Trail runner and ATRA gear wrangler Sarah Barber tests and reviews GOREWEAR and 2XU. Product was provided at no charge for the test and review.
Spring has officially sprung! It’s time to jettison the extra layers, trade wool for mesh, and maybe even show some skin. To that end, both GOREWEAR and 2XU have got you covered—or uncovered, as the case might be.
Although they come from different backgrounds, the two companies have been leveraging technology in athletic wear for several decades. GOREWEAR began with a focus on producing gear designed to protect wearers from outdoor elements, emphasizing wind-and-water-proof cycling clothing. 2XU, on the other hand, is best known for high-level compression garments first featured in the sport of triathlon. But with the recent arrival of the vernal equinox, the objective is less about shielding bodies from weather and more about supporting the athletic pursuits of the season.
GOREWEAR
GOREWEAR introduced the Concurve 2in1 Shorts as a hybrid of lightweight breathable shorts and integrated short-tights. The outer layer shorts offer a little extra coverage, while the inner layer of short-tights provides second-skin comfort and guards against chaffing during long and/or intense efforts on the trails. With imperceptible seams and hidden zipperless pockets, the Concurve 2in1 Shorts deliver on their promise of free movement and moisture-wicking tech. However, the claim of “light support” akin to actual running tights wasn’t apparent to me; the inner short-tights have a barely-there sensation, which is perfect for warmer weather but not perfect if you’re seeking more of a scaffold for your quads.
As much as I want to love the Concurve 2in1 Shorts, they won’t get beyond the friend zone for me. They look terrific on the GOREWEAR website, and their smooth texture makes me want to rub them against my cheek, but—how do I put this?—they simply do not flatter my butt. And by “flatter,” I mean exactly that. My butt has gotten flatter, no thanks to gravity and age, and these shorts need a booty that puts the “curve” in Concurve to flare the fabric and create some shape. However, I still value function over form, so these shorts will have a place in my closet—and on my body.
GOREWEAR made up for my disappointment in the Concurve 2in1 Shorts by crafting the 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee with near perfect design. Spring is characterized by chilly mornings that quickly warm after sunrise, calling for a wispy layer to prevent goosebump formation without promoting perspiration. Colored like an Easter egg and fresh as a spring breeze, the 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee has been my go-to for trail time this spring. When paired with GOREWEAR’s Concurve ¾ Tights, I have the perfect combo for body-hugging, breathability mile after mile.
2XU
On the topic of body-hugging, though, no one does it better than 2XU (say it, “Two times you!”). One of me is more than enough, but if apparel could make my athletic performance twice as good, I’ll take it. Compression attire from 2XU is built with a graduated pressure profile to offer just the right level of squeeze in all the right places—the tensile strength of their textiles makes me look comparatively weak, but wearing 2XU sure makes me feel strong. The 2XU Light Speed Mid-Rise Compression Tights are long enough for my leggy frame, even in a size small, and they squish all my tissue into compliance. My number one complaint about the running tights I dislike is that they’re not snug enough. However, even Spanx has nothing on 2XU! The Light Speeds might be lightweight enough for spring weather, but they don’t let my flesh jiggle at all. Their three slim pockets carry my essentials, including a phone, completely bounce-free. With the giant X logo in reflective detail, the rest of the trail-running and gym-going world will know where to find the best spring tights, even if it’s dark outside!
In season-appropriate plot twist, 2XU also conceived the Aero Long Sleeve women’s top in crocus-like colors: violet and pink glow that match the blooms in my front yard. The Aero Long Sleeve is not at all compressive, instead skimming the torso to draw moisture away and keep skin warm and dry. The ingenious mesh back allows steam to evaporate without clinging to my sweaty epidermis. A recent poorly-timed jaunt into the foothills saw me caught in a passing rain shower, but somehow the Aero Long Sleeve didn’t feel soggy in the drizzle.
Go the extra mile with GOREWEAR and 2XU
The in-between seasons when it’s neither too cold nor too hot are a gift for the sport of trail running, and ideal attire is the wrapping paper. GOREWEAR and 2XU have gone the extra mile with well-crafted ribbons and bows.
Editor’s Note: Read more articles and reviews from Sarah Barber here.
