I’m inspired by runners.
Whenever I hear of someone running a 100k (over 60 miles), or doing some other extreme challenge, I think, wow, the human body is incredible.
It certainly doesn’t inspire me to run that far—or even anywhere close to those kinds of distances. But it’s still inspiring.
Through the long periods of lockdown, I picked up running to stay in shape, and though I prefer lifting weights, I got quite committed to improving my distances and speeds. And after that time, I’ve kept on running a few times a week.
Once warm weather hit though, I knew I needed some running gear to keep the sweat away and cool my body down. And that’s when I found rabbit: a brand built by runners and for runners.
I’ve been rocking a few of their most popular selections, set a few new PR’s in them, and my verdict is in.
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What Is rabbit?
rabbit was founded in 2016 by two runners, Monica and Jill, after decades of experience in sports retails, and an even longer track-record with competitive running.
While rabbit has certainly grown a lot since 2016, the brand is just as close to its original mission as they were the day it was founded: to make the best, lightest, and most breathable running gear on the market.
rabbit offers a wide selection of running shirts, shorts, and running accessories for both men and women, all of which have a laid-back Southern Californian style.
But rabbit doesn’t just make running gear—the brand also supports professional runners and aspiring runners alike. Through events and individual sponsorships, rabbit strives to push the sport of running forward every day.
And it’s not like “a quick jog for health reasons” type running: we’re talking 100+ mile runs that take 20 hours. These people are crazy.
What impresses me most about rabbit is the brand’s commitment to the sport of running. It’s what they live and breathe, and the way they’ve crafted their products reflects that.
Things to Consider Before Buying Running Gear from rabbit
rabbit’s clothes have dozens of subtle considerations (like perforations in some of their shirts for example) that might be overkill if you’re just looking to go for a mile jog once or twice a week.
Their running gear is crafted for professionals and enthusiasts who want the best performance possible.
I have the same respect for runners as I do stand-up comedians. There isn’t much in this world I’m afraid to try, but anyone who can run 20 miles or tell jokes to a quiet room has some serious mental toughness.
And when you’re doing something difficult, like running a marathon, your gear plays an important role. rabbit uses specialty fabrics and designs their gear in such a way to make long-distance runs a little more tolerable—or at least your gear won’t become an impediment.
So while the cost may seem a bit high for a pair of shorts at first glance, the last thing you want is to struggle with chafing on mile 15 of your marathon.
rabbit Running Gear Review
EZ Tee
I picked up rabbit’s best selling shirt: the EZ Tee with perforations. And while I assumed the technical fabric would have a cooling effect, I was particularly stoked about the perforations—especially as the heat and humidity have been climbing up in North Carolina.
The EZ Tee is made with a blend of recycled nylon, with polyester and a hefty dose of spandex added in for comfort and stretch. The fabric actually has recycled coffee grounds woven in with the nylon—the idea is that the grounds help fight odor.
Generally speaking, technical fabrics are already odor resistant (they do get stinky if you run several miles, but unlike cotton, the stinks washes out). So I’m not sure how effective the coffee grounds really are, but it’s a cool concept.
I usually land somewhere between a medium and large, and picked up a large EZ Tee. And I’m glad I did. rabbit notes this shirt has a tailored fit, and they weren’t kidding. The large shirt fits me perfectly, though it’s smaller than most large shirts I own. To me, it fits more like a medium.
This is likely because the shirt is meant for the lean physique of runners, and I don’t have a runner’s body. Yes, I do a few runs per week, but rarely do I cross over the three-mile (5k) mark. Most of my workouts are lifting weights.
Because rabbit’s running gear is made for runners, I consider this a positive, because it shows they’re tailoring their fits appropriately and listening to their customers.
But if you’re just getting started on your running journey or don’t have a super lean physique, I recommend sizing up once like I did. As I said, the large fits me as well as my favorite-fitting medium-sized shirts from other brands.
I decided my first run with my rabbit haul was a good time to break a PR, so I went for a five mile run (8k). And this shirt is incredibly breathable. Not only does it have all the sweat-wicking properties of most technical fabrics, but the addition of nylon actually enhances the cooling effect of your sweat.
Beyond that, the shirt has perforations throughout which allows more airflow and keeps your sweat evaporating evenly across your core, rather than accumulating in any one space and becoming inefficient.
The EZ Tee has perforations throughout which allows more airflow and keeps your sweat evaporating evenly across your core.
Jogarounds
I’m a sucker for a great pair of joggers, so I also picked up a pair of rabbit’s Jogarounds in Charcoal. They’re a blend of mostly polyester with 13% added spandex.
These are incredibly soft and comfortable, and I think they’re better suited for lounging and relaxing.
Unless it’s cold outside, I probably won’t be wearing these joggers too often to run, though I think most runners share that sentiment with me—running with shorts almost always feels more comfortable.
The Jogarounds have two deep front pockets and the ankles are made with the same stretch-material as the rest of the pant—no added elastic. I like this feature because the ankles don’t ride up your calves at all if you do decide to run with them. And it feels more comfortable when you’re lounging on the couch.
These are some of the most comfortable joggers I've tried, and the thick gauge fabric makes them ideal for cold winter mornings pounding the pavement.
Surf ‘N Turf 7” Shorts
The last item I picked up from rabbit was one of their popular running shorts—the Surf ‘N Turf 7” Shorts.
These are a sort of blend between boardshorts and running shorts, and they feature a brief liner. I’m surprised at how light these are, especially considering they have a liner, too.
There aren’t any front pockets—just one zippered back pocket, and while that took a bit of getting used to, I think the design makes a lot of sense for runners. Runners don’t want their keys banging around in their pocket for 12 miles.
Because they don’t have front pockets, I’ve held off on these for my weight lifting sessions, but I’ve been really enjoying them whenever I do cardio (either boxing or running).
They’re the most breathable shorts I own, and with the liner, I feel absolutely no restriction in my movements. I didn’t feel any chafing at all on my five mile run, but I know many rabbit runners go for much longer distances. Still through all the reviews, not a single person mentioned chafing from the liner, even on marathon length runs.
I love that I’ll be able to wear these shorts to the beach, too. I have a trip out to California planned and I’ll definitely be bringing these shorts for my runs on the beach (and a few runs into the waves).
They’re the most breathable shorts I own, and with the liner, I feel absolutely no restriction in my movements. I didn’t feel any chafing at all on my five mile run, but I know many rabbit runners go for much longer distances. Still through all the reviews, not a single person mentioned chafing from the liner, even on marathon length runs.
What do Other Reviewers Say About rabbit Running Gear?
Most of the reviews online for rabbit are detailed accounts from running enthusiasts. I couldn’t find many reviews on specific products, but what’s clear from a quick snoop around the web is that serious runners become devoted to this brand.
Like I said earlier, running is one of those sports where comfort takes on a whole new meaning. After the one-millionth stride in a run, a heavy shirt can make your nipples feel like they’re about to fall off. And from every account I could find, rabbit passed this
My Thoughts Overall On rabbit
What I Like
rabbit uses incredible fabrics—they’re lightweight, soft, flexible, and some of the most breathable I’ve ever tried.
Because they’re designing clothes for runners, you won’t find yourself swimming in fabric if you have a lean runner physique. The fits are trim and tailored.
Each piece is carefully considered and designed with input from distance runners. Subtle details like pocket placement and seam placement reflect this extensive research process.
What I Don’t Like
As someone new to the sport, I couldn’t quite grasp why I should choose one pair of shorts over the other as the brand’s naming conventions leaned more toward irreverent than helpful. Do I choose quadbangers, quadtastics, or thightimes?
Who is rabbit for?
rabbit is for serious runners. If you have a distance run (anything over 10 miles), you want rabbit on your team.
The Verdict
rabbit running gear is meant to go the distance. Their highly specialized fabrics and thoughtful designs do an excellent job reducing chafing and discomfort as you approach mile marker 15.
Their perforated EZ Tee is the most breathable shirt I’ve ever worn—partially because the fabric is so light and cooling, but also because the perforations give it a tremendous amount of airflow.
While I probably won’t be running much in my Jogarounds, I’ve been loving them for my post workout lounging (hey, rest is just as important as exercise).
And the Surf ‘N Turf 7” shorts are excellent for my cardio workouts. I can’t wait to take them with me to the beach for a sandy run and a quick dip afterward.
What impresses me most about rabbit is the brand’s commitment to the sport of running. It’s what they live and breathe, and the way they’ve crafted their products reflects that.
If you’re serious about running, you need to invest in quality gear. Your nipples and groin depend on it.
What impresses me most about rabbit is the brand’s commitment to the sport of running. It’s what they live and breathe, and the way they’ve crafted their products reflects that.
FAQs
What gear do you need for running?
Shoes are the most important part of your running outfit. But if you’re going to run anything longer than 3 miles (5km), it’s a good idea to invest in some running shorts and shirts that won’t chafe as you put in the distance.
What’s the best thing to wear when running?
I like to wear 7” shorts like the Surf N’ Turf from rabbit, and a lightweight, technical fabric t-shirt for maximum breathability.
Is it better to run in shorts or joggers?
Most people find running in shorts to be more comfortable, but for cold days, a pair of joggers is handy.