So this has taken me by surprise but I’ve actually grown to love the NAGINO Run Unitard – an item in our recent kit drop that I had dreaded to be honest! Here are my thoughts and why you also might find yourself considering a running unitard…
The 90s are calling… and amongst all the things that have made a recent comeback – from shell suits to low rise jeans (those can stay in the 90s to be honest!) the unitard seems to have sprung back onto the sporting scene. As a triathlete I’m used to wonderfully unflattering all in one tri-suits, so immediately dismissed this product as ‘not for me’ when it recently appeared in our ASICS Frontrunner kit drop, but I’ll happily admit when I’m wrong and this time, yeah I was very wrong.
My key thoughts:
- The ASICS NAGINO Run Unitard is a surprising piece of kit – it’s soft, super comfortable and moves with your body effortlessly. The premium heathered knit fabric hugs your body, without that that yucky lycra feel, and instead this feels more like athleisure but also is built for practicality (not just lying on the sofa watching Netflix). The fabric is also 50% recycled material, which reduces waste, water and carbon emissions, so that’s a big win.
- The side mesh pockets are VERY handy. We all love pockets and these are big enough for an iPhone, gels and keys without feeling weighed down and your items do not bounce – and trust me on this as I’ve done a speed session in the unitard with an iPhone 12pro in the pocket.
- The 8inch sprinter shorts – these are by far the biggest pro for me. They’re long, offer very flattering coverage and DO NOT ride up, in fact they don’t budge at all! I’m currently in my embrace the shorts era and these definitely fit the bill.
- Whilst the ventilation zones are great and compliment the overall design well, there is still the risk of some rather unflattering sweat patches due to the fabric and colour, just go with it, they soon dry! Also whilst this is perfect for summer running and racing, on a super hot day a loose fitting tank and baggy shorts might be a cooler option.
- Also you can’t ignore the fact that it is figure hugging and I can definitely understand why a lot of people would be put off by this (myself included originally), however this styles perfectly with the NAGINO 4 inch run shorts – a combination I wore during my final leg of the Vltava Run in Czechia, if you are feeling slightly self conscious.
- It runs true to size, a M would fit a UK 10 well.
- You’ll feel a little bit like a super hero. It’s very different from anything else you’ll ever wear, so embrace it!
Be brave, rock that unitard!
