Look in your running gear bin and you’re almost sure to find a Nathan Sports headlamp or water bottle. The company’s accessories have long been a staple in nearly every running store. But Nathan is going a stride further, launching its own line of clothing for men and women.
Apparel is an afterthought for a lot of companies: There’s a reason we often refer to running shops as “shoe stores”—typically there are few apparel options on display. Some brands—Nike and Under Armour, for two—build a full line of clothing, but others offer very little if any—Out Now: Lululemon Wildfeel Trail Shoe, Altra.
That leaves space for companies like Tracksmith, Oiselle, Janji, and now Nathan to find a way into your closet.
The brand’s launch is pleasantly surprising. It didn’t just build a single tee or jacket, but rather rolled out a full collection—shorts, pants, tees, and jackets—for both men and women. The products are well considered, tastefully designed, with a premium build quality. We tested the collection ahead of its launch, and here are a few of our favorite pieces. You can shop the full collection at nathansports.com.
The body is made from a gridded knit polyester-tencel blend that’s soft on your skin and doesn’t get stuck when you’re sweaty. Best of all, the seams are smartly placed to the back and sides so they don’t rub.
Test editor Amanda Furrer loves these stylish bottoms. The high waist doesn’t slip, and, most importantly, they have two big pockets on the thigh that “make it simple to tuck in a mask if it’s too hot to wear a gaiter.”
This water-resistant shell is made from a stretchy fabric that works great on spring trail runs. Bonus points for the smart design elements like the pocket flaps that prevent the YKK zipper pulls from jangling as you bounce down the road.
Think of these like the all-weather version of the Crossover Shorts. You get the same phone pockets on the side, plus a drop-in pocket on the back that’s perfect for a credit card or key. Built with 25 percent elastane, they have just the right amount of stretch.
Made from nylon, polyester, and elastane, this thin tee is exceptionally comfortable. It has a subtle style, with triangle reflective patches on the arms that mirror the split in the hem.
I’m more of a tights guy, but these wind pants have reflective details for the road and colorful accents that make them look classy for post-run lounging.
Our Favorite Nathan Gear
Colorful LEDs also allow you to be seen from the sides and back.
Courtesy of Nathan Sports.
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Neutron Fire RX Headlamp.
Comfortable, secure transportation for your phone.
Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner’s World and the director of product testing. He has tested and reviewed running shoes, GPS watches, headphones, apparel, and more for nearly two decades. He regularly tests more than 100 pairs of shoes each year, and once had a 257-day streak running in different models. Jeff can usually be found on the roads, racing anything from the mile to a marathon, but he also enjoys racing up mountains and on snowshoes. When he’s not running, you’ll probably find him hanging from a ladder making repairs and renovations to his house (he’s also director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
