Runderwear: product review

Running is such a great hobby -  you don't need to know how to inflate tyres or the off-side rule, and there's no reason to travel to a gym or playing field, just go outside and off you go. When you're starting out, you don't need much kit either, good running shoes are really important but any clothes that you feel comfortable in will do. However, as your distance and time increase then kit matters more. I remember one long training run for the first half marathon I did where I was wearing a nice purple vest. After an hour in that vest the inside of my biceps were sore from brushing past the seam for so long. Ouch! Another source of chaffing can be underwear. Pants that don't wick sweat away from your skin, or an ill-fitting bra can both be a source of irritation to your skin and your mind. Enter RUNDERWEAR. Read on for my review of two of their products. 

There are three main designs of pants to pick from for women - I got 'low rise hipster' in black. Where have these pants been all my life?! They're soft, so soft. Not to mention super stretchy, and they wick that sweat like there's no tomorrow. It makes them quick-drying after a wash too, (perfect for backpackers doing a sneaky bit of sink laundry in a dorm.) I like the wide elastic at the top - practical and stylish. Seriously, they're so comfortable that I forgot they were there. 

The Runderwear Support Bra is rather more high-tech than the pants. Sports bras are strange articles with many different designs. It's extremely hard to decide on the right kind of design. In my experience of sports bras, they usually fall into one of several categories. This one falls into the category of "boobs definitely restrained, may dislocate shoulder upon exit". That's to say that it provides fantastic support, fits well (I got the same size as I would in a normal bra) but has to be removed over the head. When hot and sweaty after a run this can be somewhat challenging, as it needs to be a snug fit to do its job. One has to undo the clasp, remove one arm by tucking it under the main body of the device, then use the other arm to pull the whole thing over the head in a diagonal direction before finally waving it victoriously in the air. 

The only other negative thing I can say is that the padding makes it a bit slow at drying after washing but I didn't notice any issue with sweat-wicking as the padding is away from the armpit area. Overall, the dramatic exit manoeuvre is worth the comfort and support. I have other bras that come undone like a normal bra which don't provide nearly as much support. 

Other than functionality, another factor to consider before purchasing is environmental impact. I was unable to find out where Runderwear products are produced so I can't comment on fair wages or factory conditions. However, it would be great to see Runderwear reducing their plastic and packaging. Perhaps some bamboo fibre can reduce the dependence on plastic, and the plastic bag inside the cardboard packaging seems unnecessary. 

Thanks for sending me the Runderwear, here's to hundred more chafe-free miles.

How do you remove yourself from your sports bra? What are the comfiest pants you've found for running? Comment below!