I've had pretty good luck with Pearl Izumi gear in the past, and picked up two pairs of their Elite In-R-Cool shorts this spring, expecting the very same degree of quality. They're definitely snug, and maybe borderline small for their size in every dimension, but they're not constricting in any way.

Within 10-12 rides apiece, the stitching was coming completely out of the chamois in both, the stitching was coming loose in the pelvic area and in the mesh on the sides of the hip, and all the logos, reflective strips, and even the leg grippers on the inside are falling right off. They look like they've been worn hard for years, and they're practically brand new.

Anyone had similar experiences? These don't seem "overstretched", but I can't help but wonder if they just won't hold up to being a little snug.