DUER No Sweat Harbour Short Review: High-Rise Travel Shorts

I’ve tried nearly every DUER women’s short over the last few summers, and the No Sweat Harbour Short is the one that finally nailed the fit, down to the wide leg openings and deep pockets.

I wore them straight out of the box for a weekend in Philadelphia (rooftop hangs, walks to get ice cream and strolls to coffee shops) and they never once felt fussy. They’ve become my grab-and-go pair for trips when I want something casual, flattering and full of pockets.

The Score View detailed breakdown

4.3 / 5

The DUER No Sweat Harbour Short is a high-rise travel short with deep pockets and a soft cotton-TENCEL blend that combines denim structure with loungewear comfort. It features a flattering fit, excellent packability and versatile styling for city trips and casual adventures, though it lacks moisture-wicking for intense activities.

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Fit notes from me

Keep in mind I am 5’2” and my torso is kind of short. I’ve actually been doing great with high-waisted styles. Here are my notes.

• I wear an XS and it runs true to size, so there’s no waist gaping and no need for a belt.
• The high-rise waist and draw string waist comfortably and look polished in photos, especially with a shirt tucked in.
• The length hits upper-thigh on my 5’2” frame, so I can sightsee without worrying about riding up. It’s a big plus.

Fabric and pockets

DUER’s signature No Sweat blend (cotton, TENCEL™ and spandex) makes these feel like a denim-sweatpant hybrid. I’ve even mentioned them to friends, that they’re shorts unlike others I’ve owned for summer.

They’re soft enough for long travel days but structured enough to look dressier than cutoff jean shorts. The deep front pockets easily hold my phone and event or metro tickets, and the back pockets resemble my favorite high-waisted jeans, so I’m not sacrificing style back there.

How I wear them

I tyipcally wear them when we’re out for a day trip on the weekend (apple picking in PA in early fall, or out to NYC in the heat of summer). I tuck in one of my muscle tanks from Mott & Bow, or a vintage T-shirt.

• City travel: I pair them with a tucked tee and sandals for heavy walking days when we’ll pack in some miles. Then I add a lightweight sweater or hoodie for patio BBQs or outdoor dining on a busy avenue.
• Park hangs: The stretch fabric keeps up with playground time and chasing my toddler without feeling restrictive. Plus, I can sit cross-legged in them on a picnic blanket.
• Packability: They fold flat in my carry-on and shake out wrinkles quickly at the hotel. The steam from the shower is usually enough if I hang them on the towel rack, but it isn’t even necessary!

Wish list tweaks and criticisms

• A hidden zip pocket for a key card would make them perfect. In fact, I think that is what they are lacking in order to be true travel shorts like my shorts from Free Fly.
• Lighter colors show creases if you pack them super tight, so I roll them loosely or lay them on top of my packing cube.
• They’re not moisture-wicking, so I swap to performance shorts on intense hikes. Also keep in mind they feel like a weighty denim-canvas.

Detailed score breakdown

4.3 / 5

The DUER No Sweat Harbour Short is a high-rise travel short with deep pockets and a soft cotton-TENCEL blend that combines denim structure with loungewear comfort. It features a flattering fit, excellent packability and versatile styling for city trips and casual adventures, though it lacks moisture-wicking for intense activities.

Comfort against skin

92%

I wore them straight out of the box for a weekend in Philadelphia and they never once felt fussy. They've become my grab-and-go pair for trips when I want something casual, flattering and full of pockets. The soft "No Sweat" fabric blends denim structure with loungewear-type stretch, making them comfortable enough for long travel days.

Fit, mobility & sizing accuracy

90%

I wear an XS and it runs true to size, so there's no waist gaping and no need for a belt. The high-rise waist and draw string waist comfortably and look polished in photos, especially with a shirt tucked in. The length hits upper-thigh on my 5'2" frame, so I can sightsee without worrying about riding up. It's a big plus.

Materials, durability & easy care

88%

DUER's signature No Sweat blend (cotton, TENCEL™ and spandex) makes these feel like a denim-sweatpant hybrid. They're soft enough for long travel days but structured enough to look dressier than cutoff jean shorts. They fold flat in my carry-on and shake out wrinkles quickly at the hotel. The steam from the shower is usually enough if I hang them on the towel rack, but it isn't even necessary.

Durability & abrasion resistance

84%

The fabric feels like a weighty denim-canvas, which suggests good durability. I've worn them for city trips, park hangs and everyday summer adventures, and they've held up well. The structured fabric resists wear better than typical lightweight travel shorts.

Breathability & moisture management

76%

They're not moisture-wicking, so I swap to performance shorts on intense hikes. The cotton and TENCEL blend breathes reasonably well for casual wear, but they're not designed for high-intensity activities. For city trips and casual outings, the breathability is fine.

Temperature regulation

80%

They work well for summer travel and warm weather outings. The fabric handles temperature swings reasonably well, though they're not specifically designed for extreme heat. I've worn them comfortably in the heat of summer for day trips.

Stretch, mobility & shape retention

86%

The stretch fabric keeps up with playground time and chasing my toddler without feeling restrictive. Plus, I can sit cross-legged in them on a picnic blanket. The fabric maintains its shape well after movement and multiple wears.

Pocket function & travel security

88%

The deep front pockets easily hold my phone and event or metro tickets, and the back pockets resemble my favorite high-waisted jeans, so I'm not sacrificing style back there. A hidden zip pocket for a key card would make them perfect, but the existing pockets work well for travel essentials.

Wrinkle resistance & packability

84%

They fold flat in my carry-on and shake out wrinkles quickly at the hotel. Lighter colors show creases if you pack them super tight, so I roll them loosely or lay them on top of my packing cube. The steam from the shower is usually enough if I hang them on the towel rack, but it isn't even necessary.

Styling versatility

90%

These shorts are ideal for city trips, casual dinners and everyday summer adventures. I pair them with a tucked tee and sandals for heavy walking days when we'll pack in some miles. Then I add a lightweight sweater or hoodie for patio BBQs or outdoor dining. The stretch fabric keeps up with playground time and chasing my toddler without feeling restrictive.

Overall value for price

86%

If you've been waiting for a travel short that feels as polished as your favorite skirt but behaves like activewear, this is the DUER pair to add to your packing list. I've been wearing DUER jeans for years, and I think of DUER as one of my top denim brands that takes style, fit and function all into account. The quality justifies the price for a versatile travel short.

How we score gear

Quick takeaways from this review

• High-rise fit with a self-tie waist looks polished while staying comfy.
• Soft “No Sweat” fabric blends denim structure with loungewear-type stretch.
• Deep front and back pockets hold travel essentials securely, setting them apart from other shorts.
• These shorts are ideal for city trips, casual dinners and everyday summer adventures.

If you’ve been waiting for a travel short that feels as polished as your favorite skirt but behaves like activewear, this is the DUER pair to add to your packing list. I’ve been wearing DUER jeans for year, and I think of DUER as one of my top denim brands that takes style, fit and function all into account.

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