Written by Menswear Style in Brands on the 16th February 2018

With 2018 still being in its infancy, people are still enthusiastic about their New Year fitness and health regimes. This coupled with the fact that athleisure and sportswear is as popular as ever, means Iffley Road has been on our radar for quite some time. The story of the brand is uplifting too; a husband and wife duo who’re keen runners met whilst doing just the thing they love. Both had worked with many luxury goods companies over the years and saw a gap in the market to make beautifully made, understated classic, high quality running wear, which was both minimalist and designed with runners in mind. And some of you may have already worked out that they named themselves after the track in Oxford where Roger Bannister ran the first sub four-minute mile in 1954.

You’re probably familiar with the usual shiny logo, heavy technical sportswear offered across sports stores on our high street. But Iffley Road is different; they’re offering something with a completely different look, all whilst keeping those important technical performance attributes. This is running gear which wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy coffee shop or boutique bar. It has quite a sharp and slick aesthetic and feels soft on the skin when worn.

With gear made from high-performance fabrics woven in a distinctive piqué finish, bespoke dri-release micro-blend and 100% itch-free Italian merino piqué fabric, you really do get a superior product for your investment. As keen runners, the owners are on the ball with what their customers want, even if those customers don’t actually know what they want themselves. For example, they cut every garment for a precise yet comfortable fit and the perfect balance of freedom, warmth and ventilation. The overall aim is to enhance the body in its running form, as running should be free and uncomplicated; nothing should feel over designed, over engineered or over embellished. With this mission of not following trends such a logomania and geometric prints, it gives the customer the advantage of timelessness. You will be assured that your understated kit with retro detailing will last for years to come without ever looking dated. Even the secure zipped pockets on their tops and shorts are virtually invisible, yet can still hold a car key, cash or credit card. They have an impressive product offering of T-shirts, Vests, Gilets, Beanies, Running Shoes, Jackets and Leggings in a range of designs and colourways; but here we’ve picked out 3 essentials to get you started.

Thorpe Merino Top 

This Thorpe long sleeve Merino top on first glance looks like a stylish piece of winter knitwear that you could wear as part of a smart-casual outfit to the office. But on closer inspection you’ll see the fold-down cuffs with thumb-hole and in-seam valuables pocket. It’s simply a running top for colder days which some might say is disguised a stylish piece of warming knitwear. However, they’d be right to think so since it’s also made from 100% itch free merino wool with antibacterial properties - so you can wear it multiple times before washing it - rather handy if you’re not very fitness motivated and like to dress for the gym everyday in the off chance you get a sudden boost of inspiration and head out for a run.

Chester 10” Compression Shorts 

We covered the benefits of compression clothing a while back and we’re still big advocates of it. Since we’re heading into summer we thought we’d draw your attention to these Chester Compression Shorts. Whether you’re on an endurance run or hitting the gym for an intense workout, these shorts will certainly help you perform at your peak. Covering the quads with a durable, high stretch fabric, these high-performance shorts offer support and protection for the upper leg muscles to shield you from injury when you’re putting your body to the test. They even give you UPF 50+ sun protection for those rare British summer heatwaves too.

Royston Tracksters 

Finally, we have these neat Royston Tracksters which basically look like smarter and slimer fitting everyday joggers. However, they’re much more than this; they're made from midweight micro fleece with gentle stretch and soft brushed inner. They also have ankle zips to help with putting on over trainers and elasticated foot stirrups for practical comfort whilst running. Functional yet stylish, these gentle stretch Tracksters are a modern take on a classic piece of kit that was once the essential cold weather wear for runners before tights came along.

A review of running brand Iffley Road's Thorpe Merino Top, Chester 10” Compression Shorts and Royston Tracksters.