There is so much to say about the Maloja Pischa cycling skirt ($99). So much to say. For starters, it’s hands-down the most functional cycling skirt I have ever met. Comfortable, quick-drying, attractive and stylish. And that sums up the Intro, Review and Conclusion. There. Easiest review ever!
What I Love
Skirt doesn’t catch on the seat. With the skirt in the front and shorts in the back, the skirt never catches on the seat when I stand up on the pedals or dismount. Long live the mullet of cycling skirts! Rear skirt hems catching on the seat was always an issue with my circa 2010 – 2011 cycling skirts.
Skirt in the front… 
Shorts in the back.
Integrated short but it isn’t a chamois. Like the Skirt Sports Cruiser Girl of yore, the Maloja Pischa has integrated shorts. But what I absolutely love about the Maloja (but didn’t love so much with the Skirt Sports) is that Maloja’s integrated shorts are relaxed board shorts that easily and comfortably accommodate any chamois without feeling bunchy or bulky. The reason I like the skirt and chamois separate is because the skirt doesn’t get nearly as manky as the chamois so I can get away with not washing the skirt after every use.
Length. The shorts on my size small have a seventeen-inch inseam. The skirt part (remember, skirt in the front, shorts in the back, mullet style) has an inseam of fourteen inches. In my opinion, it’s the perfect length and hides a multitude of sins. If you’re a size four and stand approximately five foot, six inches tall, expect the skirt to hit about four inches above the knee when standing. Nice length off and on the bike.
Style. The overall package delivers a hip European vibe with a chic silhouette that is reminiscent of a pencil skirt design, rather than the flouncy, girly-girl A-line skirts of the Skirt Sports and the Pearl Izumi. If I’ve learned anything from binge-watching What Not To Wear it’s that it doesn’t matter what kind of figure you have because you will always look the business in a pencil skirt.
Breathable and well-made. The fabric is very light and airy so plenty of ventilation and breathability to be had, even on hot and humid days. The quality in construction is there too. Instead of single- or double-stitched seams, its seams are triple stitched.
Comfortable. The Maloja Pischa is made with a four-way stretch polyester/spandex fabric. The waistband is wide and stretchy and very forgiving, even when in the more aggressive cycling positions.
Secure pocket in front. A little thing but it means a lot to me. It’s where I stash my iPod Nano. If you don’t use one, it’ll hold a key, ID, or money.
What I Hate
Nothing.
Final Thoughts
I bike to work every day and even around the city on errands and pleasure rides. Being able to wear a functional cycling skirt when I’m shopping, in cafes, tap rooms, whatever, is always preferable to walking around in a pair of skin-clinging chamois. Pairs great with the Maloja Viagrava jersey!
The Maloja Pischa is my skirt of choice for the urban bike ride. I can pretty much guarantee it’ll become yours, too. I love this skirt. I hope Maloja keeps the Pischa in their line forever because it’s a cycling staple for me.
