For my 50th post, something special. It’s clear that I love Runningskirts.com. I’ve ran several marathons in their gear. Their products are designed to be functional but also fashionable and flattering for women. Recently, I contacted them about my blog and they sent me some products to review! How great is that?!
In the line of products offered by Runningskirts.com, there is a style for every gal. Some have briefs, or “bunhuggers” underneath, some have shorts, capris, full-length tights, or nothing at all! There are even maternity skirts!
However, the basic item for runners/joggers/walkers is the Running Skirt. This could be considered the second generation of the Running Skirt, same basic design with couple additions and a new name: Ultra Swift.
Simply Skirt
The first thing I notice is the third pocket! The original Running Skirt has two at the sides with velcro enclosures. The Ultra Swift adds a back pocket, which is GREAT! I’ve noticed a lot of running bottoms have these now, like my compression capri pants by Under Armour.
The third pocket is a decent size (I used my driver’s license for reference) but remember the fabric is lightweight and not going to hold anything too heavy/large very firmly against your tushy as you run. Same with the hip pockets. For example, I can pocket a Gu energy gel or a car key without discomfort. I tried squeezing my iPhone into a pocket once and it wasn’t a good idea.
The second thing I noticed was the mesh fabric throughout. My Red/White Running Skirt has a solid fabric on the front and back panels (red) of the skirt, whereas the waist and side panels (white) are mesh. The Ultra Swift is mesh all over. At first I thought this might make the skirt a little too see-through, but it actually doesn’t.
These two things are the only differences I could see from my initial visual inspection of the Running Skirt and the Ultra Swift skirt, as they are the same cut/design or same “fit”.
I prefer the Ultra Swift to it’s predecessor simply for the added pocket. I am the type who carries calories with me on the marathon, so this is a plus. Even when training, I need a tissue pack when my allergies act up or a place to put my car key or house key. I like to put only one thing in each pocket so I’m not worried that I’ll accidentally drop a key when I pull out tissues or Gu. I’ve seen many-a-runner asking if I’d seen a key as I ran by.
Feel & Performance
So, I took the skirt for a test run. The briefs were comfortable and snug enough so that I didn’t constantly feel like they were shifting to inappropriate places. I really like how light and cool the skirt feels and that I don’t really notice it against my legs.
While I do appreciate the thick, flat waist band, as it looks very good while standing around, I did end up folding it down during my run. As a personal preference, I like my running bottoms (whether skirts or shorts) to sit lower on my hips. Fortunately, folding down the waist band wasn’t too difficult and it did a pretty good job of staying put and not rolling back up.
Main Points
Built-in briefs: They’re also mesh with reverse seems that fit comfortably. This is a big deal. I’ve had other running bottoms with built-in underwear that were too large and bunchy, or had elastic strips in the seems that pulled too tightly. This is the most important thing for a lady runner and Runningskirts.com gets it right. Thank you to the women who designed these products (Cindy & Christie)!
Skirt length: This style is short and shows some thigh, which bothers some ladies I know, but it doesn’t bother me. I’ve seen shorts that show more leg. When you run, the skirt does bounce and flip a little in the back but I never feel exposed or indecent. For those concerned about how their thighs look or who is looking at their thighs, try the Athletic Skirt or Capri Skirt.
Size wise: I normally get a Running Skirt in a Size 2. I am not a size 2, but RunningSkirts uses their own number system. So Size 2 equals a Women’s size 4-6. The skirt they sent was a Size 3 (Women’s size 8), however it fit quite well and snug. I’ll admit I hit the scale just to make sure, but no, it seems that the Ultra Swift skirt just runs a little smaller or snugger than the original Running Skirt. Good to know!
Quality: I bought my first running skirt in 2008. Almost immediately, the stitching for the velcro enclosure on the hip pockets came undone. I had to re-sew them by hand to get them to stay on. I could have been turned off but I considered it a fluke, and it was. I have never had this problem on any of the subsequent skirts I’ve purchased since then. In fact, their material and stitching is quit solid and holds up through wash after wash.
So there you have it, in regards to function. When it comes to fashionable and flattering, I don’t think I have to make any arguments. Just take a look a their website or sign up for their newsletter, and you’ll see they add awesome new prints and colors every season. And don’t forget the coordinating accessories!
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