We have developed a new T-shirt specifically for running.
We would like to introduce you to our carefully crafted running T-shirt, which we have worked tirelessly to develop with the sole purpose of providing a comfortable running experience .
Is there a running T-shirt that can be used comfortably in any season ?
The Merino Wool Run T-shirt was developed in response to requests from runners who wanted a running shirt that could be worn all year round and was durable .
The biggest stress for runners is ``sweating profusely'' in the summer and ``getting cold from sweat'' during winter runs .
Sweat is an inseparable problem when running. In the middle of summer, you sweat so much that your T-shirt gets soaked, and it sticks to your skin, which is very uncomfortable . It also breaks your concentration and becomes a source of stress.
In winter, I don't sweat that much, but I sweat enough to get my T-shirt wet. It's fine while I'm running, but during breaks and after I finish running, I get so cold I'm shivering from the low temperature. If I put on the winter clothes I took off while I was running, I can't get warm at all because of the sweat-soaked T-shirt.
As we searched for ways to alleviate the concerns of these runners, we discovered wool, and merino wool .
What is the best option for comfort?
Wool, including merino wool, is said to be a revolutionary material and is expected to be used in many clothing products, but it is expensive and has problems with durability and usability to begin with.
The material itself is very delicate, prone to moth bites , tears easily , and pilling , making it known as a material that is difficult to use all year round . When it comes to using it in sports scenes, it's even more difficult.
However, Merino wool
-High moisture absorption (approximately twice that of cotton, approximately 40 times that of regular polyester)
-Low thermal conductivity (approximately 1/5 of normal polyester and 1/7 of nylon)
- Deodorizing and antibacterial properties (effective against ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, and nonenal)
I felt that this feature would be ideal for solving the problem of sweating while running, and that I would like to use it somehow.
●Differences in thermal conductivity
The fact that its thermal conductivity is 40 times lower means that it is less likely to let in heat from the outside air in the summer and less likely to let body heat escape in the winter . Thanks to this function, merino wool is called a "natural air conditioner."
Differences in moisture absorption capacity
Moisture absorption is the ability to absorb moisture such as sweat. If moisture absorption is low, sweat will build up and lead to stuffiness, but if moisture absorption is high like merino wool, it will quickly absorb sweat, spread it out, and release it into the air , reducing stickiness.
We have succeeded in significantly increasing strength through our unique spinning technology.
As we continued to search for a way to take advantage of the positive qualities of merino wool while eliminating its negative aspects, we were finally able to use our technological capabilities to successfully resolve the issue of strength (resistance to tearing, washability, and reduced pilling).
This is where it gets a little complicated, but...
The surface material is a special fabric made from a blend of wool and moisture-absorbing, quick-drying polyester .
As shown in the diagram above, by spirally enclosing bundles of long fibers inside bundles of wool and polyester fibers, we have succeeded in more than doubling the strength while retaining the texture and characteristics of wool . (New, thin and strong intertwisted yarn "NIKKE AXIO(R)" manufacturing method)
Moreover, thanks to this manufacturing process, we have been able to improve the grade of wool, and we use Merino wool, which is considered to be the highest quality wool . It is very smooth and not itchy.
And even more (sorry for getting all heated)
The polyester used in the blend is also special, and its cross section is not round but has a special irregular shape .
It's a little difficult to understand, but as you can see in the image, moisture is sucked up into the grooves (capillary action), and because the surface area of the absorbed moisture is larger than that of a round cross-section, it is quickly diffused over the surface of the fiber, resulting in quick drying.
In short, it has excellent breathability and quick-drying properties , and quickly absorbs and releases sweat , providing a cool feeling to the body.
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All that's left is to finish it into a runner.
① Bold mesh structure
Mesh fabric is used on the back and sides to improve breathability and dryness.
We also took measures to reduce the "transparency problem" that inevitably occurs when using a mesh structure, and reduced the sense of transparency when worn. This was achieved by reducing the difference between the fabric color and the skin color.
②Eliminate even the slightest discomfort
A slight discomfort felt when wearing a running backpack . "It feels like my shoulders are cramped, like I'm being pulled backwards."
I guessed it was due to the seams of the clothes.
A typical running T-shirt has a seam on the shoulder, but the Merino Wool Running T-shirt has a seam right where you would put your running pack . This difference reduces the discomfort.
3. Consideration of friction between the T-shirt and the skin
Flat seams reduce contact with the skin, so you don't have to worry about your shirt getting in shape even while you're running.
Finally, the silhouette when worn
No matter how functional something is, it's meaningless if it's ugly. The feeling of elation when you put it on and look in the mirror is the core of what OLENO has always valued.
It's the perfect length to be worn tucked in as an undershirt or on its own as outerwear , and the overall silhouette looks stylish.
For women in particular, we focus on deep necklines to make the neck look longer, short triangular sleeves , and a gentle A-line shape that creates a slimming curve at the waist when worn.
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What is it actually like wearing it in mid-summer and mid-winter?
~38 degree heat day~
I ran at night, and I sweated a lot, so it didn't dry quickly, but I didn't feel like sweat remained on my skin, and the fabric didn't stick to my skin. In particular, the back part is made of mesh, so the back part hardly sticks to my skin due to sweat.
Also, it was so hot that day that I had to dive into the river several times to cool down, but it was comfortable and there was no unpleasant smell when drying.
~Midwinter~
More details are summarized here .
Other comments from users: Male
・Not prone to getting cold
・The back part does not stick
-Doesn't get heavy with sweat
I feel something lighter than usual
・I like the slightly larger silhouette, which is trendy these days.
●Women
・Even though it is made of wool, it is less damaged when washed.
- Looks stylish and has a nice silhouette
- Absorbs sweat well
・I like how the sides are made of mesh.
Frequently asked questions
Q: I am concerned about chafing and pilling on my woolen running backpack. Will this be an issue?
A: Yes, it is. By using "NIKKE AXIO", it has better pill resistance and abrasion resistance than regular wool.
*Anti-pill: Processing that makes it less likely for pilling-like threads to occur.
Q: I'm worried that the mesh on the back will be see-through.
A: When worn, the fabric is not as transparent as it appears.
Q: Can I wear it in winter?
A: It is a merino wool blend, so it is warm in winter and cool in summer.
OLENO Merino Wool Run T-Shirt, endorsed by top runners
Please give it a try and you will be amazed.
Click here for the product page
[Runners who cooperated]
Hirokazu Nishimura: Winner of the 2023 ITJ and the 2022 UTMF
Narumi Mukai: 3rd consecutive victory in the LAKE BIWA 100 in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and winner of the Oku-Shinano 100 in 2023
