Smartwool Summer 2024 Apparel Review: Hot To Go

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Smartwool Summer 2024 Collection

SAM: My first wool socks were Smartwool. Most runners are intimately aware that there are socks, and there are socks. The former comes eight to a pack wrapped in plastic and can wreck a long day. Usually, they’re cotton or a poly blend. The latter are sold single, in cardboard, and keep your tender feet safe from blisters, stink, and moisture mile after mile. They can be wool or poly blends. That first pair of Smartwool Medium Weight Hiking socks saved my life through years of backpacking and snowboarding, and I wore them threadbare.

They say you never forget your first, and those Hikers were my first. Because of those socks, I’ll always have a soft spot for Smartwool, so I was pretty dang excited to get my hands on the Active Ultralite shirts (Tank, Tee, and Long Sleeves) and Run Compression Over the Calf socks that Smartwool is offering this season.

ALLISON: Similar to Sam, as a big fan of Smartwool socks, I was eager to try out their Active Ultralite tops and compression socks when given the opportunity. Smartwool’s reputation for quality and comfort precedes them, so the prospect of experiencing their expertise in a realm different from the norm excited me. As someone who appreciates functionality and fashion in their outdoor gear, I wasted no time delving into Smartwool’s summer offerings and seeing how they elevate my hot and humid adventures in the South!

Smartwool Active Ultralite Tank, T-shirt, and Long Sleeve

SAM: These are three different sleeve options on what is basically the same shirt. All three are made from Smartwool’s 53% wool and 47% Lyocell (semi-synthetic wood pulp-based Rayon) ultralight fabric. It’s paper thin, very breathable, and feels buttery smooth. This fabric blend wicks sweat right away from your skin, but I did notice that it holds onto slightly more moisture than the typical synthetic shirt. I don’t see this as a negative — I tend towards thin cotton in all its saturated glory on hot days — but I can see it annoying some.

For those unfamiliar with Smartwool’s clothing, the brand has perhaps one of the lowest barriers of care for wool-based gear. These shirts don’t itch in the slightest, take days to begin to stink, can be machine washed and dried, and come in a relaxed “American” sizing and fit. I’m 6’2” and 185 lbs, and I have to size up to a large in several other running brands. A Smartwool medium is just loose enough that nothing feels constricting.

As breathable as this fabric is, the wool is just slightly warm in heat but thin enough that it doesn’t have much of any warmth at all by itself when the temperature dips. I found I liked these shirts the best when it was about 50-70 degrees outside. The tank can go a little hotter, but I’m not sure I’d reach for the shirts with sleeves on an 80-95-degree day. I also noticed that when I would work up a good sweat in the long sleeve and the tee, the fabric began to stick to my arms and would pull at the neckline of the shirt.

I’m a fan of the muted colors all three shirts have available. I can double-duty the long sleeve and tee for casual wear or grab them out of my running bag to throw on after I dump a particularly good cup of coffee down my shirt on my way to work. If that seems like an overly specific example, it’s because I did just that while testing this line. Luckily, the tee was in my running bag and I was able to throw it on without having to worry about stinking throughout the rest of the day.

ALLISON: Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it a chorus of sneezes courtesy of my allergies. After enduring a blustery winter, I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to swap out gloves for tanks. The initial feel of each top impressed me; they were unbelievably lightweight and boasted a level of comfort that seamlessly transitioned from dressing to running and hiking. At one point during my run, I was so engrossed in the activity that I momentarily forgot I was even wearing a tank.

One standout feature, particularly with the tank, was its thoughtful design that avoided the common pitfall of cutting too high under the arm. This ensured unrestricted arm movement, allowing me to maintain focus without the distraction of chafing. However, it’s worth noting that the tank does have a sheerness to it, so selecting an appropriate sports bra is essential for ladies.

As someone with a taller frame (I stand at 5’9″), I was pleasantly surprised to find that both the length of the tops and the sleeves accommodated my proportions well. While crop tops may be all the rage, having options that provide ample coverage is a welcome relief. Additionally, the array of colors offered a refreshing departure from my usual go-to of black or the inevitable transition of white to gray due to the perpetual struggle of keeping running gear clean.

PRICE: $55-75

Smartwool Run Compression Over The Calf Socks

SAM: The Smartwool Run Compression Over the Calf socks are light-duty compression made in wool. They’re on the thicker side of cushion around the foot, but the high compression around your calves doesn’t carry as much bulk. Compression socks aren’t very hard to get on, which makes them very approachable for someone who is interested in trying out compression socks when running but doesn’t want to enter a wrestling ring against said socks to do it. Because of the coverage and the wool, they do run a bit warm and will service most of the time, but not on hot days. A hidden plus was that I felt like a slow Kiera D’Amato running around Baltimore with these pulled up to my knees.

ALLISON: I used to dread wrestling with compression socks, but these changed my mind. Putting them on and taking them off is a breeze compared to others I’ve tried. They offer just the right amount of compression without feeling suffocating, and the cushioning is superb. While I would avoid them on scorching days, they’re perfect for brisk mornings, giving my legs a cozy warmth. Plus, they make me feel like I’m channeling Keira D’Amato’s long-lost sister!

PRICE: $40