rabbit Apparel Review
The brand rabbit is still relatively new on the running apparel scene and I’ve been eager to check out their clothing since their launch. Over the winter I tested a short sleeve tee-shirt (exclusively indoors), a long-sleeve shirt, and a cold-weather jacket.
ez-tee rabbitKNIT
This short-sleeve tee is made of 86% Tencel and 14% polyester. The abundance of Tencel is notable for a few reasons as it is arguably faster-wicking and drying than polyester alone as well as being a sustainable resource since the fiber is made from the wood pulp of trees. Tencel is also produced using recyclable, Earth-friendly solvents unlike many other types of fabrics.
What was most notable for me was the fit of this tee-shirt. It is rabbit’s tailored fit which I think fits perfectly for running or any other highly active movement. The torso fit and length is perfect. So too is the sleeve length and neck / head opening. In fact, I love how ‘tailored’ the neck / head opening is on this tee. It makes for a great option to wear with a running vest / pack.
The fabric also did pull sweat off my body quite well. It dried as fast, or faster, than any knit shirt I have worn to-date. It can’t keep up with the drying time of the thinnest, fully polyester shirts but that is to be expected. This is a more durable tee-shirt compared to those more race-specific, thin, polyester options.
For $50 this tee-shirt is certainly not inexpensive but it’s not over-the-top either compared to what’s on the market today. Plus, all rabbit’s apparel is designed and manufactured in the United States if that is important to you. Overall, I like the ez-tee rabbitKNIT a lot.
rabbit strong sleeves
The second top I tested from rabbit was their strong sleeves long-sleeve. This top is made of Polartec®’s Delta™. Can you guess what the secret ingredient is? You guessed it – Tencel. This time we see a blend of 75% polyester, 20% Tencel, and 5% spandex.
Overall, I REALLY liked this top. I’ve always been partial to long-sleeve tops when the weather drops. Even though a short-sleeve tee-shirt with arm sleeves is certainly more versatile I just like the feel of long-sleeved tops. And I found this blend of polyester, Tencel, and spandex to be very comfortable. This long-sleeve doesn’t have a super tailored fit but it wasn’t too baggy either.
The performance characteristics of this fabric combination was also top notch. It wicked sweat really well and dried surprisingly fast. I noted I did not get the usual chill either that often occurs with a fully polyester shirt after you finish running and the shirt is still saturated. I thought the performance of this shirt was so good that I don’t have any reservations about swapping it as needed for my favorite merino wool / Tencel baselayers. For $68 it too is not inexpensive but I think a fair price for the performance received.
rabbit captain jacket
The final piece of apparel I tested from rabbit was the captain jacket. This cold weather jacket is made from Polartec® Power Stretch®. This fabric is 54% nylon, 17% polyester, and 29% spandex. What is unique about this fabric is the smooth & flat outer surface. It has the warmth of a traditional fleece with a more durable finish.
Some nifty features include back venting running the length of the jacket along with thumbholes. The sleeves are also long enough to flip the ends over and sort of have mittens to use as well. And finally, there is a zippered chest pocket to secure valuables, gels, etc.
The only issue I have with this jacket, and it’s kind of a big one, is the fit. The torso is sort of a narrow / boxy type fit that causes the fabric to bunch up during dynamic movements. It was noticeable enough that I found it annoying and didn’t want to wear the jacket for extended periods of time. The sleeves are also too long I feel. This was a bummer because the performance of the jacket was great but I just couldn’t get over the fit.
At $140 I cannot recommend this jacket just yet due to the fit. If the fit is improved this could potentially be a go-to cold weather running jacket.
Purchasing Information
If you’re interested in purchasing any of rabbit’s apparel please first check availability at your local, independently owned running specialty store. They need your business and are a great resource for the community.
If that’s not an option you can find all of rabbit’s apparel on their website. Thank You!
Meet Your Reviewer: Ben Zuehlsdorf
I am an avid running gear junkie. When I’m not smelling new shoes I’m usually running, biking, skiing, or snowboarding around the local trails in Marin County, California or the Lake Tahoe area. I also love talking shop with the San Francisco Running Company or Alpenglow Sports community of friends. I was once a road marathoner but now have transitioned almost exclusively to the trails and racing ultras the last five years.
Disclaimer: These products were provided to URP/me for testing purposes. All words and thoughts are my own and no compensation was offered nor received.