Pro run-tester Kieran Alger likes the fact the Tracksmith Session Long Sleeve pairs comfort with high-performance features.
Boston-based Tracksmith’s classically-styled kit harks back to a bygone era of running. The idea: you can look good and perform at your best. The Session Long Sleeve is a running top that follows that blueprint exactly.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Relaxed comfort meets good looks and run-specific features. This is a long sleeve that wicks sweat away well and can be worn on its own or as a thin outer layer.- Soft, silky comfort
- Relaxed, comfortable fit
- No thumb loops
- Premium price
How we test running tops
Kieran Alger is a running fanatic and professional run-tester. He tested this running top, as well as those featured in our buyer’s guide, over a wide range of distances, terrains and even countries. One test took him to an Italian ultramarathon; while others were conducted on the towpaths of West London, where he lives.
Look good, run good
The Tracksmith Session Long Sleeve is a workhorse running top with a relaxed and roomy fit that offers a classic heritage style and simple comfort. It’s made from a lightweight, wicking and antimicrobial stretch knit and in my tests I found it nicely versatile.
Worn on its own, it’s great for boosting warmth on winter training sessions, but it’ll also slide nicely over a thin baselayer if you want to increase the warmth.
The fabric is thin, super stretchy, incredibly silky against the skin. That’s great for keeping the nipples happily chafe-free. You can see the thousands of tiny perforations in the polyester-spandex fabric blend that allow heat and moisture to dissipate fast. It kind of operates like your very own upper body climate control.
Thumbs down for lack of loopholes
I was a bit disappointed at the lack of thumb loops or a watch window, but there’s plenty of stretch in the cuffs. They’re tight enough to stop the wind from whistling up your arms but flexible enough to get them up over your watch to check your splits. You can also roll the sleeves up if you need to keep things cooler.
It’s finished with a Polygiene, antibacterial odour-repelling treatment to ward off the worst post-session stinks. It kind of works and it’s a win if you’re doing double training days or want to keep the wash pile low.
It comes in six sizes from XS to XXL and seven subtle heritage colours. It must be washed cold but can be tumble dried on a low heat.
If you want a long-sleeve training top that’s a little thicker, the Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve is another good alternative.
