The following review was written by Anita Ortiz and features La Sportiva apparel. Product was provided for the test and review at no charge.
No matter the temperature, La Sportiva has got you covered.
I’ve had the pleasure (truly, it has been a pleasure) to wear-test a selection of La Sportiva clothing. Some pieces were intended for cool weather outings and others for warm days. All were equally wonderful. It would seem that this brand’s apparel is comparable to its signature footwear in both comfort and quality.
As summer is rapidly approaching, I’ll start there. My ever-so-stylish warm-weather outfit consisted of three items: the Stash Bra, the Pure T-Shirt, and Pure 3 Inch Shorts. All were incredibly comfy, quickly rising to the top of my running clothes drawer. Let’s dive in deeper on each item.
Stash Bra
I loved this top immediately! The Stash Bra is a ¾ top (it is more like a top than a bra) with a high neckline in front and a razorback panel in back providing a perfect balance of coverage in a snappy sassy top. The Stash also has removable bra cups allowing for a more personalized fit. It has mesh side panels which make the bra fit sung yet comfortably while allowing for breathability. And, as with many La Sportiva items, the Stash Bra is made with some recycled fabrics.
But the absolute best part of the Stash Bra, is the stash part. Not only does this top have an easily accessible phone pocket between your shoulder blades, it also has a lower tunnel pocket. They suggest you can slip your shirt into this pocket on hot days. But I put my soft flask water bottle in and this worked great.
All in all, I’d give the Stash 5 out of 5 stars.
Pure T-Shirt
Through all my searching I could not find a reason why this shirt is named the Pure T-Shirt . But it seems pretty obvious the moment you slip it on. Basically, it is a pure T-shirt. It has no flashy details. No fancy pockets. No enormous stylized design on the front.
It is purely amazing in its purity.
First off, don’t get hung up on the word T-shirt. This is not your decades-old cotton shirt. The LaSportiva Pure T-Shirt is made from 100% recycled polyester. It is lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect shirt for hot sweaty days. Additionally, the Pure has Polygiene® odor control technology. This is a textile treatment technology that is antibacterial and odor neutralizing. So when you have to make a quick stop at the grocery store, right after your run, you won’t feel bad standing in a long checkout line. Finally, the Pure T-shirt is beautifully constructed. It has bonded hems giving you a barely there feeling and a flowy look. Basically, the LaSportiva Pure T-Shirt has all the comfort features that you’ve always wanted in a T-shirt but didn’t know it yet. The Pure T-Shirt sneaks up on you.
5 out of 5 stars are also given to the Pure T-Shirt.
Pure 3 Inch Shorts
Last but not least, the Pure 3 Inch Shorts.
I run ultra races so I often need storage: A waistband that has multiple pockets acting as a race belt; large stretchy side pockets; loops to hold my running poles; these are my normal. The Pure 3 Inch shorts don’t have these features.
But again, they are purely wonderful in their purity.
From what we know about the Pure-T, we’d be expecting minimal shorts. And indeed that is the case. Let’s face it. Sometimes we just want to feel free and fast — enough with being a pack mule! The Pure 3 Inch Shorts make you feel speedy. They are lightweight and breezy just like the Pure-T. The split leg design allows for freedom of movement, yet does not cut too far up to make you feel exposed. Additionally, there is a soft integrated brief for full coverage.
The Pure 3 Inch shorts do have pockets – 2 of them. After all, a car key is a nice thing to keep safe. And the back pocket is large enough for a cell phone if you are a music junkie – this would be me (read my headphones review here). However, the pocket, while nice to have, is not super comfortable when carrying a phone. Because the shorts are so light and flowy, the back pocket has minimal support for heavier items; the bounce can be bothersome. I found it’s best to use this pocket for a gel or two. Better yet, pack a little cash to buy after-the-run pastries.
Other nice features of the Pure 3 Inch shorts include a mesh elastic waist band with a drawstring, reflective fabric on the side panels, bonded hems, and of course the recycled fabrics.
The Pure 3 Inch shorts earns 4.5 of 5 stars.
For all your summer running needs; gear that is comfortable, fun to wear, and gets the job done, consider the LaSportiva apparel line. You won’t be disappointed…you’ll have a 5-star day.
To see the whole lineup of LaSportiva apparel, footwear, and accessories check out their website.
Editor’s Note: Read Anita Ortiz‘s review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and Prodigio 2 trail running shoes here.
