Article by Sam Winebaum and Matt Kolat
In the article, we review shorts and tops from top end boutique run brands. From Switzerland: X-Bionic and Compressport, and from the UK: Subi, Soar and Usual Objections
X-Bionic Twyce Short Sleeve Running Shirt and Shorts
Sam: Swiss brand X-Bionic is well known for its highly elaborate knit compression base layers for skiing. Go to the highest end ski shop at any ski resort worldwide and you will likely see X-Bionic prominently featured and of course they are an official supplier of the Swiss ski team.
As with many winter sports focused brands X-Bionic is increasingly expanding their other seasons offerings. I met the CEO and the head of product at The Running Event where they outfitted me with their Terraskin X trail shoe (RTR Review), with integrated socks of course!
Later, I received the TWYCE Short Sleeve Running Shirt and Shorts
Twyce Short Sleeve Running Shirt ($130)
Features
The Twyce, made in Italy is a lightly compressive stretch knit short sleeve made of 93% Polyamide, 7% Polypropylene. Its key features are the 3D raised knit patterns in key heat and moisture generating areas; namely, the upper chest and back.
The raised patterns are on the outer surface (doubling as styling) as well as inside. Not only do these areas dissipate heat but as I found in testing prevent sticking to the skin while allowing air flow in warmer temperatures and a bit of stand off insulation when worn as a base layer in cool to cold conditions.
Fit
I am 5’9” / 175 cm and 163 lbs / 74kg and the fit is correct for me, understanding this is a fitted or semi titted type layer. While I do not have big arms or shoulders, the most sense of compression is there while the lower part of the shirt is a bit more easy going in fit.
Performance and Conclusions
I have run with the Twyce as a base layer under heavier layers in cold conditions and indoors on a track at around 70 F / 20C. In all cases, I found the top temperature regulating, low moisture absorbing, never chilly and never sticky on the skin either at the chest or back due to its 3D construction. It is not airy thin or light at 139g and is black in color thus I see it as best used outdoors in changeable conditions where climbs are followed by chillier windy conditions. Indoors at the temperatures tested it was very comfortable but I don’t think I would wear it in full summer heat for running but would for trekking. At $120 to $130 it is for sure stylish and highly technical in construction and made in Italy but is at the upper end of short sleeve top pricing which gives pause..
Twyce Race Running Shorts ($150)
Features
The companion Twyce Shorts are a 2-1 type short with an inner very moderately compressive inner short.
As in the Twyce Short Sleeve 3d areas of knit to disperse moisture and regulate temperature.
In fact the 3D areas shown with the shorts inside out are different front (above) and back (below), so are body sweat and heat mapped.
The outer shell is a very thin, soft and somewhat stretchy material. We have a zip key card pocket at the lower hip of the outer shell, too small for a phone which would bounce anyway there. I wished for a phone pocket on the inner short,
Fit
I went with my usual medium and the fit is comfortable and generous. None of the overly compressive feel of many 2-1 shorts’ inner short and no chafing at all so far. I like that the overall length is relatively short for a 2-1 short with the inner short not reaching way down, cycling style
I have a 32” waist and do find the waistband (an extension of the inner short) a bit loose. I often tuck my phone into the waistband of shorts using a PopPocket as a “clip” and am barely able to do so here. In addition, even without the phone there the shorts sag a bit more than I prefer. I think I might have been better with a small and X-Bionic should consider snugging up the waist band knit in future versions.
Conclusions
Pretty much the most comfortable 2-1 short I can recall. I prefer more lightly compressive inner shorts and the TWYCE delivers. I think a touch tighter more compressive knit might be in order for a touch more support and to snug up the waist. I would also like to see more pocketing to accommodate a phone or other small essentials. With such pockets, its $150 pricing would be better justified.
Compressport Pro Racing SS TShirt ($91)
Let’s stay in Switzerland, the long-time home of the most advanced knitting and other fabric technologies. While X-Bionic has long focused on compressive base layers for winter, Compressport was an early if not the earliest pioneer in compression sleeves and socks for triathlon and running. I have had many of their calf sleeves and more recently their excellent run socks with the RTR team also reviewing several winter focused run pieces recently as well as brave Mike in Idaho their 2-1 Trail Race Shorts. Here, I tested their Performance Pro Tee Shirt,, their lightest highest performance tee. I tend to wear short sleeves instead of singlets for most summer runs for sun protection and am always on the lookout for the lightest most breathable out there
Features
The Pro is for sure ultra lightweight at 57g in my medium. The X-Bionic above is 139g. It is a very fine seamless open mesh knit made of 90% Polyamide 10% Elastane with some easy going stretch.
It has an “Oxygen stripes knitting pattern on the sleeves and lower areas, front and back, with open mesh on the shoulders combining with larger vents along the spine, sternum, and under the arms for maximum lightness and breathability.
The front and back at the collars have some laser punched ventilations strips.
While “back lit” above is not totally see through when worn. Several reflective highlights provide some night safety from all angles.
Fit
I am 5’9” / 175 cm and 163 lbs / 74kg and the medium sample is true to size for me. I like the longer length and airy fit over the body. The sleeves are snugger (as the X-Bionic was) but as the shirt is so light there is no discomfort or binding. I sometimes go to a large in summer hot weather short sleeves for air flow but given the ultralight construction and moisture wicking here will stay at a medium here but curious as to what a large might feel like in big big heat.
Performance and Conclusions
I ran with the Pro as a base layer outside at temperatures around freezing and inside on an indoor track where the temperature was about 70 F / 20 C. Not the ideal winter base layer it nonetheless was very moisture wicking and comfortable. Indoors in the moderate heat it was superb. Forgot I was wearing it as I did my boring indoor laps! The moisture wicking was outstanding and it dried very quickly
If you are looking for a state of the art short sleeve for summer running, the Pro ticks all the boxes: ultralight, very moisture wicking and thermo regulating soft and comfortable, quick drying and attractive. At $91 its pricing is relatively reasonable for its performance and utility.
Matt: Usual Objections is an emerging “boutique” run brand based in East London . The Half Zip and all their apparel is sustainably hand made in small batches in a Hackney East London workshop with green renewable energy. zero waste, and with all off-cuts are recycled.
Their products are not just focused on running but also on outdoor activities and swimming. Their designs are minimalistic but their functional solutions are pretty futuristic (pardon the cheesy rhyme). The brand is owned and run by one of the friendliest couples I’ve ever come across in the world of running - Rich and Linda. Some of their design choices are pretty groundbreaking and I hope I am not spilling too many beans here - Rich has a background in aerospace engineering and his talents do trickle down to the fabrics of their awesome products.
Trail Shorts and Half Zip Top
s
Trail Performance Shorts ($195)
Features
Sam: The Trail Shorts are about a 5” inseam short made of a very soft Italian fabric, buttery soft is how I would describe the feel and the same for the brief. While called out as a “trail short”, the fabric is not the heavier, more ruggedized material sometimes used in such shorts. Thin, stretchy the quality of the Fabric really stands out as does the quick drying and overall comfort.
They have easy flowing leg openings and a very comfortable and broad waist band with a drawstring. The waistand is also notable. No need to over tighten to hold the shorts up even as I do with an iPhone tucked into the waistband. The broad inner elastic band is not highly stretchy with I think the vertical tucks of outer fabric providing extra give.
The shorts have a total of 4 pockets: 2 two huge hand front pockets suitable for hat, gloves etc..but not a phone on the run as there is too much bounce but fine otherwise, a rear zip pocket for keys and cards and an inner key pocket.
Paired with the Half Zip reviewed below
Fit
I am 5’9” / 175 cm and 163 lbs / 74kg and the fit is just right.
Conclusions
Handmade in Hackney East London with sustainable practices of high quality Italian fabrics, these truly well “tailored” run shorts are incredibly comfortable, subtle in design and well pocketed. While called “trail” they have been great for trai, road, and gym. And once done the run they are classy and suitable for other activities. While pricey at $195, their quality, ethical construction in a small workshop, versatility, style and I expect long durability make them a short for everything and well worth it.
Usual Objections Long Sleeve Half Zip ($169)
And the care shows here with the half zip having a luxuriously soft, comfortable and easy fit. It performed very well absorbing very little moisture, remaining comfortable in raw conditions, was thermoregulating and dried quickly. And on the run and after outside of running it is the most comfortable of all the tops here.
I finally looked at the details and was shocked to learn that it is made of a Portuguese Techno Cotton fabric, a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton. Cotton in the mix is not the usual that is for sure for a tech winter top these days where we often see Merino and polyester.
The secret, and I found effective “sauce” here, is its Dri-release treatment which is eco friendly, permanent, and said to allow it to dry 4x faster than cotton And true in test and the cotton in the mix delivers the comfortable soft on the skin feel.
Other features of note: we have thumb loops that are just right, not over snug or hard to get in and out of and a long half zip.
Conservative in styling, not overly form fitting but not sloppy loose either, this is one refined comfortable take on the classic half zip top that doesn’t skimp on performance.
Subi Running
Matt: Subi Running is a new UK based brand founded in 2024. You could say they are pretty much hot off the press. Their designs are quite modern and the colour palette in use makes me think that Subi is targeting mainly folk in their 20s (you will not find any neon yellows or oranges which are quite common in more traditional running brand designs). That said however despite being in my late late thirties I did not feel awkward running in the kit which Subi have very kindly provided me with. The two items I will be reviewing below are the Performance T-shirt and the 7” Shell Running Shorts.
Subi Performance T-shirt - £45
The shirt is hands down my favourite ‘top’ running piece of kit of 2024-205. Why? Because of the fabrics it is made out of.
They are so soft, you could not really ask for more in that department. Worth mentioning is that after circa 10 washes the fabric did not begin to deteriorate, which is often a worry for me when it comes to super soft shirts.
Big thumbs up! Apart from that, what is also very welcome is the lack of any tags or labels. Everything is printed on the fabric (including the washing instructions) and does not get in the way on the run.
There are reflective logos on the back and front, albeit very small, but still welcome. The shirt is not seamless but the seams are very subtle and soft and I did not feel them on my skin. In terms of breathability it felt great but please bear in mind that I am testing it in the middle of the winter.
Subi 7” Shell Running Shorts - £55
These shorts Subi are made of a very thin material that I would describe as ‘mattified’. They lack the sheen some fabrics possess and I do prefer it that way (no sheen for me please).
There is a very useful secure pocket in the back which can fit a smaller phone, keys or other valuables.
There are also two side pockets but they are not very useful on the run as they don’t shut or have any way to be secured. On one hand I would like those side pockets removed to streamline the shorts for performance purposes but on the other hands the Shell shorts do look really cool and I think they could double up for gym wear or casual wear and then the pockets do come in handy (see what I did here, Dad jokes are never far away, aren’t they?).
Fit
Performance T-shirt - fits true to size. Neither very tapered nor overtly loose - ideal for me.
7” Shell Running Shorts - slightly too big. My usual size Large felt like a Large +, probably could have gotten away with a Medium - if you are often between sizes you might want to size down.
Conclusions
In today’s running market it is very tricky to break through and differentiate yourself amongst all the competition. That said however I like what Subi is doing because they have managed to create quality products for a reasonable price - more of that please!
SOAR Running
Matt: SOAR Running needs little introduction to the running world, but when I think about them one thing comes to mind: luxury. The designs are truly beautiful, fabrics absolutely top notch with an amazing athletic fit. The only thing to worry about is perhaps the price tag - again luxurious. I’ve been running in SOAR for a couple of seasons now and I do love it. I believe most of the reviewers at Road Trail Run share my view and a few of our super - fast colleagues race in SOAR singlets and swear by them.
Long Sleeve Tech T - £95 & Eco Tech T - £79
Albeit not 100% the same fabric, the Long Sleeve Tech T (LSTT for short) and the Eco T feel very similar. They are a part of SOAR’s new ‘everyday’ line. Let that not fool you, those are still premium items, but not geared at racing or high performance but rather everyday training. You know how certain restaurants are classified as ‘Bib Gourmand’ - which is like having a Michelin star but at a reasonable price? Well this line (together with the shorts reviewed below) is SOAR’s ‘Bib Gourmand’.
The fabrics are very soft and very breathable. Overall I would say that in the cold months of February, when I am writing this review, they are most suitable as a mid-layer but come spring and summer they will do very well as standalone items. The Long Sleeve is cuffed which is a very nice touch because like many others I enjoy a full body coverage at the beginning of the run but like to roll my sleeves as I get warmer. The cuffs ensure that they stay rolled up - nice touch.
Fit
The fit as always with SOAR is very athletic but in the case of the two tops I’ve tested not overly so. If you are of trim body type I would advise you to stay with your usual TTS however if like me you have broader shoulders and/or waistline I would advise you size up.
Conclusion
Great tops, they will be a staple in my spring rotation and it’s good to see that SOAR is introducing lines at more approachable prices without dropping quality!
Soar Run Shorts - £95
Features
Excellent fabrics as usual paired with laser cut perforations - what more could you ask for in shorts? There is also a very convenient secure pocket in the back, big enough to store a couple of small items - keys, credit card but not big enough for a phone. The cutouts on the outer sides help accommodate runners with bigger / more muscular thighs - much appreciated by yours truly as per enclosed pictures!
I’ve tested them in some Scottish torrential February rains and can attest that the fabrics do dry very quickly. Even though SOAR is positioning the Run Shorts as an every day training item, I would think that for most runners they would be excellent racing shorts, they are very lightweight and you don’t feel constrained or weighed down.
Fit
My usual size Large fits me well in SOAR, most runners should stick to TTS.
Conclusion
Fantastic shorts - five stars out of five.
Tester Profiles
Maciej 'Matt' Kolat- 38 years old, hailing from Poland but pounding Scottish pavements and trails since 2007. Mainly runs shorter distances on pavement 5-10 km and reserves longer runs for beautiful Scottish Glens. Matt’s opinion sometimes may differ from other RTR testers as he is the slowest of the bunch (5k at 25:38). Matt also uses running as a way to stay healthy having shed 100 lbs so far (and counting).
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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