I’m not one to call attention to myself when I’m running or at the gym because my focus is on the goal I’m trying to accomplish at the moment. And for a long time, my running wardrobe consisted of a couple of cheap pairs of neutral-coloured shorts, marathon t-shirts and the all-weather jacket my mum bought me too many years ago to count.
Truthfully, I didn’t care what I wore when I ran, but as my career exploded and I made wardrobe changes required for my status at the office, I had an epiphany triggered by a mate who’s always so fashionably turned out, we tease him. I mentioned shopping for new work clothes after being promoted when he said, “Dude, you need to upgrade your workout wardrobe, too!”
My running wardrobe education kicks off
My friend wasn’t wrong. I was getting a little long in the tooth to go running about in shabby tees and shorts so I asked for his advice. He told me about his new go-to brand: Soar running apparel. The company, he said, is as dedicated to performance as it is to style, so in his opinion, building a respectable collection of running separates may as well start with new Soar introductions.
I visited the website and learned about the Brit who formed the company. His mission sounded sensible and practical: designing garments made of fabrics that wick sweat and even deal with body odour guys don’t like to talk about.
Further, these separates fit properly, feel cool and comfortable and launder nicely. I was convinced and ordered three Soar pieces to kick-start my wardrobe: race shorts, a t-shirt and a jacket.
The right running shorts
I started with a pair of black race shorts, size medium. What attracted me to these shorts from the get-go? Soar calls them “aggressively cut” and I read that as ‘no matter how my thigh muscles bulk up, these shorts are going to adapt to my legs.They’re super-light, washing and drying them is a breeze, and the split hem adds to the freedom my legs feel when I’m out on the trail.
There’s enough stretch in the proprietary SOAR X-line technical fabric to conform to my legs without making me feel as though they’re cutting off my blood supply!
The inner liner supports me nicely and there’s a zippered pocket discreetly placed at the back of these shorts, so whether I want to stick my car keys there or bring a credit card because my fav smoothie joint is on my jogging route, I’m good. These shorts fit my budget at £64.
The right running shirt
I always buy an XL when I add a running shirt to my stash because I like a lot of ventilation when I’m out and about, and the moment I spotted this featherweight shirt with the sexy orange band running around the hip line, I was sold. The bonded seams are held together so fiercely, I’m pretty sure even my mum’s seam ripper wouldn’t work on them.
I’m not going to see myself coming and going because this sporty T is a stylish limited edition colourway shirt tailored for runners who sweat like crazy: The Italian-made fabric is woven to wick sweat and repel bacteria, so if I run into anyone on my way home from an exhausting conditioning run, I don’t smell like I’ve been arm-wrestling dudes who haven’t bathed in months. Like the shorts, the price is right at £64.
The perfect jacket
Once I began to upgrade my work and running wardrobes, I understood what the women in my life talk about when they coordinate separates so everything works together. I hadn’t planned on buying a jacket, but frankly, when I saw the tailoring on this Ultra Shell Jacket I couldn’t resist. The citrus green jacket with dark banding runs out at £165.
Soar isn’t joking when the company ads says this shell takes waterproofing to a new level, yet the Japanese fabric is so breathable, it’s a perfect topper over my new t-shirt or over a warmer shirt. It’s destined to become my year-round go-to jacket. If it rains, the draw cord hem keeps me dry and a large rear pocket holds everything but my dog. Sounds like a wardrobe piece you’d like to own? I don’t blame you.
Runner’s Boon
- This 3-piece coordinated wardrobe allows a guy like me to acquire basic pieces that take me from conditioning run to marathon and everywhere else.
- Textiles by Soar are state-of-the-art; designed exclusively for runners who work out like gladiators.
- Features like fine tailoring not always found in comparable brands give wearers an impeccable look.
- Buying running apparel from a company devoted to athletes’ performance means my garments will be around for the long haul.
- Bacteria and odour repelling features closed the sale for me.
Runner’s Bane
- Not every runner has the wherewithal to purchase separates that come with healthy price tags due to the high quality of fabric and construction.
- Shoppers could find themselves confused between Soar Running UK and Soar USA. Tim Soar’s unique separates were our target, not the US “Stand Out Above the Rest” (SOAR) label that makes bathing suits and sports caps – or the site that sells quirky T-shirts.
- Soar ships internationally. If you’re not comfortable ordering from the UK on the Internet, finding this brand via your usual shopping resources could be problematic.
Soar your running
As a born-again fashion dude with a renewed interest in clothing engineered for athletes who are serious about new textiles and modern-day sewing methods, I appreciate SOAR’s attention to detail, solid construction and state-of-the-art fabrics. If you’re a stickler for detail, you can learn how much waterproofing and breathability you’ll enjoy if you visit the website.
Would I recommend this collection? The answer is yes. By buying the entire ensemble I’ve got the start of an impressive wardrobe that performs on the trail and in the gym as perfectly as it looks.
You can order Soar beautiful performance running wear at its online store.
