Words: Josh Lee
Exercise, by and large, can be a pretty terrible experience: the burn of the rowing machine, the Sisyphean-like experience under the bench press, the never-ending set of burpees. However, as with many other demanding tasks, it helps to have the right gear at your disposal. Not only do high-performance wears help with fluidity and execution when working out, but, if also made with a strong focus on design and appearance, they can make an ugly undertaking feel quite nice.
Here, we’ve focused on our favourite running shorts, given that many out there are likely making a last-minute attempt to burn off the winter/spring timber in time for the summer sun (whenever that may appear), and we’ve organised our selection into three segments – the heritage options; sleek, contemporary creations; and those that can be used at home, in social settings and when getting a pump on – the aim of which is to give you a considered, easy-to-navigate edit to peruse, as opposed to a near-endless list of products that’ll get you in a hot, sweaty panic. Because, after all, that’s the job of the treadmill.
The Neutral Throwback Options
For a decade, Tracksmith has been the brand for true aficionados of running, with its slew of heritage-esque wears providing a nice, soft antidote to the flashes of loud neons that have long appeared on the market. What we’ve found is that true consideration goes into the label’s apparel, with each piece we’ve tested featuring a nice balance between comfort and performance. The shorts, especially, have been a big winner – unlike counterparts, every option is sleek but not suffocating.
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, there are the Rain Shorts, which are featherweight and rapidly repel water – a tight liner underneath also keeps things secure. If looking for a workhorse, the Session Speed Shorts are worth considering – they’re pared-down in looks, the single-layer exposed elastic waistband fits snugly (but not tightly), the liner is generous, and the side-entry pocket is really handy for stowing away keys or a small smartphone. Meanwhile, if wanting something with a bit of texture, the Van Cortlandt Shorts are crafted from a subtle mesh that’s defined by an airy feel.
The Contemporary Options
If you live in a metropolis, near winding countryside lanes ideal for marathon training, or in close proximity to a Virgin Active, you’ll have no doubt been exposed to the cushioned trainers and the solid neutrals of On Running, the Swiss brand that’s quickly become noted for its universally loved colour palettes, and its arty collabs with the likes of Loewe.
When building your activewear wardrobe, kick things off with a firm, versatile staple, such as the Pace Short, in black, which both contours and drapes over the body. The Essential Shorts, decked out in a Coast hue, are a bit freer in fit, and the pastel-y tone chimes in well with beachside jogs. We also quite like the 5" Lightweight Shorts for its reflective logo, which allows for visibility in low-light settings.
The All-Settings Options
Taking its cues from the Californian coast’s active lifestyle – surf, sport, fitness – Vuori produces its offerings with butter-soft materials that can also withstand the most strenuous of exercises and workouts. ‘Built to Move in, Styled for Life’ is the venture’s design mantra, and what we like is this dovetailing of performance – quick-drying, odour-resistant – with an off-duty aesthetic that looks great with running shoes when clocking up the miles, or with some minimalist sneakers when at the beach bar.
All three options here – in tones of oregano, indigo and fossil – have a naturalistic, earthy appearance, and also have a great stretch to them, creating a silhouette that’s both sleek and giving.
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