ESSENTIAL TRAINING TOPS
There’s no such thing as a simple tee when it comes to running. It has to be top notch or it stays in the drawer
BadassmotherRunners Technical Tee Empowered Elements Blue
£18|8-20 badassmotherrunners.co.uk Tester Amy
I love the Empowered Elements design on this tee which is printed on the front (in small lettering) and across the back. The wording is designed to reflect many runners’ love of being out on the trails and in the fresh air, and the design is beautifully drawn to show earth, water, air and fire in circles. It’s really comfortable to wear but I would recommend sizing up if you like a bit more room around your arms. As with many Badass t-shirts, it’s moisturewicking, lightweight and with 40+ UV light protection factor. The tees come in lots of colours and you can also contact them to ask about other colours and sizes if need be.
Keela Trail Pro Short Sleeve Top
£29.95|8-20 keelaoutdoors.com Tester Emma
Designed as a baselayer, this straightforward tee sits nicely under a variety of outer shells and is very light to wear, making it an unobtrusive option for longer walk-run days and general outdoorsiness. It did stay damp for a while under the onslaught of a sweaty run, but a silver salt Stay Fresh treatment means the polyester and spandex fabric is still fresh after several wear-wash cycles. The fit is straight-up-and-down, finishing at the hip, and on me it’s neither flattering nor unflattering. It’s available in three marl finishes including a juicy raspberry pink, all with a reflective logo that might be useful if someone comes very close with a torch.
Ful:Ki Scoop Back Tank
£35|XS-XXXL|fulkiactivewear.com|Tester Emma
This striking tank top is available in a gorgeous teal or tie-die orange and is cropped to above the waist, with an airy scoop back that feels great to wear. It’s positive to see a small company stepping up to provide a decent size range, from 4 to 20, where bigger brands sometimes fear to tread. Design-wise, it’s cut to show a fair amount of what yoga teachers would call the ‘armpit chest’, and I must admit it left me feeling exposed. The built-in shelf bra (an extra layer held in place by an elastic underband) is designed to offer medium support, and whether it’s enough for more than a light session of toothbrushing will depend entirely on your shape. Athome stretches are sadly the limit for me, although you could always chuck a sports bra underneath (if you’re not bothered about it showing) and run for the hills.
TheNorthFace Lightrange Shadow T-shirt
£35|XS-XL|thenorthface.co.uk Tester Laura
The fit of this t-shirt was perfect for me – I’m a size 10 and wore a small. The fact that it gives 40+ UV protection while also being made with 75% recycled material is excellent and I was also pleasantly surprised at the price tag. While it’s not cheap, I was expecting it to cost a lot more. I’ve worn this top on sunny days when I can’t face slathering on much sun cream to go out for a run. The slightly higher neck and elbow-length sleeves give good coverage in key areas.
I’ve worn it under a running backpack and found that it didn’t ride up at my back. All in all, an excellent alternative to vests for those who want to keep the sun off but also stay cool.