TOP OF THE TOPS
Jazz up your kit drawer and boost your mojo with some snazzy new running
T-shirts and vests
Soar Elite Race Vest 3.1
£64, soarrunning.com
SOAR, it’s
IF YOU DON’T KNOW a premium, men-only, running-specific brand. This vest is typically thoughtful: it features bonded seams to avoid rubbing; a snug fit, so you don’t get any of that loose wafting you often do with some other vests; and a super-lightweight Italian fabric weave that wicks away sweat in no time.
Adidas Heat.rdy Tee
£37.95, adidas.co.uk
this year to improve ADIDAS IS MAKING A BIG PUSH its environmental credentials. This T-shirt, made from recycled polyester, is part of the company’s new range of eco-friendly kit. It offers a regular fit, has bonded seams to limit irritation and a drop hem at the back to cover your bum rather than sit above it.
Mountain Warehouse
£15.99, mountainwarehouse.com
a running top YOU’D HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING that represents better value than this one. It has a fairly boxy cut, so if you like a little extra room under the arms and round the tummy, this is a good option for you. The fast-drying weave is an impressive feature for a T-shirt in this price bracket.
Canterbury Vapodri Superlight
£24, canterbury.com
This chevrondesign WHO SAYS GUYS CAN’T WEAR PINK? top means you will be spotted a mile off at races (remember those?) by your friends. It’s a standard cut and, as you would expect from a brand that made its name in the rugby-apparel market, it’s hard-wearing and durable, which makes it even better value.
Ronhill Stride Revive Racer Vest
£30, ronhill.com
traditional-style vest, with IF YOU PREFER A MORE large arm holes and a racerback for more freedom of movement, then this belter from Ronhill is worth your consideration. Not only does the fabric feel super-soft and stretch with your body on the move, but it’s also made from recycled yarn.
Reebok Reflect Move Tee
£32.95, reebok.co.uk
that’ll become one of THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TOPS the staples in your kit drawer. It’s durable enough to function as a general running/ gym/yoga top, but also light enough that it won’t weigh you down on speedier sessions. It also features a semi-fitted cut and reflective details on front and back.
Salomon Agile Training Tee
£23, salomon.com/uk
is, apparently, ‘lemon THE COLOUR OF THIS TEE curry’. We’ve never tried one of those but we have worn plenty of Salomon tops and this offers more of the same reliable, light, fast-wicking, fuss-free competence that fans of the brand are used to. As always with Salomon, it’s best to go up one size.
Cep Wingtech Shirt
£55, cepsports.co.uk
to wearing this THERE’S SOMETHING OF A BONUS close-fitting compressive top. Not only does it offer a superbly silky feel and excellent moisture-wicking, but also the tight panelling construction means it gently encourages you into a more upright, shoulders-back posture as you run.
Brooks Distance Tank
£28, brooksrunning.com/en
around the waist, with a THIS IS CLOSE-FITTING flare over the hips and a neckline that is positioned in the sweet spot between loose and sitting high. And – worth mentioning, this – as with all Brooks kit, if you don’t like it, you can return it for a refund within 90 days, even if it’s been worn often.
Reebok Activchill Tank
£27.95, reebok.co.uk
and elastane, this is MADE FROM A MIX OF NYLON excellent value: it’s quick-drying, so it won’t hang off you when you start to sweat, and it also feels soft against the skin, while the racerback design offers great ventilation. Also comes in violet and black colour options. It has a semi-fitted cut.
Borg Cropped Tee Cylie
£35, johnlewis.com
technical crop top that THIS IS A HIGH-NECKED comes down to about three inches above the belly button, so be aware of that factor. While not compressive, it’s quite fitted, though it still offers excellent freedom of movement, and also features flatlocked seams to cut down on rubbing and irritation.
Icebreaker Amplify SS Crew
£52, icebreaker.com
CHEAP, but it’s worth every penny, THIS IS NOT because the feel of the merino wool is incredible. It’s naturally temperatureregulating, so can be worn in any weather from a typical overcast British day to the highs of a heatwave. Regular fit with a drop hem at the back for extra coverage.
Bam Women’s Cropped Active Top
£24, bambooclothing.co.uk
from bamboo weave,
BAM MAKES KIT SOLELY a sustainable material choice that’s also naturally anti-bacterial (and, therefore, anti-odour). This top has a generous, slightly floaty cut and finishes right at the top of the hip for a slightly more cropped look. It also offers UPF50 protection.