After learning a bit more about sportswear company Craft
from their managing director we’ve been trying out some of their products. Nice, warm base layers seemed like a good idea at this time of year!
Craft Mind Reflective Zip Tee for men (left) and Craft Active Intensity Crew Neck women's version (right) but men's also available (see below)
Product Name: Mind LS Reflective Men's Zip Tee - RRP £36.00
Product Fabrics: 100% Polyester
Description: Long-sleeve zip tee with 360 visibility, thumb holes and contemporary design.
Review by Jonathan Weatherill: My first impressions on opening the packaging was that the top seemed nice fabric and of a high quality. I liked the overall look and feel of the top and really liked the reflective panels on the back and arms. The top is quite thin and very lightweight which is aways appreciated but I couldn’t help but feel a little concerned about durability.
I am generally a size large in most tops and this one fit true to size, fitting nicely around the chest, back and shoulders but didn’t feel restrictive or too tight. The arms again weren't too long or tight and there was room around the stomach but it wasn’t floaty. I was really happy with the overall fit of the top which as result has made it very comfortable to wear. I've had it on for runs of all distances, paces and conditions and the top has remained very comfortable throughout and never chafed.
I get fairly warm while running but the top seems breathable and doesn’t hold excessive amounts of sweat or moisture when worn under a jacket. Depending on the weather I'll usually wear a waterproof of windproof shell over the top as I find the top to be a little bit thin for the colder winter weather. As it's quite thin wind also cuts through it. Worn on its own it’s best used for milder autumn or spring day time runs. Because it's now the middle of winter and I run mostly at night I prefer to wear it as a base layer, at least until it warms up a bit.
This has become my top of choice for the past month and I'll always pick it over any of my other tops at the moment simply because I like the fit, the stye and it’s warm enough when worn as a base layer. I've even worn it on the treadmill (my garage is freezing at 5am).
Even though I'll wear it 3 or 4 times in a week, depending how fast we can get it washed and dried, the top isn’t showing any sign of wear yet. We wash all running gear on delicate wash and then air dry on a radiator. Because the top’s thin and lightweight it seems to dry quickly.
All in all I'm very happy with the top so far. This is my first experience with Craft as a brand and I can safely say that I will be looking at their other products in the future.
Product name: Active Intensity Crew Neck (available for men and women) - RRP £34
Fabric: 100% polyester
Description: Active Intensity is an innovative baselayer that provides excellent function during intense activities in mild to cold conditions. Functional, stretchy fabric in combination with seamless design, bodymapped structures and athletic fit ensure great body-temperature management and comfort.
Review by Clare Jamieson: The Active Intensity top is a very comfortable, easy-to-wear running top. My first impression was that it looked a bit bulky but that was soon dispelled when I tried it on. It feels very lightweight to wear but it’s not for mild weather! It has great length in the arms and body, but does ride up a little bit when running and a lot when all-out sprinting (had to constantly pull it down). It washes very well and maintains its length and fit. I have worn it on most of my runs in the last month and it is fast becoming my favourite winter top.
Craft Breakaway Jacket
Product Name: Breakaway Jacket - RRP £60.00
Product Fabrics: Fabric 1: 100% Polyester Fabric 2: 100% Polyester Fabric 3: 90% Polyester 10% Elastane
Description: Lightweight running jacket with mesh panels at sides and yoke for enhanced ventilation.
We reviewed this jacket when it launched
here.
Craft Breakaway Tights and the men's Active Intensity Crew Neck
Product Name: Breakaway Tights - RRP £50.00
Product Fabrics: Fabric 1: 89% Polyester 11% Elastane Fabric 2: 91% Polyester 9% Elastane
Description: Running tights made of comfortable jersey featuring mesh panels and great fit.
Review: in a word: jazzy! If you like your tights on the eye-catching side, then this is a great option. They are quite light and breathable, with vent panels at the back of the knee and at the small of the back. They’ve got reflective detail and a great zip pocket, which is just the right size for a phone. But they’re mainly… jazzy!
