My Honest Review of Craft Sports: The Best Kept Secret in Athletic Apparel

Hey there, fellow fitness enthusiast! If you‘re as obsessed with finding the perfect gear to support your active lifestyle as I am, then you‘re in for a treat. I‘m about to introduce you to a brand that has totally revolutionized my workouts and taken my performance to the next level: Craft Sports.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – "Craft? Never heard of them." And honestly, that‘s part of what makes this Swedish company so special. They‘re not some massive global behemoth churning out mediocre products. No, Craft is the best kept secret in athletic apparel, a true gem that‘s been quietly outfitting elite endurance athletes for almost 50 years.

Who is Craft Sports?

Founded way back in 1973 by Anders Bengtsson, Craft has always been a brand by athletes, for athletes. Bengtsson was a die-hard runner himself and wanted to create gear that would help him and his fellow Swedes perform their best. So he started tinkering with designs in his hometown of Borås, and the rest is history.

Fast forward to today, and Craft is a major player in the endurance sports scene, yet still maintains that laser focus on performance and innovation. Their mission is simple: "to offer tools for sports achievement that inspire and enable athletic progress for world champions and everyday heroes."

I love that ethos because it resonates with my own fitness journey. I‘m no Olympian, but I still want the best for my body when I‘m pushing my limits. And that‘s exactly what Craft delivers.

Cutting-Edge Technology

So, what sets Craft apart from the sea of other activewear brands out there? In a word, technology. Every single piece of Craft apparel is meticulously engineered to enhance athletic performance.

Take their signature body mapping technology, for example. Craft strategically places different fabrics in specific zones of their garments to optimize ventilation, insulation, and moisture management. That means you stay cool where you need it and warm where it counts.

Or how about their ultra-sleek ergonomic fits? Craft uses curved seams, elastic-free hems, and raglan sleeves to create a second-skin feel that moves with you, never against you. Say goodbye to chafing and hello to unrestricted range of motion!

Craft is also leading the charge (no pun intended) in sustainable sportswear. They‘ve started incorporating recycled coffee grounds and polyester into their Charge line, and are committed to reducing their environmental impact across the board. Love a company that performs well and does good at the same time.

Putting Craft to the Test

Of course, all the fancy tech specs in the world don‘t mean much if the gear doesn‘t hold up in real life. Lucky for you, I‘ve put Craft through its paces, and I‘m thrilled to report that it more than delivers.

I practically live in my Craft Active Intensity Baselayer during the colder months. It‘s my go-to for everything from long trail runs to cross-country ski treks. The brushed interior is so soft and cozy, but still lightweight and breathable. And the body mapping is no joke – I stay toasty warm in my core but never overheat. It‘s like magic.

For summer runs, I reach for the Craft Hale Glow Shorts time and time again. The feather-light fabric and perforated panels are a godsend on hot and humid days. Plus, the 360-degree reflectivity gives me peace of mind for those early morning or late evening miles. Safety first!

But don‘t just take my word for it. Craft has a serious fanbase among professional endurance athletes. Mirinda Carfrae, a 3-time Ironman World Champion, swears by the brand: "I love how Craft apparel fits my body…The performance, quality & durability is unmatched and gives me confidence to push myself session after session."

Rave Reviews

And it‘s not just the pros singing Craft‘s praises. I did a deep dive into customer reviews, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

On the Run 247 blog, one tester gave the Craft Tights top marks for their stay-put fit: "The waistband is a nice firm fit and not too tight, you can forget you are wearing them which for me is always a sign of a great pair of tights."

Another reviewer at I Run Far was blown away by the Active Crewneck‘s warmth-to-weight ratio, raving "The fit is ‘like a glove‘…but it‘s a stretchy glove that doesn‘t restrict at all and has a soft, warm feel."

And multiple testers at Road Trail Run couldn‘t get enough of the PRO Hypervent SS Tee, with one declaring "Performance is outstanding. I am very fussy about summer running shirts and prefer a non clinging, well ventilated, cooling, roomy and soft feel, and strong stink resistance. The Hypervent has all of the foregoing!"

Numbers-wise, the proof is in the pudding. A recent survey by the NDP Group found that Craft was the fastest-growing brand among core endurance athletes, with a whopping 75% year-over-year sales increase in the trail running category alone.

Craft‘s Athlete-Centric Approach

Part of what fuels Craft‘s popularity is their commitment to collaborating with top athletes to constantly improve their products. The brand has long-standing partnerships with endurance icons like Tommy Rivs Puzey and the Vasa Ski Club in Sweden.

I love how Craft really listens to their athletes and uses their feedback to drive innovation. The Midriff Vented Short Sleeve shirt, for example, was born out of pro cyclist Emma White‘s request for a more ventilated top for hot races. Craft delivered with laser cut holes in key sweat zones for maximum airflow.

History of Innovation

This athlete-centric approach has been part of Craft‘s DNA from the very beginning. Over the years, they‘ve consistently pushed the envelope with groundbreaking designs and material technologies.

Back in the 80s, Craft pioneered the use of functional layering with their now-iconic 3-Layer System. This concept of wearing multiple lightweight, moisture-wicking layers was a total game changer for athletes training in cold weather.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and Craft introduced their proprietary Cool Mesh base layer, featuring a complex knit structure that provides unparalleled ventilation. It was a hit with endurance athletes and paved the way for similar designs across the industry.

More recently, Craft has experimented with cutting-edge sustainable materials like recycled polyester and coffee charcoal to reduce their environmental footprint. Just this year, they released the Vent Pack Jacket, made from 100% recycled nylon. Gotta love a brand that innovates responsibly!

The Final Verdict

By now, it should be crystal clear that I‘m a huge fan of Craft Sports. But how does the brand stack up against the competition?

In my experience, Craft absolutely holds its own against big names like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon. In fact, I‘d argue that Craft surpasses them in terms of sheer performance and quality.

Sure, Craft may cost a bit more than your average activewear. But trust me, the investment is so worth it. You‘re paying for superior technology, sustainable practices, and gear that will last for years to come.

Plus, Craft offers a fantastic 30-day return policy on all unused items. So if for some reason you‘re not completely in love with your gear, you can easily send it back for a refund (just note that you‘ll have to cover the return shipping).

At the end of the day, if you‘re serious about your training and want the very best gear to support your goals, you owe it to yourself to give Craft a try. I think you‘ll be just as impressed as I am with the fit, feel, and performance.

So go ahead, treat yourself to some new Craft kit. Your workouts will thank you, I promise. And who knows? You might just become the brand‘s newest ambassador. I know I certainly feel like one after experiencing the difference Craft makes firsthand!

Here‘s to chasing your potential, one well-crafted piece of gear at a time. Happy training!