REASONS TO BUY
Soft fabric
Flattering style
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Could be more breathable
Potential for chafing under arms
Runs small
Brooks Distance - Women's Review
This soft shirt is best suited to shorter runs and looks cute while doing it
Credit: Brooks
Our Verdict
With a completely overhauled style compared to last year's model, we were excited to try out this spring's Distance Short Sleeve from Brooks. The recycled cotton blend fabric is easy to wear and has a flattering cut. It lacks some breathability that we expect out of a technical top, but we find ourselves continuing to reach for it despite this. Slightly cropped to pair well with high-waisted bottoms, it feels both a bit trendy and like a well-loved t-shirt. Pull this one out of the drawer for days when you're running a few miles before checking out a new coffee shop, and you'll feel comfy and cute the whole time.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The best feature of the Distance is its super soft fabric, but it lacks in a few of the more technical metrics. However, for easy runs and mellow days, you won't be disappointed with this one.
Performance Comparison
This tee was easy to throw on for mellow pre-work jaunts.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Comfort
We have some mixed feelings about the comfort of this shirt. The fabric is as soft as your most worn-in cotton tee, although it's made of recycled polyester and lyocell, but the sizing does run small, and the underarms are cut high, which some runners could find uncomfortable. The back is made up of three panels, and while this adds visual interest, for those prone to chafing, it may not be the best option. That being said, the overall styling of this top is so cute we would wear it with jeans as often as we would a pair of running shorts, and the quality of the construction makes us sure we'll keep this one in the rotation for a long time to come.
The three-paneled back adds some aesthetic interest, but we'd hesitate to wear it under a running vest on a hot day since more seams equal a higher risk of chafing.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Breathability
There is decent airflow through this shirt, but you'd find yourself wanting to strip down to your sports bra on hot, humid summer days since it is a bit heavier than others we tested. We love it for shoulder season weather or milder summer climates, though. The shorter hem with a hint of an A-line allows it to slightly flow away from your body while running, which we appreciate.
The slightly cropped and subtle A-line let air circulate as you run.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Drying Speed
Drying speed is a metric we look at it because it plays a factor in both how quickly your sweat will wick away, as well as how quickly your shirt will dry if you're caught in a rain shower or if an alpine lake is calling your name. The Distance is a mid-pack performer in this regard. It dries faster than some other shirts that are a bit lighter but not as quickly as shirts that are really aimed at running on trails or in the heat.
On the upper end of the middle of the pack when it comes to weight, it's not the quickest to dry.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Features & Versatility
This is a simple shirt without many of the performance-specific features we often look for, such as a UPF rating or odor control. However, it is versatile because it's one of the easiest to wear in day-to-day life since it doesn't look like a classic tech tee. There aren't any reflective markings, but we do like the integrated hanging loop on the inside of the neck, and we would definitely wear this to the gym, as well.
A soft hang tab is incorporated into the neckline, making it easy to hang in your locker at the gym.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
Value
We're pretty happy with the price point of this tee because not only is it one you can run in, it's also one you'll enjoy wearing during all those times when you're not running! It's well made, and we think it's one that will only get better with more wears and washes.
Conclusion
Moderately breathable and quick-drying, the Brooks Distance scores the highest marks for its easy-to-wear fabric and cute styling. You'll feel comfy running easy miles and won't be in a rush to change out of it when you're through.
This tee is comfy for both your easy running days and your easy days recovering on the couch.
Credit: Paige Klugherz
—
Paige Klugherz
You Might Also Like
Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
Learn More