Article by Courtney Kelly
RDCRP Singlet -Sphinx ($110)
This singlet is unlike any other singlet I have. It is so lightweight it becomes completely unnoticeable on the run
Features/Materials:
The Ciele CRP Singlet is a 30 gram uber lightweight singlet.
Made with COOLmatic and EXP HOLLOWmesh fabric.
Open knit perforated pattern throughout that helps circulate air.
STITCHfree seams promise to keep you running without irritation.
The reflective dots provide visibility.
Fit / Style
The RDCRP Singlet came in Sphinx pattern which is earth toned with a unique sphinx-like face on the back.
I received the extra small and it fit true to size. It is a cropped wide fit and the arm holes are generous. In my case when I paired the Crop with high waisted shorts it actually just hit the waistband and exposed no mid drift, but I do have a shorter torso. Their models show the crop hitting above the navel so I assume a longer torso would find a shorter rise.
Performance:
This Singlet is truly as light as a feather.
It is effortless to wear and I felt confident running in it.
The singlet kept me cool and dry on my runs and I experienced no chafing or irritation.
Comparisons:
Lululemon License to Train Tight Fit Tank:
A snugger fitting tank top, this offers a bit more coverage and stays put. I wore this tank for my marathon and enjoyed the super soft material close to the body.
Lululemon Sculpt Tank:
The Sculpt tank is a longer fitting tank, and although its also made of thin material, it retains moisture and visible sweat stains as you are working out. I also found the colors to fade as I washed it. I dont love the longer length of this tank and find the excess fabric is better half tucked in.
Women’s CRGTight Short 3.5" - Shadowsphinx ($100)
Features/Materials:
The CR Shorts are made of a silky, yet fairly thick material that are extremely comfortable.
-COOLmatic | PLUS KLOSfit™ fabric
-The cargo mesh side pockets are well placed on either hip allowing for plenty of fuel storage. -The lumbar pocket is designed with a top flap ensuring a secure hold on your belongings. It was perfect for storing my iPhone on the run with or without a case.
COOLmatic
Fit / Style:
Just right compression from Cielo’s signature PLUS KLOSfit fabric with a flattering fit around the drawstring waist made these shorts a new track favorite for me. The shorter length is great for racing or speed workouts. The strings on the drawstring have plenty of length for tying and even comes with a mesh pocket near the drawstring to tuck in the loose ends. I do wish they made a 5 inch short for a little more coverage for running around town.
Performance:I was seriously impressed by the quality of these shorts. They are made with a super comfortable, strong material that is built to last. The seamless edging is sturdy and undetectable on the run. By the end of my 10 mile run, I noticed they loosened up slightly both through the leg and on the waist. This may be something to keep in mind if your sizing runs bigger on you from the start. I did notice the anti odor finish was effective and I had no lingering smells.
Comparisons
On Performance Short Tights $60
These high waisted shorts have two mesh side pockets for fuel and a lumbar pocket for your phone. The 5” length is long enough to help keep them from riding up. As much as I love these shorts, the mesh was not great quality and ended up ripping in both pairs that I own right where you store your phone. I have zero concerns of this happening to the Cielo shorts because the material is the same through the whole short.
Lululemon Fast and Free Short 6” $74
Equipped with two side pockets and three waist pockets, these shorts are able to hold fuel and your belongings. These shorts have a nice thin feel to them and do a great job keeping you cool. Unfortunately the thin material rides up when running at faster paces. I found the rubber grippers did not help keep them down. They work decently for shorter daily miles unlike the Cielo Shorts which stayed put for my long run and workouts.
SPD Bra ($70)
Features/Materials
Medium support sports bra
Double layered COOLmatic and KLOSfit knit fabric with anti odor.
The SPD bra comes in 4 colors and sizes, XS-XL.
Perforated holes in front and center near the band and on between the shoulder blades allows air flow.
99 grams and has a quick drying material that keeps you feeling fresh.
Fit / Style:
I received the SPD bra in an XS and found it to fit true to size. It has a conservative higher neck, but I loved pairing it with the CRP singlet. It features removable pads which I removed immediately (they’ve never been my thing)! The medium compression works well for me. The super adjustable back clasp with three eye hooks with 3 band size options ensures a just right fit.
In a 2024 study, researchers found that a too tight sports bra can impede respiratory function and mechanical work of breathing (Kipp, Leahy, and Sheel, 2024). This underscores the importance of a just right fit which the Ciele SPD Bra executes so well. In addition to excellent band fit, the shoulder straps are highly adjustable which is necessary for shorter torsos like mine.
Performance
The SPD bra Is ultra comfortable and becomes unnoticeable as you begin running. I was able to run without worrying about support or comfort. It just became part of me. I also noticed it was cool and dry at the end of my run and retained no odors. It is also a machine washable item that is laid flat to dry.
Comparisons
Lululemon Square-Neck Workout Bra
This medium support bra provides medium support and has adjustable straps and hook and eye back for a customized fit similar to Ciele’s SPD bra. The SPD bra has a slightly longer band length than the Lululemon Square Neck providing a little more coverage. Both feature removable pads. I found the SPD bra material to be much more sweat wicking and quick drying.
Brooks Women's Dare Crossback Sports Bra
The Dare Crossback has a racerback silhouette, but features a seamless comfortable design. Unlike the CIele SPD, it has molded cups that are non-removable which is a downside for me. They tend to hold moisture and I don’t desire any extra fabric on me when I run. Also, the straps and band are not adjustable which makes finding the perfect fit difficult. Because it is a pullover style it is slightly easier to take on and off, but I often hook my hook and eye bras and pull them over my head.
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs. Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mother to her girls.
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