo, sold at a 95% margin, defended with adjectives.
We run it the other way round. Nero takes the margin hit to put 17.5 micron RWS certified New Zealand merino and GOTS organic cotton against your skin, cut in small batches, finished in OEKO-TEX and WRAP certified mills. The industry has always known natural fibre is better. It just costs them more, and they decided you were not worth it. We decided you were.
Test them out for 99 days
We're so confident you'll love Nero that we offer a 99-Day Money-Back Guarantee. No questions asked. Try them risk-free and feel the difference immediately. Say goodbye to sweaty plastic shorts forever.
Shop Nero ShortsShorts for Any Season
Temperature-Regulating: Stay cool in scorching heat and warm when it's chilly - no more sweaty plastic clinging to your thighs.
Naturally Moisture-Wicking: Merino wool quickly absorbs and evaporates sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Built for Every Workout: Crafted from unbelievably soft yet durable Merino fibers, our shorts handle intense workouts, weekend hikes, and everything in between.
Nero merino liner short
All-natural athletic shorts designed for movement and built for durability.
All natural fabrics
Regulates temperature
Moisture-Wicking
Soft as cashmere
New Zealand merino
What they say after training in them
★★★★★5/5 - Best Shorts I've Ever Owned
I bought the Nero Shorts made with wool and organic cotton, and I can confidently say they're the best shorts I've ever worn. The material is next-level, breathable, soft, and somehow manages to feel both lightweight and durable at the same time. The fit is perfect, relaxed but sharp, and they move with you without ever feeling bulky or stiff.
They've quickly become my go-to for everything from casual wear to lounging, and I genuinely notice the quality every time I put them on. The wool keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cool, it's kind of magic. You can tell these were made with intention and attention to detail.
Highly recommend. I'll be buying another pair (or two).
Great shorts
These shorts fit and look great. The materials are excellent. Will definitely buy more going forward.
Comfy and practical
These are some of the best shorts i've ever worn! Comfy, good pocket size, sits well on the booty! the merino on skin is really cosy, while the cotton outer always looks good! Finally found a pair of shorts that are good for me and the earth!
Buying more soon
I never noticed how restrictive and uncomfortable polyester was until I tried Nero, and I only have one pair and sometimes I'm forced to wear my polyester gym shorts again and it's actually horrible lol.
“I Wish I’d Tried Them Sooner”
99-Day Money-Back Guarantee
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New Zealand Merino
Our Merino Wool is sourced and produced in NZ and production is finished locally.
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