Race Vest

The verdict

The Race Vest is a running singlet, "vest" being the British word for it, from London brand Soar. It is pared back to the essentials: an open Italian-made 3D mesh that pulls sweat off the skin, laser-cut edges and bonded seams instead of stitched ones.

The fabric is recycled polyester with a little elastane, and the cut is deliberately close to the body to maximise cooling and cut drag. A notched, bonded side split helps it move with your stride rather than flap.

It is a race-day top, not an everyday one, and it runs small: Soar suggests sizing up for a looser fit. Next to the Tracksmith Van Cortlandt it is lighter and more technical, though less of a style statement.

“One of the most technical singlets around, and it shows by mile 20.”