Runners push hard. Recovery is as important as the run itself, and we want to be as comfortable as possible when we are in “rest mode.” When I received the Women’s Franklin Quarter Snap and the NDO Merino Hoodie from Tracksmith, I was thrilled to give them a try. And by try, I mean lay around the house in them, take the kids to the bus stop in them, and coach my clients in them.
Tracksmith is a brand well known for quality, functionality, and style. As soon as you put these clothes on, you can feel the difference between those and what you’d buy at Target. So it’s not “just” a sweatshirt with Tracksmith. It’s “the” sweatshirt.
I tried the Franklin Quarter Snap first. If you are familiar with Tracksmith’s previous version of the Franklin Fleece, it’s very similar but is a lighter-weight pullover version. This top is like heaven against your skin and it keeps you toasty warm as well. It’s lighter in weight than many fleeces out there, but the Polartec® double-knit velour fleece makes it just as warm. I tend to run cold, and I got hot in this while running around town and hanging around the house. It’s the perfect time of year for it, and I love that it’s not big and bulky like so many other things I’d wear right now.
Despite the fact that I’ve been mostly using this for relaxion, the Franklin Quart Snap can also be used for a run on a cold day. In addition to being warm, its got some stretchy and breathable side panels to ensure there’s comfort and ventilation with your movement. Also, the buttons at the collar reach all the way up your neck so you could snap it up to keep the cold air out or unsnap it to get a little relief when you get warm. Most fleece clothing isn’t something you’d wear to run in, because it gets too uncomfortable as your body heat rises, but this pullover was designed with thermal outputs in mind, meaning there is zoned ventilation and weather protection considerations. There are also thumb holes, which is one of my favorite features in a long sleeved top as an alternative to having to wear gloves.
Best of all for me was discovering a hidden zip pocket inside the pullover that’s large enough for a cell phone or a pair of gloves. In addition to this, there are two drop in hand pockets along the sides.
I adore the NDO Hoodie, but for completely different reasons. The Franklin Quarter Snap is made of fleece and the NDO Hoodie is merino wool, which is a completely different ballpark entirely. The merino wool on this hoodie is very thick. It will stay nice and cozy.
“NDO” refers to Tracksmith’s new “No Days Off Collection,” and this hoodie is solely designed for post-run warmth and recovery. I would never run in something this thick, but it would be perfect as a “Pacific Coast day at the beach” option. Because it’s made with a blend of soft Scandinavian-sourced Merino wool, it absorbs water quickly and dries rapidly. This means it also absorbs sweat and repels odors, so it’s the absolute perfect solution for getting warn right after you finish your run.
If you’re new to wearing wool in the last decade or so, Merino is amazing because its not scratchy. Merino wicks away moisture and regulates temperature. It’s almost odor-proof and it stays warm even when it’s wet. God knows we need that wear we live.
The NDO Hoodie is already getting a lot of use in my house. It’s thick like a blanket and stylish too. It’s yet another piece of clothing that my husband would steal if he wore my size. My one and only complaint about this hoodie is that there are no pockets. I just happen to love pockets.
Both the Hoodie and the Pullover are on the short side, and both fit well for me at 5’-4.” However, if you are taller or longer in the torso, you may want to consider this when picking out your size. I have the pullover in a medium and the NDO Hoodie in a large, and they both feel about perfect.
So relax, and treat yourself. You won’t ever regret going with Tracksmith.
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Products & Price:
- Women’s Franklin Quarter Snap ($148)
- Fabric – Main Body: Lightweight Franklin Fleece – 100% Polyester – 136 gsm,
- Paneling: Inverno Blend, 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane
- Women’s NDO Merino Hoodie ($188)
- Fabric – 45% Merino Wool, 45% Acrylic, 10% Nylon
Thank you to Tracksmith for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
