When it comes to running – especially distance running – kit is key. Whether you spend a lot of money on it, or not, you need comfort, durability and function. I love a bright pair of leggings, but if they’re going to rub or fall down (oh believe me, it happens), then they’re pointless.
When it comes to the upper body, firstly, I can’t emphasise a good bra enough, invest. go a cup size smaller, wear two. Make sure those boobs are supported.
I also swear by a compression vest/base layer. One of my favourites is a long bra from Nike. It holds your upper body in, boobs and all, and stops you bouncing around too much. Perfect for everything from long runs to bouncing around in a Body Combat class. Oh and it also keeps you warm on cold runs.
But, at £18 per bra, they do get expensive, especially as I have five vests in all, and they’re all starting to get tatty and need replacing. I can’t help but want to look at a cheaper option. So when Jimmy Design asked me to try their base layer, I was happy to give it a workout or two.
The vest is, as you’d expect for sports gear, made of light, breathable fabric and more importantly, the seams are flat. No rubbing, chaffing, or discomfort here.
Additionally, there are no big labels to do the same – some of my previous running tops, used over long distances especially, have resulted in blisters, and even scars due to consistent rubbing from labels, or the remnants of labels, often not noticed until afterwards. And those things sting!
The fit is pretty good too, a nice slim fit, so it hold you in a teeny bit. Not as much as my Nike, but enough for me to feel comfortable. And with a racer back, there’s a good range of movement, which has made it useful for yoga, and weights.
My only grumble, and that’s something you only learn from trying, is that I’d probably go a size smaller. Despite opting for a size that I thought would fit, and it did, but I’d have preferred a snugger fit to it.
Overall, for £7.99-9.99? Not bad. Not bad at all.
With thanks to Jimmy Design for letting me have a vest to review.