Over the last year, I have been noticing a new apparel personality on the trail scene.  Much like Serena Williams shook up the conservative tennis apparel realm, INKnBURN is showing us that running apparel need not be limited to a logoed solid.  And every time I have seen a hip set of duds in front of me, I speed up to investigate, and realize that, yep, it’s another great INKnBURN design.   The artwork vibe ranges from heavy metal to zen, with a bit of whimsy in between. 

INKnBURN’s mission is to merge form with function – to bring artistic flair and performance fabrics together – in an effort to empower personal strength.  When they say “Distance Yourself”, they mean “set yourself apart from the crowd”.

I’m sure you’ve noticed in your own wardrobe, that apparel (sports or otherwise) with a design on it tends to fade over time (or flake off entirely).  One of the elements I find most interesting about INKnBURN’s process, is that they have a proprietary sublimation technique for printing those designs directly into the fabric.  That means that the designs neither come off, nor affect the performance of the fabric or the feel next to your skin.  It is as if the design isn’t there.  Likewise, the tag is burned into the fabric, so you won’t feel any neckline or waistband friction.

When I received the INKnBURN shipment in the mail, I opened the box to find the contents beautifully, and neatly wrapped in tissue paper, as if someone had sent me a birthday gift.  I don’t know about you, but I am much more accustomed to receiving my orders in a box with the items carelessly tossed inside.   This was my first impression of INKnBURN, and this personal attention to detail carried through my product testing experience.

I tested the Tech Shirt ($49.95), the Running Shorts ($64.95), the Sports Bra ($64.95), and the 4Arms Arm Warmers ($32.95) in the Cherry Blossom design (shown below).

I’m just going to say it.  The shorts are the best-butt shorts I’ve ever had on.  The rear-view design is brilliant – thank you, INKnBURN, for the head-turns.   The other very noteworthy feature is the waistband.   It is a wide elastic that you can wear either up, or folded down for a lower rise (pictured).   I like my shorts as low as possible, and when I folded down the waistband, I was able to achieve my most-comfortable hipster position.   A great design that allows you to put the shorts exactly where you like them best.

Just like the Tech Shirt, the Running Shorts are a whisper of a fabric, and stayed dry throughout the effort.   The interior brief stayed in place (no creeping) and was very breathable.   As a point of practicality, INKnBURN integrated two small pockets in the front waist hem.  I put a gel and my housekey in there.  Because of the thoughtful pocket placement, the contents didn’t move, and my folded-over waistband provided additional (albeit unnecessary) security against loss of items.

And just to make it the perfect short, INKnBURN has sized them like pants.  So instead of ordering S,M,L, or XL, they have sizes from 2 to 12.  I wear a size 4 in pants, and the size 4 I ordered in the short fit perfectly.

While the Sports Bra may look like a simple item, this little piece of fabric is packed with features.  The fabric is different in the front than in the back, but the printed design goes from front to back uninterrupted.   In the front, it is a strong, wicking material with a soft-to-the-touch interior.  In the back, it is a light, stretchy mesh, that breathes wonderfully.  The front interior has a slit on each side of the liner, in case you would like to insert ‘modesty pads’.  The interior center has a secret stash pocket (pictured).  I already had my gel and key on board in my shorts, so I put my iPod in a ziploc, and tucked it, unnoticed, into this clever storage space.

I am small-chested, so I am unable to comment on the amount of support this sports bra would provide to those more amply endowed.  For someone with a small or medium bust, this is a superb bra – comfortable and firm, with feminine-looking spaghetti straps.    Since we have had unseasonably warm weather here in Southern California, I have run several times in this bra sans shirt, and it does a great job standing alone.

I normally wear a size XS in sports bras, and ordered the same in the INKnBURN Sports Bra.  It runs true to size.

I have to give INKnBURN a double-thumbs up.   This is high-quality, domestically-manufactured gear with a whole lot of groove.

To purchase INKnBURN gear, visit their website at www.inknburn.com.

If you are looking for a sports bra that provides support, comfort and modesty the Alexis Bra is a perfect fit. The Alexis was designed for smaller proportioned women that combines a supportive feel, breathable molded cups and ample moisture-wiking material ready for any physical challenge. The cup lining made of 80% nylon and 20% Lycra and the mesh lining made of CoolMax Polyester provides a quick drying material for those more intense workouts. Our tester was a 32B and found that the Alexis reduced and nearly eliminated any bouncing. The Alexis is a great buy for women looking for a well designed and attractive looking bra combining a thin strap design and seam-free padded cups that works great with any workout apparel. For more information please visit MovingComfort.com

The UA Stability Sports Bra provides excellent support and comes in a wide array of overall sizes and cup sizes: size small through extra large are available for the following cup sizes, A/B, C, and D. This sizing system allows for a customized fit, no matter your bra size. We tested the A/B model and found that it performed excellent during high impact activities, such as running. The Stability has a compression fit that prevents bouncing, while also maintaining comfort thanks to ArmourStretch fabric. Testers raved about the ventilation; the Stability has power mesh panels between the cups in a ‘v’ formation and along the entire racer back. This feature helped our testers to stay cool and dry while running in extreme temperatures. Our testers reported slight chaffing under the arms, but were able to accept this flaw due to the excellent support that the bra provided.  The Stability provides a next to skin feel and some may say that it runs a bit small, we recommend trying on this sports bra before purchasing to find your best fit. For more information, please visit UnderArmour.com

The Glycerin Printed Bra Top is designed for moderate support for A to B cups. The Glycerin has a racer back style, however, the straps flair from a single strap into double straps for some added detail and style. The Glycerin is highly supportive thanks stretch mesh fabric and compression cups that truly provide support and shape, and stays in place while on the run. Our tester is a 34 B and wears a size medium; she felt that the top gave her excellent support, however she felt the bra top was best suited for A cup or AB cupped women because she felt there was too much padding. Perhaps, a lighter amount of padding for B cuppers or sizing based on cup size would help solve this problem. Our tester also reported slight chaffing along the top seam during longer runs, greater than 2.5 hours. Testers did enjoy the dipped under arm seam because of the excellent freedom of movement.  The Glycerin, is vary similar to Brooks Pacer Sports Bra and was more comfortable on shorter running and hiking bouts. The Glycerin Printed Bra top is available in a three different bright colors and floral patterns that are fun to wear by themselves on a hot summer run.  For more information, please visit Brooksrunning.com

Isis produces not only functional clothing for athletic women, but also stylish and fun options that range from bras and undies, all the way to ski pants and jackets. Towards the end of the summer we received the Everyday Bra and Brief to test out. Both are made from a super comfortable blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex. The Everyday bra is a new addition for this fall, and it is best suited for low impact activities for size A/B cups. We wore this bra on some low-key hikes and walks as well as to work and out with friends. The seamless construction means no chaffing and the skinny adjustable straps fit nicely under tanks and dresses. The bra offers just enough support for everyday use, but best not take it running.

The briefs are definitely a keeper as they too are seamless and offer great wicking ability when you are on the go. The Everyday Brief, once on, stays put on your body, which means no embarrassing tugging when on the trail. And just for fun, Isis has added the saying, “You are a Goddess!” into the lining of the front waist-band in the brief and front support area of the bra, which makes it fun to slip into a piece that is functional and unique. The Everyday Bra and Brief come in 4 different colors and 3 different patterns. The Everyday Brief also comes in a 3-pack and many of the same great features of the brief are available in a bikini style thanks to the Everyday Bikini. Overall, the Everyday collection is a great addition to any women’s wardrobe and could be incredibly handy for traveling because of its’ quick drying ability. For more information, please visit IsisForWomen.com

The New Balance Bonita Run Bra was designed with size B/C cup runners in mind. The Bonita eliminated any and all bouncing that may be experienced with a high impact activities,  like running, while allowing for a personalized fit. The Bonita has not only adjustable shoulder straps, but also side adjustments to hone in on your own perfect fit. Our tester was a 34B and she loved the ability to make micro adjustments to the bra. The Bonita has a breathable back panel and a racer back design, which allows it to fit nicely under many of the popular running tanks on the market. Our tester wore the Bonita during long trail runs while carrying a pack and she did not report chaffing with the straps or under her arms. Overall, the Bonita Run Bra is going to be a favorite of yours in no time. For more information, please visit NewBalance.com