Smartwool vs Nero
A Smartwool short is 86% recycled polyester on the outside.
Why Nero is better
GOTS certified, woven, no plastic in it. Smartwool's Active Lined short shell is 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane.
Nothing blended into the layer that touches skin. Smartwool's Merino Sport liner is 54% merino, 46% polyester.
Fine enough to bend on contact instead of pressing into the skin. Smartwool publishes no micron count on its shorts.
Nero's merino is spun as merino. Smartwool's merino tee wraps the wool around a recycled nylon core.
Merino crimp and knit structure give the movement. Smartwool lists 14 percent elastane in the shell.
Nero vs Smartwool
| Nero | Smartwool | |
|---|---|---|
| Shorts shell | 100% GOTS organic cotton | Smartwool lists 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane |
| Liner fibre | 100% merino | Smartwool lists 54% merino, 46% polyester |
| Merino fineness | 17.5 micron | Smartwool publishes no micron count |
| Polyester content | Zero | Smartwool's shell and liner both carry it |
| Elastane content | Zero | Smartwool lists 14 percent in the shell |
| Nylon in the yarn | None | Smartwool's merino tee wraps wool around a recycled nylon core |
| Microplastic shedding | None, natural fibre | Smartwool's recycled polyester sheds in the wash |
| Guarantee | 99 days | Smartwool gives 30 days |
Smartwool figures taken from claims published on their own site. Specifications change, so check the current pages before you buy.
The Active Merino Liner Short
A 100% GOTS certified organic cotton shell over a 100% merino liner at 17.5 micron, RWS certified with no mulesing. Two open pockets, one secure zip pocket, 5.5 inch and 7.5 inch inseams.
- Moisture moves into the fibre, not across it. Merino absorbs water vapour into the fibre core and releases it to the air, so odour compounds stay bound inside instead of sitting on the surface.
- Zero petrochemicals. No polyester, no nylon, no elastane, no recycled bottle flake.
- Merino sourced and produced in New Zealand. RWS certified, no mulesing, under OEKO-TEX Made in Green and WRAP.
The shorts are where most men start. The rest of the range, tees, vests and boxers, is in best sellers.
Shop the liner shortRecycled plastic is plastic
A bottle shredded into flake and spun into yarn is the same polymer it was before. It sheds the same microfibres in the wash, it holds odour compounds on the surface the same way, and it sits against your skin the same way.
The recycling happened before the fabric existed. By the time it reaches your waistband it is a plastic short with a better story attached.
Shorts 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.
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 ShortsWhat 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. 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!