This skort is one of the most comfortable items of clothing I own, even in really hot weather. I don't use the side drawstrings but having them there doesn't bother me. I've literally walked for miles in this skort, worn it to outdoor events and on international flights. It's lightweight and travels well, and washes fine in washer and dryer. My one and only complaint is that the pockets aren't deep enough to hold a phone securely. Otherwise, I highly recommend. I'd buy another one if the print versions weren't double the price of the solid black.