Gear of the week: Mizuno women’s thermo double knit half zip

Mizuno, Breath Thermo Double Knit Half Zip, $99.99 

When colder weather hits, stocking the closet with the proper running attire becomes extra important to runners. Wind, snowstorms and sleet can ruin the run only if not dressed properly.

That’s why designers in the athletic wear industry are always coming up with innovative ways to create clothing that keeps the body warm while wicking away sweat. It’s also highly important for runners to be able to stay warm without lugging pounds of extra material that not only feel heavy, but also restrict movement.

Brands like Mizuno are managing to meet all of these criteria ensuring that their products are high quality and functional so runners can do the sport they love all year round.

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Mizuno’s Breath Thermo Double Knit Half Zip top is one such example. This top looks good and is made with Mizuno’s “Breath Thermo,” a technical material which generates heat when the body warms.

How does it work? When a runner sweats, that body vapour tries to escape and when it does, the fabric traps it, turns the vapour into heat and prevents it from seeping through its fibers, thus keeping heat nice and close to the body. Watch the video below to see a demonstration.

This half zip top is also incredibly lightweight– it’s actually surprising how warm it feels on the run considering how thin it is. The material is extra soft (especially on the panels that fit under the arms) so it’s an ideal choice for runners who have sensitive skin or who are prone to chafing.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that looks are important too. Mizuno is giving runners a nice looking top that has a sleek look and should be easy to match with a runner’s favourite tights or jacket.