SUGOI was founded in 1987 as a cycling apparel company, but in the last 20 years, the brand has expanded and grown to encompass everything from compression garments to running shorts and fitness accessories. And while SUGOI is one of the go-tos for cyclists and triathletes, not as many runners and fitness enthusiasts are aware of the brand. I'm here to tell you that that should change. After testing out a number of pieces of apparel from their running and fitness lines, I can honestly say the fit and performance is exceptional... and it's cute stuff, too!
SUGOI Review
SUGOI means "incredible" in Japanese, and I have to admit, that's a pretty good descriptor for the brand's performance apparel. Well-made and designed with the athlete in mind, there's not much lacking when it comes to first impressions.
To get a quick overview, check out my video review >>
SUGOI gave me the opportunity to test out the Jackie Bra, Jackie Run Short and HydroLite Jacket, so read on to see what I discovered.
Jackie Bra
I'm a small-chested woman, so I look for bras that offer great fit without flattening me out. I prefer bras that feel lightweight and breathable, and I would much rather wear a bra with thin straps and a racerback because this style fits into my workout wardrobe more easily. Happily, the Jackie Bra delivers on all fronts. The stitching across the top of the cups reduces the stretch of the fabric, making the bra a little more difficult to get on and off, but enhancing the fit during a workout, reducing bounce. Also, the cup inserts help maintain breast shape, preventing the "uniboob" look. With the bra's mesh lining, sweat is wicked away from the body, helping to keep you dry and cool throughout a workout. All-in-all, the fit, function and style of the Jackie Bra was perfect for someone of my breast shape and size.
Jackie Run Short
As I mentioned in my video, finding shorts that fit me is a challenge. Not only am I taller than the average woman, which alters the average proportions for fit, I'm also wide around the hips, butt and tops of the thighs, with a thinner waist and leaner mid-thigh. Basically this means I'm forever hovering between a size medium and large. Depending on the fit, mediums can be too tight around the hips, while larges often end up looking way too big. Plus, I have to be careful with inseam length and leg-hole width -- short shorts look even shorter on me, and a loose leg-hole can lead to Lindsay Lohan-style wardrobe malfunctions. Not cute. Short of having my workout shorts tailored (is that even a thing?), I generally stick to tights to achieve a more flattering fit. All that to say, the Jackie Run Shorts fit in a way that I was actually pleased with! There was enough of an "A-line" flare to the legs that my hips and butt could actually fit into the medium, and although the liner felt like it was a little bit short for my torso, it worked without giving me a wedgie or making me feel uncomfortable. Plus, the fabric is lightweight and breathable, perfect for spring, summer and fall running.
HydroLite Jacket
This jacket is amazing. Seriously. Not only do I love its breathable, semi-sheer fabric, its perfect fit (even for someone as long-armed as me!) and its light weight (10 grams, not 10 ounces like I said in the video), but the waterproofing is perfect for running in the Northwest. It offers just enough of a wind and water barrier for comfort on cool, wet days, allowing you to gradually warm up without overheating under the plastic-like shell of other waterproof jackets. Plus, with 34 square inches of Scotchlite reflective elements, you can wear the jacket with confidence at night, feeling sure that drivers will be able to see you when you're out on the road. I will admit that while I've worn the jacket on four or five late night runs, I have not yet washed it, so I don't know how well it holds up to washing, but because of its special fabric, I would suggest following the washing instructions to a T.
Add your comment below