As a runner, it's crucial to have gear that can match your endurance step for step, mile after mile. Running shirts, specifically, need to cover three key criteria: comfort, chafe-prevention and temperature/sweat control.
If you've been running for a while, you've probably acquired a hefty pile of race tees. The quality, design and material of these shirts range from high-quality tech tees to lower budget cotton shirts. Most of them will find a place in your future wardrobe and often become your go-to clothing of choice for future workouts, speed sessions, long runs and even other races. Or you wear them as pajamas (at least that's what I do with the cotton ones).
I've always wondered if it was possible to have the comfort of a cotton tee with the chafe-prevention and temp control of a tech tee. The Sport Science? tie-dye shirt is the closest I've come to finding this balance. According to Sport Science?, these shirts are made with a combination of dri-release? fabric to wick away perspiration and soft fabric to prevent chafing, ultimately the result of "true technical performance (that) fuses with incredible comfort and versatility."
For a shirt that felt so soft I could sleep in it, I wasn't so sure it could keep up on a run. But after taking it out on the road, I could tell it was made to move. The collar fit just right and didn't ride up. Usually I find myself tugging at my neckline during a run. I also didn't experience any underarm chafing. Since the shirt fit like cotton, I was sure this would be a problem but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not.
The company launched in 2005 with a philosophy to "create products that do more so you can do more (or less) in style and comfort." I definitely think it lives up to this claim.
I liked the tie-dye because it's different. It helps you stand out in a sea of people, which is especially helpful for family and friends trying to spot you during or after a race. If the tie-dye is a little too loud for your taste, you can check out the Sport Science? line of basics.
The tie-dyes are priced comparable to many technical/fitness name brand shirts. They start at $32 for the men's short sleeve rainbow (pictured) and $33 for the women's short sleeve rainbow. They are $10 cheaper for your solid colored basics.
If you're looking for something to set you apart, I'd put a Sport Science? performance tee to the test and see if it's what you've been looking for.
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