Without any direct evidence for knowing how Columbia's shorts are zipped I have always made my shorts with a fly-style zipper for 2 reasons:
- The scoop pockets in front and applied pockets on back are very much like any blue-jean style pants - which typically includes a fly-style zipper. Why? Because the fitted nature of that style needs that flap behind the zipper to insures nothing gets zipped up into it. Ouch! (Also; fishnets)
- I also can't see any evidence of a shiny plastic/metal zipper, despite the fact that the top of the shorts are very obviously pulling away from the center just below the waistband. If it was just a flat-zipper install that pulling would expose the teeth and we'd see something there.
So in the absence of evidence, I would still recommend adding that fly-style flap so at the very least you don't get your fishnets caught in the zipper. Or anything else.
Aside from some obvious stitching that runs across the red ribbon, you can't tell this has a fly-style zipper. Because even if it's not screen accurate your fishnets will thank you!
