INKnBURN Women’s Running Apparel Review
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Over the last year, I have been noticing a new apparel personality on the trail scene. Much like Serena Williams shook up the conservative tennis apparel realm, INKnBURN is showing us that running apparel need not be limited to a logoed solid. And every time I have seen a hip set of duds in front of me, I speed up to investigate, and realize that, yep, it’s another great INKnBURN design. The artwork vibe ranges from heavy metal to zen, with a bit of whimsy in between.
INKnBURN’s mission is to merge form with function – to bring artistic flair and performance fabrics together – in an effort to empower personal strength. When they say “Distance Yourself”, they mean “set yourself apart from the crowd”.
I’m sure you’ve noticed in your own wardrobe, that apparel (sports or otherwise) with a design on it tends to fade over time (or flake off entirely). One of the elements I find most interesting about INKnBURN’s process, is that they have a proprietary sublimation technique for printing those designs directly into the fabric. That means that the designs neither come off, nor affect the performance of the fabric or the feel next to your skin. It is as if the design isn’t there. Likewise, the tag is burned into the fabric, so you won’t feel any neckline or waistband friction.
When I received the INKnBURN shipment in the mail, I opened the box to find the contents beautifully, and neatly wrapped in tissue paper, as if someone had sent me a birthday gift. I don’t know about you, but I am much more accustomed to receiving my orders in a box with the items carelessly tossed inside. This was my first impression of INKnBURN, and this personal attention to detail carried through my product testing experience.
I tested the Tech Shirt ($49.95), the Running Shorts ($64.95), the Sports Bra ($64.95), and the 4Arms Arm Warmers ($32.95) in the Cherry Blossom design (shown below).
I’m just going to say it. The shorts are the best-butt shorts I’ve ever had on. The rear-view design is brilliant – thank you, INKnBURN, for the head-turns. The other very noteworthy feature is the waistband. It is a wide elastic that you can wear either up, or folded down for a lower rise (pictured). I like my shorts as low as possible, and when I folded down the waistband, I was able to achieve my most-comfortable hipster position. A great design that allows you to put the shorts exactly where you like them best.
Just like the Tech Shirt, the Running Shorts are a whisper of a fabric, and stayed dry throughout the effort. The interior brief stayed in place (no creeping) and was very breathable. As a point of practicality, INKnBURN integrated two small pockets in the front waist hem. I put a gel and my housekey in there. Because of the thoughtful pocket placement, the contents didn’t move, and my folded-over waistband provided additional (albeit unnecessary) security against loss of items.
And just to make it the perfect short, INKnBURN has sized them like pants. So instead of ordering S,M,L, or XL, they have sizes from 2 to 12. I wear a size 4 in pants, and the size 4 I ordered in the short fit perfectly.
While the Sports Bra may look like a simple item, this little piece of fabric is packed with features. The fabric is different in the front than in the back, but the printed design goes from front to back uninterrupted. In the front, it is a strong, wicking material with a soft-to-the-touch interior. In the back, it is a light, stretchy mesh, that breathes wonderfully. The front interior has a slit on each side of the liner, in case you would like to insert ‘modesty pads’. The interior center has a secret stash pocket (pictured). I already had my gel and key on board in my shorts, so I put my iPod in a ziploc, and tucked it, unnoticed, into this clever storage space.
I am small-chested, so I am unable to comment on the amount of support this sports bra would provide to those more amply endowed. For someone with a small or medium bust, this is a superb bra – comfortable and firm, with feminine-looking spaghetti straps. Since we have had unseasonably warm weather here in Southern California, I have run several times in this bra sans shirt, and it does a great job standing alone.
I normally wear a size XS in sports bras, and ordered the same in the INKnBURN Sports Bra. It runs true to size.
I have to give INKnBURN a double-thumbs up. This is high-quality, domestically-manufactured gear with a whole lot of groove.
To purchase INKnBURN gear, visit their website at www.inknburn.com.
Hi LoriL! It was awesome to see Ink n’ Burn in your article since is a relatively new company. I, too, have Ink n’ Burn clothing and LOVE them so much… that company has got it all… GREAT FIT, GREAT FEEL, GREAT LOOK! I thought it was a little pricey, but once I got my first order I was totally hooked! I probably spend more on clothing that gets worm out and looks bad. So, in the end, I feel great in the clothes and happier on the road. Thanks Ink n’ Burn and thanks again for the article!
I love ALL my InkNburn gear. Ran in my Ink shirt FTW at the Santa Monica Mtns 50k… The shirt held up great, and was the perfect amount of protection from the elements (it poured most of the race). I was wearing my Hollywood Dragon shorts for that race as well, super comfy, never any chafing in those puppies. Love my Rock’n’Roll tank, wearing it right now to go preview the Calico 50k course with my wife =)
I live in all my INKnBURN gear. I live in my women’s running shorts. I have every style, and I couldn’t imagine running in anything else again. They are comfy, soft, don’t chafe, and the pockets are the best. I also love my jog bra. It’s the first jog bra I have ever worn that does not rub or chafe on me, and it’s supportive, and does not strain or pull on my neck or shoulders. I will never run in any other running apparel again. The bonus: I look great. I love that my running clothes stand out from everyone else. INKnBURN rocks!!
I have been running in the shorts since their inception. Up until I was introduced to Ink n Burn I would only race in the super short shorts but I have to say that even the longer style short is super comfortable. I just completed the Red Rock 50 mile in Santa Barbara and my shorts and shirt kept me dry the whole race! I have done runs up to 30+ miles without using any anti chafe products and had no trouble. The Ink n Burn gear is all I will run in. What can I say you get what you pay for high tech wear with amazing designs that turn heads!
INKnBURN apparel makes me feel fast, cute, amazing and powerful when I train and race.
The proof is in the pudding, this year alone I’ve won 24 trail races in distances from 4 mile Mud Runs to a 125 mile (6 day) race across the Rocky Mountains in Colorado!!
Every race I wore INKnBURN apparel. In my world there really is no other brand I would even consider!!
Ever since 2009, I live in INKnBURN. I adore the wild edgy graphics, flattering fit, soft feel of the fabrics and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the flattering cut of the shorts and the option to fold down the waist.
My favorite design is ‘LUST’. You can’t go wrong with black and white. I wear the ‘lust’ shorts running, mountain biking, to my pool, around town to Starbucks, you get the picture…good thing I have 3 pairs!!
On my training runs, I never had a place to hold my car key, and now I do. The INKnBURN jog bras are very supportive and incorporates a genius ‘hidden pocket’ that fits whatever ‘secret’ small item you wish.
I use and abuse INKnBURN apparel on a daily basis and I wouldnt have it any other way!!
Thank you INKnBURN, I look forward to your next designs as much as I look forward to my next trail race!!! I am fan for life!!!
Michelle B.
Keira thanks for the comment – I’ll take your approval of the jog bra to mean that it also works well for women who have [ahem] a little more going on up top than I do. Happy trails, sista.
I happened upon INKnBURN in March at the LA Marathon expo. I initially fell in love with the ‘Lust’ design. That shirt was my first purchase. I am a seasoned marathoner and know better than to wear anything new on race day. After examining the silky shirt and being told 100M+ ultrarunners favor it, I went ahead and wore it for the first time at the LA Marathon. I was never so comfortable! Since then, I have become a collector of INKnBURN. I feel like Im not just wearing a tech shirt, but a piece of art as well.
The shorts are a brilliant design – yes, they flatter the backside and I immediately threw away all my shorts that look like ‘diaper butt’. I rejoiced!!!
The sports bra is comfortable for a busty runner – great support, and love the hidden pocket!
Sleeves are awesome! I am always amazed at how warm they keep me, love em!
Overall I believe in this company. Great product made by great people! ♥