Biker Chic: Chrome Takes a Shot at Ladies’ Pants

If a jealous woman is a dangerous thing, then at least one local company is making the City streets safer this month.

After more than 14 years of outfitting urban bike messengers, skaters, cyclists and just plain ‘ole regular dudes seeking functional gear with street-style appeal in its locally-designed line of men’s apparel, messenger bags and — most recently — footwear, Chrome has launched its first piece for the ladies.

Dubbed the Vanya, the riding knicker is as functional for cycling as it is for hiking, walking, lounging around in the park or hitting up the bar for afternoon beers.

“The idea behind the women’s line is functional elegance, a city urban look, that kind of performance you need, but you still have that cool kind of urban look to it,” Chrome’s Rob Reedy tells us.

Made of four-way stretch fabric, the pants feature a wide two-button waistband and four pockets for stowing gear.

We recently had a chance to test walk, ride and drive a pair, and we were immediate fans of the fabric’s simultaneously snug, yet comfortable and forgiving fit (sizes run a bit small, we usually wear a size 8 and feel perfect in a Vanya large).

The wide waistband can accommodate a thick belt, but doesn’t cut into our delicate paunches when we sit or lean over. Deep pockets, including one with a Velcro flap and one with a zipper, keep our gear secure even while we move, and the muted gray color goes with just about everything. But perhaps our favorite part, and pardon us for getting personal, is the super-soft, chub-rub fighting fabric lining the crotch and inner thigh. Because we much prefer chafing when it involves a dish.