Sick of blending in at the starting line wearing the same blue shorts and boring singlet as the girl or guy next to you? INKnBURN may have the antidote.
Founded in 2009 by Megan and Robert Tsuyuki, INKnBurn makes performance running shirts, sports bras, shorts, jackets, and arm sleeves. But instead of coming in basic black, red, pink, or blue, the INKnBURN line is emblazoned with striking designs featuring skulls, fish, dragons, cherry blossoms, waves, totems and other colorful creations.
INKnBURN originally started making apparel for ultra runners, which meant that each piece had to handle multiple hours on the trail and still be comfortable, breathable and moisture wicking.
Check here for an interview with owner Megan Tsuyuki.
If you’ve ever gotten a high tech shirt at a race, it was probably silkscreened with the event name and logo. Silkscreening covers the pores of the fabric, making it less breathable. The designs can also peel off over time.
Instead of silkscreening, INKnBURN uses a process called sublimation, where specialized ink dyes the fabric all the way through. You can see the designs, not feel them, and they don’t peel or fade after repeated washings.
Check here for a slideshow of INKnBURN designs.
The process is expensive, so you’ll notice that INKnBURN’s shorts, tops, and sleeves are a little pricier than some tech wear. Each piece of material must be dyed separately and then sewn together by hand.
I was recently sent a few selections from the INKnBURN line to test for review, and I can say with certainty that they did not sacrifice quality for cool. Each piece I tested was well made and comfortable, while making a bold fashion statement at the same time.
INKnBURN Tech Shirt
I tested the the crew neck Run or Die tech shirt in blue, which features a skull griping two handheld water bottles. While I love the visual appeal, I was most impressed with the fit and feel of the shirt.
Unlike some poly tech tops that are so tight you may as well wear your sports bra on the outside (not an issue for dudes), INKnBURN’s tech shirts have a loose but flattering fit. The INKnBURN top is the perfect length, hangs nicely, and does not ride up your stomach as you run.
The fabric is also silky smooth, lightweight, and moisture wicking.
Tech Shirt Price: $49.95 (also available sleeveless)
INKnBURN 4Arms Arm Sleeves
If you’ve never owned a pair of arm sleeves, you’re missing out. Not only do they look great, but they’re practical. It’s easy to peel them off and stuff them in your waistband as you warm up, or simply push them down your forearms so they’re ready to go if things cool down again.
I’ve tested several pairs of arm sleeves, and my main issue is that they usually ride down my arms as my run progresses. The INKnBURN sleeves are tight and form fitting. I took them out on multiple runs, and they never slipped. If you find having something tight on your arms too restrictive, you may want to size up.
The arm sleeves are made of a little heavier poly than the tech shirts for added warmth, but it is equally soft, breathable and moisture wicking. 4Arms also come in a variety of striking designs.
INKnBURN Shorts
The INKnBURN shorts are by far my favorite piece of the entire line. In fact, they’re my favorite running shorts period.
The cut is both *feminine and flattering. The waistband is made out of a stretchy fabric that can be worn flat for more coverage or rolled down. They look good either way, but when rolled down they reveal a cool design on the inside of the fabric.
The actual short is made of a high tech poly with a slight texture that looks similar to Ripstop. The inner lining is soft, fits well and doesn’t ride up. There are two small pockets on the front of the shorts, great for stashing a key or a gel pack.
They’re more expensive than many running shorts, but when you examine the intricacy of the design, it’s easy to see where the extra cost comes from.
(*I tested the women’s version which has a two inch inseam. The men’s version is much longer and has more of a board short look.)
Check here to visit the INKnBURN website, see more designs, or to order apparel.
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