Van Cortlandt Singlet

The verdict

The Van Cortlandt is Tracksmith's race singlet, named after the Bronx park where American cross-country racing grew up. The diagonal sash is the signature: a nod to old club vests that makes it the most recognisable top on any start line.

Under the heritage look is a modern fabric. Tracksmith's 2:09 Mesh is a light polyester and spandex tricot with an antimicrobial finish, so it wicks, dries quickly and doesn't hold on to smells between races.

It is cut as a classic singlet, not a skin-tight crop, which suits road racers who want room to breathe. The Soar Race Vest on this shelf is lighter and more technical; this is the one to pick if style matters as much as seconds.

“The singlet that makes a 10K look like a period drama.”