somafunk – belt loops is a bit odd I know. The swrve stuff is sold as ‘urban’, they sell inner tube belts too. Seems a bit trendy but by all accounts the fit is good which is what I’m looking for, if I ever get round to trying/buying some I’ll find out.
My perfect short would be exactly the same as the Gore Alp-X waterproof short, but made from just thin material. I use the waterproof short through the colder/wetter months for commuting and they’re great (good fit, no pockets, loops, flaps, etc), just a bit warm during spring/autumn.
Edit: I was considering the Gore windstopper shorts but I have one of their windstopper jackets and the material is too thick/warm for anything but cold weather.