PUBLISHED 07/11/2007
Patagonia Airius T-shirt
Features: Antichafing, Odor fighting, Reflective, Loose fit
Promise: EVOH fabric contains a ceramic component that cools the skin and breaks down stench.
Payoff: With strategically-placed flat seams and supersoft material, the redesigned Airius proved top dog in the antichafing department. Testers noted how the shirt offers great breathability, but some felt the cut was a little too boxy.
Tester says: "The shirt breathes, stretches, and is easy on my skin." --John Heisel, Colorado
Price: $46
Contact: patagonia.com
Pearl Izumi Fly Top
Features: Odor fighting, Sun protection, Snug fit
Promise: Polypropylene material wicks sweat, reduces odor, and provides SPF 50 protection.
Payoff: Mesh panels at the underarms helped keep runners cool, while the main fabric did a decent job wicking and controlling body temperature. The Fly scored big in managing stench, and it earned style points, but it runs fairly small, so buy accordingly.
Tester says: "This shirt felt tight but breathed well." --Michael Clemmer, Pennsylvania
Price: $45
Contact: pearlizumi.com
Salomon Raid Zip Tech T
Features: Antichafing, Odor fighting, Reflective, Snug fit
Promise: A combination of Acti-Lite fabric meshes make the shirt breathable while keeping extra sweat and stink from lingering.
Payoff: The shirt's slim fit and taped seams minimized chafing, but some testers felt the styling was more suited for cycling (or being a superhero) than running. Odor proved minimal, even after the shirt sat in a hamper for days.
Tester says: "It has a low-chafe factor." --Kristen Schorer, Colorado
Price: $75
Contact: salomonrunning.com
Smartwool Threshold Short Sleeve Zip
Features: Antichafing, Odor fighting, Loose fit
Promise: Microweight Merino wool with thousands of tiny air pockets absorbs moisture and fights odor.
Payoff: While testers were skeptical of wearing wool in warm weather, they were surprised by the shirt's soft feel and odor control. They also noted how the shirt tended to cling when wet, but liked how well it regulated body temperature.
Tester says: "It felt heavier than the others but still cut down moisture and odor." --Drew Vankat, Colorado
Price: $75
Contact: smartwool.com
