Article and photos by Sally Reiley, modeled by Carrie Page Furnari
Allston Adjustable Bra ($85) Off Roads Shorts ($100) Harrier Long Sleeve ($85) Harbor Vest women’s ($200)
Allston Adjustable Bra ($85)
Tracksmith wisely acknowledges that runners come in all shapes and sizes, and have just introduced their most supportive sports bra yet. The Allston Adjustable Bra features a convertible design, adjustable straps, and is their most supportive fabric yet.
It can be converted from a more relaxed over the shoulder bra to a more supportive racerback bra simply by using the clever ergonomically placed clip at the back.
The trademark Tracksmith red and white striped bottom band has a set of three traditional bra hooks to adjust the band size and fine-tune the fit across the ribcage, and the shoulder straps can be lengthened or shortened as desired with a sliding loop adjustment to customize support.
As a huge fan of the basic Tracksmith Run Bra and a petite runner that has never needed a maximum support bra, I wasn't sure this bra would be for me. Most maximum support sports bras are way over built for my minimal needs. But this one surprised me: the soft and supportive fabric makes me feel secure but not compressed, and the easily customizable fit is comfortable on or off the run. I love how it is so easy to take on and off with the band hooks, especially when super sweaty post-run. It fits on the smaller side of true-to-size, so if in doubt size up. I assumed I would prefer to wear it in the more relaxed over-the-shoulder configuration, but I actually like it best with the clip closed in the more supportive racerback style.
On numerous runs, I have not experienced any chafing or discomfort. This bra also has a bit more coverage, making it appropriate for many runners to wear alone without a top. And after several washings, it still looks new.
Tracksmith says that this bra is designed to embrace the differences; we can all rejoice that they now offer a fantastic adjustable sports bra that does just that and can fit a wide range of bodies. Available now in several colors for $85.
Off Roads Shorts ($!00)
This lightweight short might be designed for the trails, but I found it performed well on the roads as well (and looks good doing so!). I ran in the original Off Roads shorts several years ago and was admittedly challenged by the fit (waist too tight) and the inner short liner (too restrictive, crept up). The updated shorts solve those challenges. Truly now less is more!
They feature a quick-drying UV-protective shell in two toned pale sand/olive, a barely-there liner underneath with more ease throughout the legs to allow for unfettered range of motion, a plethora of storage pockets, and an improved adjustable belt at the waistband.
There are four drop-in internal pockets at the back of the inner waistband for fuels etc, an external secure zipper rear pocket on the right side seam for credit cards or valuables, and a sizable external hip drop-in pocket on the left to hold your cell phone.
The fabric of these shorts is soft and supple and lightweight, and feels like nothing at all on the run. I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable these shorts are - they just move with you.
The fit is definitely roomier throughout than in the old version, enhancing the comfort. I question the necessity of a waist belt, though maybe it functions like a drawstring would if the shorts fit loose on you?
I do think the yellow belt adds snazziness to the look of the shorts, coupled with the trademark TS red/white stripe belt loop. The good news is that the belt isn’t felt at all on the run, and the shorts never need adjusting.The 4” inseam feels just right to me. My iphone fits in the side hip pocket, but I personally find the placement of the pocket awkward and a bit too high because it hinders my arm swing. Minor criticism for a short that far and away surpasses my expectations!
Harrier Long Sleeve ($85)
This fan favorite merino long sleeve needs no introduction. The Harrier top is one of Tracksmith’s original products, refined over the years to endure as a staple in many a runner’s wardrobe. The top is made of 89% soft thermo-regulating merino wool blended with 11% nylon for durability, and the fit is close but comfortable so it moves with you effortlessly.
Merino is also delightfully stink-free so that you can go day after day wearing the same shirt without any odor. Tracksmith added this soft pink blush color to the spring line-up, and it pairs nicely with the light sand/olive colored off-roads shorts. I am not sure this would be a great color choice for down and dirty trail running, but I sure got compliments wearing it around my town. I admit to owning several Harrier tops and several Brighton tops, as they are staples in my fall-winter-spring running wardrobe that also look great after the run. My only wish for this tried and true top would be to make the sleeves longer and add thumb holes - maybe someday, TS?
Harbor Vest women’s ($200)
As a confirmed vest lover who wears vests all the time both on the run and all day long, I was thrilled to see that Tracksmith was coming out with their first vest this spring. So thrilled in fact, that I splurged on buying the TS Harbor vest in navy when it first came out. No regrets, I love it! I have worn it all spring and have gotten so many compliments on it, both from fellow runners when I run in it and from others when I wear it casually (which is often).
The fit is relaxed for layering, so I would recommend ordering one size down if you wish a slimmer fit, otherwise I find it true to size. My XS fits generously, but not oversized. For reference, I am 5’2” and 105 pounds; my friend that helped model these pieces for photos is a bit taller than me a competitive runner.
The feel of the vest is amazing. The shell fabric is super soft and yet water-repellent, and the insulation is a featherlight but warm synthetic called PrimaLoft Gold. The attractive styling includes a compact collar and quilting “track” lines purposely positioned, as well as a large back vent that allows for comfortable ventilation. And again, so many great storage options!
There are two external unzipped hand pockets, one secure zipper pocket for valuables on the right side seam, two generous internal drop in pockets (for gloves etc) and a not-advertised internal drop in phone pocket (phone pocket functions really well and phone is carried comfortably - it is the same pocket as featured in the current NDO jacket).
And warmth? So warm for its weight! Vests keep your core warm, and this vest does it extremely well, and with attractive style.
Classic Tracksmith quality! The Harbor Vest earns 10/10 in my book, and I will heartily recommend it.
So here is my recommendation to Tracksmith: Bring on the harbor Jacket in Fall 2024! Same channeled styling with lightweight PrimaLoft Gold warmth, but as a full jacket with sleeves!
Available at Tracksmith HERE
Sally is a lifelong runner and mother of five who agreed against her better judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the past ten Boston Marathons, two NYC Marathons, one Chicago, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights. With a Boston PR of 3:25:55 in 2022 (9th place in AG) and two consecutive 2nd place in Age Group W60 awards in NYC, she competed in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships at the 2022 London Marathon and ran an all-time PR of 3:24:02, placing 6th in the world in her women’s 60-64 age group. She also competes in USATF races with the Greater Lowell Road Runners team. To add meaning to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Team Eye and Ear and has raised over $275,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally is 5’2’’ and 105 pounds and lives in Marblehead, MA, training outdoors year round. She blames her love of skiing out West for any and all Boston Marathon training challenges.
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