BJÖRN BORG – PRUE TOP
The Björn Borg Prue Top is a tank made for intense and tough workouts, designed with a soft aesthetic in mind. It has a soft v-neck, thin spaghetti straps, and a racer-style back. It’s cut long, so it extends beyond your hips. Unfortunately, the v-neck didn’t fit quite right on me and looked too small from left to right.
The fabric is incredibly stretchy and sweat-wicking. It stayed dry all the way through my treadmill workout. I did find the material to be a little heavy for a sports tank, and I heated up fairly quickly indoors. It might be better suited as a base under some thicker layers during an outdoor winter run.
The top features a long reflective patch down the back, and perforations for ventilation. These two details make the tank a great option for outdoor summer runs.
The Good:
Comfortable, luxe fabric.
Reflective strip for visibility.
Incredibly sweat wicking.
The Bad:
The fit wasn’t quite right for my body type.
Thick material makes you heat up quickly.
The Verdict:
The Björn Borg Prue Top is cute on but doesn’t quite deliver in every situation. While it is moisture-wicking and includes some cleverly designed features like the perforations down the back, you may find it too cold as a base layer in most outdoor winter conditions.
Rating: 3.5/5
LULULEMON METAL VENT TECH LS
Choosing a base layer can be a daunting task with all of the new technology running apparel has to offer. Sometimes a quality built long sleeve is just what you need.
Off the rack, the Lululemon Metal Vent TecH LS felt great, almost tailored. The tear away tag and lightweight fabric created a great initial impression that made me excited about trying this brand for the first time. It’s the simple things that matter.
Once suited up, I was kept warm, dry and comfortable thanks to the seamless construction and strategic venting this shirt offers. The quality of the construction shined through after the product remained unchanged and clean smelling even after multiple runs through the wash.
The lack of reflective elements limits this piece to a base layer. With the incorporation of more reflective branding, this long sleeve would be a great option for fall/spring running.
The Good:
Comfortable
Good sweat wicking
THE TEAR AWAY TAG!!!
Quality construction
Anti-stink technology
The Bad:
No reflective branding (Other than a miniscule logo on the back)
The Verdict:
I enjoyed this piece and would not hesitate to recommend it to any runner braving the winter elements. The Metal Vent Tech LS is a well built, simple base layer that performs when you need it most. This was my first experience with a Lululemon product and it won’t be my last.
Rating: 4/5
SMARTWOOL – PHD® LIGHT ZIP T
The Smartwool base layer is a thin and comfortable merino wool and polyester piece with a zipper at the collar. A feature I sometimes find annoying, in this case it was super comfortable and didn’t dig into my neck at all. The fabric is soft, and I like how long the sweater was since it gave some extra coverage on the back end. I wore this both as a base layer and a mid-layer, so I think it’s ok that there is no reflective detailing. With only a hoodie over it on a 9k run, I found that it was perfect for colder days. The only thing I don’t love about it is that the fabric started pilling after only a couple of washes.
The Good:
Excellent comfort fit
Longer length fit adds extra warmth for your legs
Lightweight but warm
The Bad:
Uncertain about the longevity of the fabric
Can’t stand up to multiple washes
The Verdict:
I loved how comfortable and warm the Smartwool PhD® Light Zip kept me. It makes for a great layering piece as it is extremely lightweight. My only warning is to was with care as it shows signs of wear easily.
Rating: 3/5
BJÖRN BORG – PALMER TEE
The Björn Borg Palmer Tee is a soft and comfortable base layer. I found it very comfortable for a base layer, however, I would have preferred that it had a more form-fitting silhouette as it would ride up under my other layers. It has a longer cut that I grew to appreciate on colder days when I needed additional warmth over my thighs and bum. What makes this piece a winner in my books is that this t-shirt had no signs of smell at all after my runs.
The Good:
Super soft and comfy fabric, felt super gentle on my skin.
Doesn’t smell bad post workout.
Good breathability, kept me relatively dry.
Washed it a few times and it maintained its shape and texture.
The Bad:
Not something that will keep you warm (definitely a layering piece).
Loose fitting, making it ride up while running.
The Verdict:
A great layering piece that looks and feels great. Really great look and fit, love the way the logo was placed on the sleeves. I usually don’t go for big logos, but the placement and tone on tone made this one really cool. It is especially useful for those milder winter days when you’re pairing it with a heavier technical storm layer.
Rating: 4/5
SMARTWOOL – PhD® ULTRA LIGHT LONG SLEEVE
Smartwool has been putting out some solid gear, and their PhD® Ultra Light Long Sleeve is no exception. A perfect underlayer for those days below 0℃(32 F), and warm enough on its own for anything between 0-10℃. The sweat-wicking wool keeps you comfortable throughout your run, and the vented back allows just enough air in to keep your body temperature even.
The Good:
Fitted but not too tight means you don’t feel constricted
Soft and breathable merino wool reduces chaffing
Vented back for perfect airflow
The Bad:
After four washes, the garment starts to pill like an old sweater
The Verdict:
The PhD® Ultra Light Long Sleeve is a great top for colder conditions, it is a great piece to have in your winter repertoire. That being said, the extra care needed when washing the garment is a little counterintuitive. You should be able to throw it in the regular wash and not worry about it deteriorating so quickly.
Rating: 3.5/5
THE NORTH FACE – MOTIVATION ¼ Zip
This lightweight and stretchy zip up base layer by The North Face was extremely comfortable and quite figure flattering. The piece is cut at a longer length and features thumb holes which offer excellent coverage from the cold. Although it is comfortable, I found I wasn’t as warm as expected to be so I would layer a little more on colder days. The fabric is soft, breathable and moisture wicking.
The Good:
This sweater looks and feels amazing
Favorable breathability
Sweat Wicking
The Bad:
Not the warmest, I would wear a mid layer over on colder days
The Verdict:
A perfect layering piece that is comfortable and figure flattering, I would get this in a more neutral colour like grey or black and even wear it as a lifestyle piece when I’m not running.
Rating: 4/5
TRACKSMITH – BRIGHTON BASE LAYER
The Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer is an ultra-lightweight top designed specifically for running for men and for women. This base layer is constructed with a lightweight merino wool blend that makes this long sleeve airy and unbelievably comfortable. Thanks also to a revolutionary seamless construction, this top is so luxurious you’ll want to wear it all the time.
The fabric around your core is designed in a mesh pattern to allow for breathability and temperature regulation, while the fabric in the sleeves is a closed-knit to give you some extra heat where you need it. Though the top is ultra-thin, this unique construction allows you to maintain just the right amount of warmth.
The wash and wearability of this top is also top notch; it keeps its shape and its colour even after multiple washes (just don’t put it in the dryer, it will shrink).
The Good:
Merino wool makes it extremely comfortable on its own, or as a base layer
Material keeps you surprisingly warm despite its thin construction
Seamless non-chafing design
Attractive cut makes it street-clothes worthy
The Bad:
Wrist elastics are relatively snug so hiking up your sleeves during a run can be difficult
No safety features for night visibility
The Verdict:
This is a great top that is well worth the price. It’s a smart addition to your run kit as it can be worn through three seasons with adequate layering. The Merino Wool blend and intelligent design keep you dry and provide the perfect amount of warmth. Be warned; once you try it on, you might never take it off.
Rating: 5/5
LULULEMON FIRST MILE ½ ZIP
The lululemon First Mile ½ zip is amazingly fitted, stylish and is the essence of warmth. The cinching detail in the back creates a slender silhouette. The fabric is thick and soft, making it perfect for a winter day run or as an extra layer in your everyday wardrobe. Although the material is heavier weighted, it still felt light and kept me dry all run long.
A slight detail that might seem negligible but is critical for winter running is the higher neckline. I think the best part of this jacket is the fact that the sleeves were a great length and feature fold over hand mitts. Your hands will thank you.
The Good:
Great weight for warmth ratio
The back side pocket keeps items secure
High neckline, keeping heat in
Added sleeve mitts to keep your hands warm
The Bad:
Minimal reflective details for at night
The Verdict:
This top keeps you dry and warm which is of the essence when it comes to winter running. The First Mile Zip long sleeve is a great piece on its own or for layering.
Rating: 4/5
THE NORTH FACE – KILOWATT ¼ ZIP
Winter is all about layering. The same goes for winter running. When you’re out on the trails, you need to have an under layer that’s warm yet breathable. You also need something that absorbs sweat and keeps you dry – sweat and cold winds don’t make a great combination. Fortunately for you, The North Face has created the Kilowatt ¼ Zip. While it doesn’t feel like it’s made specifically for winter, it’s a great base for most running ensembles.
The Good:
Made with a lightweight, yet durable fabric
FlashDry-XD™ technology keeps you dry
Quarter zip is a nice feature for those days where you need to cool off a little
Not restrictive like some other running shirts
The Bad:
Not warm enough for freezing conditions (-15℃ and lower)
The Verdict:
It’s comfortable; it’s breathable and is made for sport. Suitable for most conditions, but I don’t know that I’d trust it to keep me warm in freezing weather. Regardless, it’s a good shirt to have as part of your collection as it is ideal for technical runs and yet it’s comfortable enough to be used in an apres-run situation.
Rating: 3.5/5
LOLË – JOSIE TOP
What do you want most out of your base layer? You want it to be form-fitting, sweat-wicking and breathable. Especially when it comes to winter running and layering is of the essence.
The Lolë Josie top is not only incredibly cute, but it’s very functional. The Meryl skinlife fabric allows the top to breathe and makes it a quick dry top, permitting you to continue wearing it for that post workout date.
The Good:
Sweat-wicking and fast drying
Elastic feel gives a slim silhouette
Doesn’t retain odor
Seamless
Long sleeves with thumb holes
The Bad:
The stretchy fabric tended to ride up under my layers while running
It only comes in highlighter pink (which wasn’t a problem for me, but might be for some)
The Verdict:
If you’re looking to add a solid base layer to your winter running line up and aren’t afraid of the bright girly colour, this is the top for you. The Lolë Josie Top has all the technical properties you need for a comfortable run but does tend to ride up slightly while paired with a mid layer or storm layer.
Rating: 4.5/5
What do you want most out of your base layer? You want it to be form-fitting, sweat-wicking and breathable. Especially when it comes to winter running and layering is of the essence.
The Lolë Josie top is not only incredibly cute, but it’s very functional. The Meryl skinlife fabric allows the top to breathe and makes it a quick dry top, permitting you to continue wearing it for that post workout date.
The Good:
Sweat-wicking and fast drying
Elastic feel gives a slim silhouette
Doesn’t retain odor
Seamless
Long sleeves with thumb holes
The Bad:
The stretchy fabric tended to ride up under my layers while running
It only comes in highlighter pink (which wasn’t a problem for me, but might be for some)
The Verdict:
If you’re looking to add a solid base layer to your winter running line up and aren’t afraid of the bright girly colour, this is the top for you. The Lolë Josie Top has all the technical properties you need for a comfortable run but does tend to ride up slightly while paired with a mid layer or storm layer.
Rating: 4.5/5
BJÖRN BORG - PRUE TOP
The Björn Borg Prue Top is a tank made for intense and tough workouts, designed with a soft aesthetic in mind. It has a soft v-neck, thin spaghetti straps, and a racer-style back. It’s cut long, so it extends beyond your hips. Unfortunately, the v-neck didn’t fit quite right on me and looked too small from left to right.
The fabric is incredibly stretchy and sweat-wicking. It stayed dry all the way through my treadmill workout. I did find the material to be a little heavy for a sports tank, and I heated up fairly quickly indoors. It might be better suited as a base under some thicker layers during an outdoor winter run.
The top features a long reflective patch down the back, and perforations for ventilation. These two details make the tank a great option for outdoor summer runs.
The Good:
Comfortable, luxe fabric.
Reflective strip for visibility.
Incredibly sweat wicking.
The Bad:
The fit wasn’t quite right for my body type.
Thick material makes you heat up quickly.
The Verdict:
The Björn Borg Prue Top is cute on but doesn’t quite deliver in every situation. While it is moisture-wicking and includes some cleverly designed features like the perforations down the back, you may find it too cold as a base layer in most outdoor winter conditions.
Rating: 3.5/5
LULULEMON METAL VENT TECH LS
Choosing a base layer can be a daunting task with all of the new technology running apparel has to offer. Sometimes a quality built long sleeve is just what you need.
Off the rack, the Lululemon Metal Vent TecH LS felt great, almost tailored. The tear away tag and lightweight fabric created a great initial impression that made me excited about trying this brand for the first time. It’s the simple things that matter.
Once suited up, I was kept warm, dry and comfortable thanks to the seamless construction and strategic venting this shirt offers. The quality of the construction shined through after the product remained unchanged and clean smelling even after multiple runs through the wash.
The lack of reflective elements limits this piece to a base layer. With the incorporation of more reflective branding, this long sleeve would be a great option for fall/spring running.
The Good:
Comfortable
Good sweat wicking
THE TEAR AWAY TAG!!!
Quality construction
Anti-stink technology
The Bad:
No reflective branding (Other than a miniscule logo on the back)
The Verdict:
I enjoyed this piece and would not hesitate to recommend it to any runner braving the winter elements. The Metal Vent Tech LS is a well built, simple base layer that performs when you need it most. This was my first experience with a Lululemon product and it won’t be my last.
Rating: 4/5
SMARTWOOL - PHD® LIGHT ZIP T
The Smartwool base layer is a thin and comfortable merino wool and polyester piece with a zipper at the collar. A feature I sometimes find annoying, in this case it was super comfortable and didn’t dig into my neck at all. The fabric is soft, and I like how long the sweater was since it gave some extra coverage on the back end. I wore this both as a base layer and a mid-layer, so I think it’s ok that there is no reflective detailing. With only a hoodie over it on a 9k run, I found that it was perfect for colder days. The only thing I don’t love about it is that the fabric started pilling after only a couple of washes.
The Good:
Excellent comfort fit
Longer length fit adds extra warmth for your legs
Lightweight but warm
The Bad:
Uncertain about the longevity of the fabric
Can’t stand up to multiple washes
The Verdict:
I loved how comfortable and warm the Smartwool PhD® Light Zip kept me. It makes for a great layering piece as it is extremely lightweight. My only warning is to was with care as it shows signs of wear easily.
Rating: 3/5
BJÖRN BORG - PALMER TEE
The Björn Borg Palmer Tee is a soft and comfortable base layer. I found it very comfortable for a base layer, however, I would have preferred that it had a more form-fitting silhouette as it would ride up under my other layers. It has a longer cut that I grew to appreciate on colder days when I needed additional warmth over my thighs and bum. What makes this piece a winner in my books is that this t-shirt had no signs of smell at all after my runs.
The Good:
Super soft and comfy fabric, felt super gentle on my skin.
Doesn’t smell bad post workout.
Good breathability, kept me relatively dry.
Washed it a few times and it maintained its shape and texture.
The Bad:
Not something that will keep you warm (definitely a layering piece).
Loose fitting, making it ride up while running.
The Verdict:
A great layering piece that looks and feels great. Really great look and fit, love the way the logo was placed on the sleeves. I usually don’t go for big logos, but the placement and tone on tone made this one really cool. It is especially useful for those milder winter days when you’re pairing it with a heavier technical storm layer.
Rating: 4/5
SMARTWOOL - PhD® ULTRA LIGHT LONG SLEEVE
Smartwool has been putting out some solid gear, and their PhD® Ultra Light Long Sleeve is no exception. A perfect underlayer for those days below 0℃(32 F), and warm enough on its own for anything between 0-10℃. The sweat-wicking wool keeps you comfortable throughout your run, and the vented back allows just enough air in to keep your body temperature even.
The Good:
Fitted but not too tight means you don't feel constricted
Soft and breathable merino wool reduces chaffing
Vented back for perfect airflow
The Bad:
After four washes, the garment starts to pill like an old sweater
The Verdict:
The PhD® Ultra Light Long Sleeve is a great top for colder conditions, it is a great piece to have in your winter repertoire. That being said, the extra care needed when washing the garment is a little counterintuitive. You should be able to throw it in the regular wash and not worry about it deteriorating so quickly.
Rating: 3.5/5
THE NORTH FACE - MOTIVATION ¼ Zip
This lightweight and stretchy zip up base layer by The North Face was extremely comfortable and quite figure flattering. The piece is cut at a longer length and features thumb holes which offer excellent coverage from the cold. Although it is comfortable, I found I wasn’t as warm as expected to be so I would layer a little more on colder days. The fabric is soft, breathable and moisture wicking.
The Good:
This sweater looks and feels amazing
Favorable breathability
Sweat Wicking
The Bad:
Not the warmest, I would wear a mid layer over on colder days
The Verdict:
A perfect layering piece that is comfortable and figure flattering, I would get this in a more neutral colour like grey or black and even wear it as a lifestyle piece when I’m not running.
Rating: 4/5
TRACKSMITH - BRIGHTON BASE LAYER
The Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer is an ultra-lightweight top designed specifically for running for men and for women. This base layer is constructed with a lightweight merino wool blend that makes this long sleeve airy and unbelievably comfortable. Thanks also to a revolutionary seamless construction, this top is so luxurious you’ll want to wear it all the time.
The fabric around your core is designed in a mesh pattern to allow for breathability and temperature regulation, while the fabric in the sleeves is a closed-knit to give you some extra heat where you need it. Though the top is ultra-thin, this unique construction allows you to maintain just the right amount of warmth.
The wash and wearability of this top is also top notch; it keeps its shape and its colour even after multiple washes (just don’t put it in the dryer, it will shrink).
The Good:
Merino wool makes it extremely comfortable on its own, or as a base layer
Material keeps you surprisingly warm despite its thin construction
Seamless non-chafing design
Attractive cut makes it street-clothes worthy
The Bad:
Wrist elastics are relatively snug so hiking up your sleeves during a run can be difficult
No safety features for night visibility
The Verdict:
This is a great top that is well worth the price. It’s a smart addition to your run kit as it can be worn through three seasons with adequate layering. The Merino Wool blend and intelligent design keep you dry and provide the perfect amount of warmth. Be warned; once you try it on, you might never take it off.
Rating: 5/5
LULULEMON FIRST MILE ½ ZIP
The lululemon First Mile ½ zip is amazingly fitted, stylish and is the essence of warmth. The cinching detail in the back creates a slender silhouette. The fabric is thick and soft, making it perfect for a winter day run or as an extra layer in your everyday wardrobe. Although the material is heavier weighted, it still felt light and kept me dry all run long.
A slight detail that might seem negligible but is critical for winter running is the higher neckline. I think the best part of this jacket is the fact that the sleeves were a great length and feature fold over hand mitts. Your hands will thank you.
The Good:
Great weight for warmth ratio
The back side pocket keeps items secure
High neckline, keeping heat in
Added sleeve mitts to keep your hands warm
The Bad:
Minimal reflective details for at night
The Verdict:
This top keeps you dry and warm which is of the essence when it comes to winter running. The First Mile Zip long sleeve is a great piece on its own or for layering.
Rating: 4/5
THE NORTH FACE - KILOWATT ¼ ZIP
Winter is all about layering. The same goes for winter running. When you’re out on the trails, you need to have an under layer that’s warm yet breathable. You also need something that absorbs sweat and keeps you dry – sweat and cold winds don’t make a great combination. Fortunately for you, The North Face has created the Kilowatt ¼ Zip. While it doesn’t feel like it’s made specifically for winter, it’s a great base for most running ensembles.
The Good:
Made with a lightweight, yet durable fabric
FlashDry-XD™ technology keeps you dry
Quarter zip is a nice feature for those days where you need to cool off a little
Not restrictive like some other running shirts
The Bad:
Not warm enough for freezing conditions (-15℃ and lower)
The Verdict:
It’s comfortable; it’s breathable and is made for sport. Suitable for most conditions, but I don’t know that I’d trust it to keep me warm in freezing weather. Regardless, it’s a good shirt to have as part of your collection as it is ideal for technical runs and yet it’s comfortable enough to be used in an apres-run situation.
Rating: 3.5/5
LOLË - JOSIE TOP
What do you want most out of your base layer? You want it to be form-fitting, sweat-wicking and breathable. Especially when it comes to winter running and layering is of the essence.
The Lolë Josie top is not only incredibly cute, but it's very functional. The Meryl skinlife fabric allows the top to breathe and makes it a quick dry top, permitting you to continue wearing it for that post workout date.
The Good:
Sweat-wicking and fast drying
Elastic feel gives a slim silhouette
Doesn't retain odor
Seamless
Long sleeves with thumb holes
The Bad:
The stretchy fabric tended to ride up under my layers while running
It only comes in highlighter pink (which wasn't a problem for me, but might be for some)
The Verdict:
If you're looking to add a solid base layer to your winter running line up and aren't afraid of the bright girly colour, this is the top for you. The Lolë Josie Top has all the technical properties you need for a comfortable run but does tend to ride up slightly while paired with a mid layer or storm layer.
Rating: 4.5/5
What do you want most out of your base layer? You want it to be form-fitting, sweat-wicking and breathable. Especially when it comes to winter running and layering is of the essence.
The Lolë Josie top is not only incredibly cute, but it's very functional. The Meryl skinlife fabric allows the top to breathe and makes it a quick dry top, permitting you to continue wearing it for that post workout date.
The Good:
Sweat-wicking and fast drying
Elastic feel gives a slim silhouette
Doesn't retain odor
Seamless
Long sleeves with thumb holes
The Bad:
The stretchy fabric tended to ride up under my layers while running
It only comes in highlighter pink (which wasn't a problem for me, but might be for some)
The Verdict:
If you're looking to add a solid base layer to your winter running line up and aren't afraid of the bright girly colour, this is the top for you. The Lolë Josie Top has all the technical properties you need for a comfortable run but does tend to ride up slightly while paired with a mid layer or storm layer.
Rating: 4.5/5