Ryker Clothing Review

Worried that microplastics in your shorts are lowering your T? Ryker has a solution.

Several months ago Ryker Clothing sent me a pair of their merino wool Apex workout shorts to review.

I can say now, after months of use, that I think their products are fantastic. Though the price is high relative to cotton or polyester products, using merino wool for athletic gear and briefs is a fantastic idea. Ryker has absolutely nailed the execution.

Shorts that won’t turn the frogs gay.

The durability, quality of construction, feel, and fit are superior to anything else I've used on the market.

The Apex shorts are perfect for working out. They don't chafe, breathe easily, and can be re-used multiple times due to the fact that the natural anti-microbial properties of merino wool provide powerful odor control and quick drying properties.

I have been familiar with merino wool products for years. In the Marine Corps, I bought several pairs of thick merino wool socks for use in cold weather environments.

Those socks have served me well for 9 winters. Their quality, water resistance, fit, and odor control were superb. They remained very warm even in negative temperatures and controlled sweat easily without leading to overheating.

Ryker has taken the same material benefits and applied them to athletic gear. That's awesome and much needed. For years I had been interested in switching out of my polyester work out clothes, but I wasn't impressed by the options on the market.

Ryker has changed all that.

Moreover, the concern about the effects of plastics on the skin and their potential effects on fertility, testosterone production, and hormonal health are not wholly unwarranted. I know that is a serious consideration among many on the right.

That alone is enough for many to consider a switch, but even better is simply the quality of construction on Ryker's Apex shorts. The inner merino wool liner provides comfortable support. The shorts are flexible. They don't constrict my range of motion while doing Turkish Get-ups and kettlebell swings.

The drawstring is sturdy and keeps the shorts on firmly. But perhaps the best part are the zipper pockets in which to put keys while running and working out. Ryker has clearly put thought into their gear. I like it.

They also sent me several pairs of their Titan briefs. Again: high quality construction, comfortable, and re-usable. They're expensive relative to cotton and polyester wearables, but I think they are worth it.

If experience is any guide, I expect to be using these shorts for years. Honestly, I would happily replace all of my athletic and daily-wear garments with Ryker's gear. If I were them I would seriously consider making merino wool t-shirts for working out as well.

The breathability and quality are impressive. I'd love to see what more they can do.

The only downsides are price and care. The Apex shorts retail at $99 and the Titan briefs at $46. Hopefully enough demand will get those prices down. Regardless, the big question is whether it is worth it to you. I spent a lot on getting merino wool socks but they've lasted me for years. To me, it is worth it.

You'll have to make your own decision.

As for care: the one big downside of merino wool is that it is highly inadvisable to put it in the dryer. It can cause pilling, fabric loss, and shrinking. The great news is that merino wool air dries extremely quickly. It is one of its most impressive and useful features.

But you don't want to forget when you've put it in the wash with other clothing. Just an additional step in the process.

Overall, I am impressed by what Ryker is doing and I hope they succeed. I am grateful they were willing to send me some of their products to review, and I am happy to recommend them to others. Ryker was very professional, made zero demands on me as part of the review process, and is overall aligned with a lot of the values that those in the MAHA movement can appreciate.

I look forward to seeing where they go from here. I highly recommend.