If you know me even vaguely, you will know that I love my running skorts. I own quite a few and across a range of brands but I am always on the search for new ones. I came across Flanci thanks to a Facebook friend and this is my review of the Flanci “Chasing Unicorns” skort. Also read on for a special 10% discount code.
What is Flanci?
FLANCI Ltd was a long-time dream of a keen runner, Nicky, from England. She has run more than 100 marathons and many ultras. The idea for bright and colourful running kit came a few years ago when Nicky says she struggled to find anything but primarily black running kit.
She states: “It became a mission to hunt down some colour and so the seeds of a business were sown and the plans started coming together at the end of 2017.”
FLANCI, if you are wondering, is an anagram of Nic and her husband Alf, also a runner. It features in the urban dictionary, too, and means: “Better than fancy and almost fabulous.”
As a runner, Nicky understands what runners want from their activewear. So, in collaboration with other runners and also a professional sportswear designer, FLANCI legwear was developed.
Now the collection extends across leggings, capris, shorts, skorts and accessories. There is a collection for women and men. All the designs are funky and colourful.
Skorts have become one of the best sellers.
Features of Flanci skorts
- British design
- Thigh pocket for phone or gels (even a tennis or golf ball if that is your chosen sport)
- High waistband with a 15 x 9 cm zipped pocket (large enough for a standard iPhone)
- Removable internal tie string on waistband
- Flat-lock seams for maximum comfort and to limit chafing
- 360-degree stretchy fabric that’s 100% “squat-proof”
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Available in UK sizes 6 – 24 (XS to XXXXL)
- Inside Leg: 17cm ( 6.5in )
- Skirt Length: 38cm (15.5in)
- Price: £38.50
- Flanci skorts.
On test: Flanci Chasing Unicorns skort
The Flanci Chasing Unicorns skort has slightly longer legs and a shorter skirt compared to other skorts in the collection. It also has an additional deep pocket on the leg, as well as a zipped waistband pocket.
There are six longer leg designs to chose from and I could not resist the unicorns and stars. it looks so bright and fun. I am not someone who wears dark colours or plain designs, so a unicorns pattern was very appealing.
The other bright and funky designs are really nice, too. I like the Desert Flowers and might go for this one next time.
Leg length: I have long legs and it is really important for me to find a skort (or Lycra shorts) with a longer leg. If not, the shorter legged skorts end up riding up my thighs where they bunch uncomfortably around the top of the legs and groin area. This is really unpleasant.
The leg length of the Flanci skorts is good, although I would suggest it could be a bit longer for me. I can see from my tan lines that my other favourite skorts, Skinfit and Crazy, have slightly longer legs.
Nicky at Flanci tells me they are about to start selling skorts with an even longer leg – 2cms longer – so I am looking forward to this.
However, to be clear, the leg on the Unicorns skort is fine. It did not ride up at all when I ran and the shorts part of the skort are comfortable.
If I was to make any criticism I would say that I prefer a wider hem on the lower part of the shorts leg. While the hem did stay in place it felt a little tight on my thighs and when there is a narrow hem, this can cause a slightly bulging of the fat on the leg. It wasn’t too bad because the legs are long but any shorter and the bulge would have been a bit yuk.
So, if you can Flanci, do think about making a skort with shorts that have a wider leg hem.
The skirt part of the skort is perfect. The fabric feels silky and luxurious. It is quite a heavy fabric and that gives it a high quality feel and look.
I was worried I would feel too hot in the skort but it offered a very comfortable run. The fabric was good at wicking the sweat and I stayed cool.
I like that the shorts are tight-fitting and give great support. As we grow older, things start to wobble and having the support of Lycra shorts is brilliant.
The skirt has a flattering outline and flow to it – and the colourful design is very eye-catching. In fact, someone who knows me on Facebook spotted me in the skort at a car park as I was about to go for a run yesterday!
Skorts make me feel feminine while being sporty. I have loved them from the moment I spotted them and I rarely wear shorts only these days.
The wasitband is really comfortable. It is quite a high waistband and many women will like this. I would be happy with a lower waistband but if you want to cover or hide a wee tum bulge, this skort is ideal.
I didn’t feel the need to use the tie string. The skort fits like a glove. I have the small size and I am a UK size 10/12 on my lower half. However, the tie string is useful if you need to keep the skort in place.
The zipped pocket at the back was brilliant for safely stowing my car key (now that we are allowed to drive for a bit of exercise in Scotland). It is only big enough for a small phone although the side pocket on the thigh fits my large iPhone.
The other great thing about these Flanci skorts is the price. £38.50 is very resonable. There are shorter leg Flanci skorts on sale, too, just now.
So many other brands are really pricey. As much as a love my Skinfit skorts, €99 is a lot to pay and you need to order from Europe so there is a delivery charge. Other brands such as Lululemon and Sweaty Betty are also expensive.
Decathlon sell skorts for a lower price tag but I have not seen the longer legged skorts on sale for a while.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Flanci skorts. I will report back once I have machined washed the skort to tell you if it holds the colour and design.
10% discount code for Flanci products
I have agreed a 10% discount for anyone who reads this blog and wants to buy from Flanci. The code is FIONA10. Just use this at the checkout for any purchases.
See: Flanci Activewear