What Four-Way Stretch Means in Practice
Ultra Flex Shorts vs Ultra Flex Pants
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Ultra Flex Short is the highest-performance short in the collection: four-way stretch Modal for power yoga, CrossFit, HIIT, and Ashtanga where unrestricted range of motion under load is the priority. For a softer, more studio-focused short, explore the Solid Transition Yoga Shorts. For the full range, browse our men's yoga shorts collection.
Most athletic shorts use two-way stretch fabric: it stretches horizontally across the waist and vertically down the leg. This is sufficient for running, cycling, and linear gym movements.
Four-way stretch adds diagonal stretch in both directions, covering every axis of movement the body makes. In yoga specifically, the movements that two-way stretch cannot accommodate are deep hip openers, wide-legged poses, and lateral lunges where the fabric is pulled diagonally across the inner thigh and seat simultaneously. A two-way stretch fabric creates resistance in exactly these positions. A four-way stretch fabric does not.
For power yoga and CrossFit specifically, where you move quickly between positions that demand different directions of stretch, four-way stretch means the fabric is never the limiting factor in your range of motion. It follows every movement without lag, resistance, or recovery time between positions.
Both the Ultra Flex Short and the Ultra Flex Pants use the same four-way stretch premium Modal fabric and the same handcrafted LA custom construction. The choice between them comes down to conditions and preference:
Choose the Ultra Flex Short for heated practice, outdoor training, high-intensity gym sessions, and any activity where maximum airflow alongside maximum flexibility is the priority.
Choose the Ultra Flex Pants for cooler studios, Ashtanga practice where full-length coverage is preferred, and practitioners who want the same flexibility ceiling in a full-length silhouette.
Pair with a racer-back tank for the most performance-focused combination in the collection.
You've got questions, we've got answers
Standard athletic shorts use two-way stretch: horizontal and vertical. Yoga requires diagonal stretch simultaneously in multiple directions during wide-legged poses, deep hip openers, and lateral movements. Four-way stretch fabric covers all four diagonal axes, eliminating the resistance and pulling that two-way stretch shorts create in these positions. For yoga and CrossFit specifically, the difference is immediately noticeable.
Yes. The four-way stretch fabric is lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for heated practice. For the softest fabric option in hot yoga, our Solid Transition Yoga Shorts in Modal are an alternative worth comparing. Ultra Flex suits those who prioritise maximum flexibility; Transition suits those who prioritise maximum softness.
The Fusion Short uses a hybrid rib-knit construction for structure and shape retention: better for moderate practice and everyday wear. The Ultra Flex Short uses a four-way stretch Modal fabric optimised purely for range of motion under load: better for power yoga, CrossFit, and high-intensity training. Both are handcrafted in LA but serve different performance needs.
Yes. The four-way stretch and structured performance fabric make these well suited for CrossFit, HIIT, gym training, running, and outdoor activities. Several reviewers specifically describe using them across multiple athletic contexts. The minimalist design also works for casual warm-weather wear.
True to size for a performance fit. Size up one for more ease through the hip and thigh. Full measurements are on each product page. Contact us via the contact page for specific questions.
Own two pairs of these plus a bunch of 4-rth's other pants. They're great. Fit well, look good (imo), great for yoga and working out. Haven't found anything like them anywhere else so I keep coming back.
These pants are a pleasure to wear for lots of reasons:
- good looking
-sexy feel and look
-great color combo
-body enhancing
-stretches where it counts
What more do you want from a pair of lounge pants?
Love these hot yoga shorts, comfortable and allow me to practice and teach yoga with no restrictions.
These are great shorts for practicing hot yoga. They fit comfortable and you can move effectively through poses. We hope to start selling them at our studio soon.
I have been a 4-try customer for nearly a decade and their products and services continue to impress. The fabric is light, breathable, and soft. Excellent for yoga or lounging. But beyond that, the service is unmatched from answering multiple questions to tailoring the inseam for a guy that’s 5’7”. 4-trh is incredible.
I got these guys for hot yoga so I wanted a short inseam and fairly snug fit but not too snug…These are perfect and the material is excellent. Don’t want to wear any other shorts to class now.
These have been my go to yoga shorts for a while now. Theyre durable, having held well through so manu washes, and they fit really well. I love them so much, I ordered two more. Please never stop making them!
Great color yellow. Just a bright tank top a real head turner
Just about the nicest shorts I've ever owned. Shape, cut, styling, all very cute... not to mention how hard it is to find menswear in the Purple color range. Lovely dark shade of plum, quite soft, comfortable, and stretchy. Also, sizing advice is spot on. Very happy with these shorts.
I have three pairs of these pants and love them. I can move very freely. I also love the fabric being Polyester free and the length is very helpful for providing traction during arm balances.
These are my favorite hot yoga shorts. Super comfortable and allow for great movement.
Finally located my go-to lounge pants. Quality construction, slim profile, characterful touches like the cuff design, ideal fabric weight, stretchy waist, and the major one: the *IDEAL* length to attractively accommodate my 5' 6" frame sans excess fabric... because a dude wants to show some leg, y'know? Love these things. I own them in two colors - cinnabar red & the lovely light cloudy grey, which I prefer to the more common dark charcoal greys. To nitpick, the zippers could be higher quality and not boring black, such as a more substantial YKK with perhaps an aged nickel patina. That is the single attribute that I could envision to be upgraded in a future iteration. Still, I am so pleased with these as everyday lounge/walking pants than I cannot bother reducing a star.
I just ordered 3 more of these after my first 3 I ordered finally had to be discarded after about 4 years of constant use. Best shorts ever and only shorts I buy and wear!
Amazingly comfortable and fantastic customer service
These are comfortable and cool all rolled into one. Great for kicking it back at home or any casual event. Yoga. Running. There is no limit.
Absolutely love the fit and feel.
These are hands down the most comfortable and attractive shorts I’ve ever owned. I’ve never gotten as many compliments about an article of clothing before (all from women, fwiw). I have these in three different colors but these seem to get the most positive feedback. I’ve worn them to the beach (even swam in them), to the grocery store, to Pilates. Had to get up my nerve to go all white in public (with no underwear) but it was totally rewarding. They’re the best.
Own two pairs of these plus a bunch of 4-rth's other pants. They're great. Fit well, look good (imo), great for yoga and working out. Haven't found anything like them anywhere else so I keep coming back.
These pants are a pleasure to wear for lots of reasons:
- good looking
-sexy feel and look
-great color combo
-body enhancing
-stretches where it counts
What more do you want from a pair of lounge pants?