Home » Review: Fat Lad at the Back – Scarper Running Jersey

Review: Fat Lad at the Back – Scarper Running Jersey

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Having recently caught the running bug, I am out and about trying out various items that I can. As I have been ‘running’ around, I got an email from the lovely folk at Fat Lad at the Back, wondering if I would like to try one of their shirts on one of my runs. Not one to say no, I said yes (this sounded better in my head), and two days later, I had the Scarper Running Jersey to try out.

Fat Lad at the Back you say? Yes! Fat Lad at the Back comes from the simple fact that this brand is designed for the ‘normal’ among us, the ones who are trying to stay fit, the ones who are trying hard, and the ones among us who might be carrying a bit of extra weight. The ones who are often found at the back of any race, slower than others, but never stopping. With that in mind, the brand encourages fitness and exercise among the rest of us, the not so fit people, who still try.

Going with that concept, they do things a bit differently. Most sports gear tends to makes us look like cling film wrapped chickens, and yes not all of us have the body to show off. So, instead of using the usual S,M,L, XL, etc they actually size you based on your chest size, and give a broader range of sizes rather than the usual. This means that you are not stuck with the inbetween sizes, the ones that are too baggy or too tight.

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With all that in mind, I ordered one that was designed to fit me well, and off for a run I went.

The fit

The word comfortable is probably the best way to describe the fit. It was just a bit loose, but not baggy, but not figure hugging either. Overall the fabric had a synthetic feel to it, which makes it feel just a bit less comfy than something like cotton. However, it is breathable, and works great at wicking away any sweat, keeping you cool on those hot days. The fabric is strong, stretchable and has a good robustness about it. And if you care, it is actually handmade in Italy!

The pockets

A very clever addition to this jersey is the inclusion of side pockets on both sides at the bottom of the shirt. This means that I can include my keys, my phone, or my headphones in there. The pockets are stretchable, and elastic, meaning anything in there stays put, and yet you can squeeze the phones of today in. Bit of a stretch though, pun totally intended, for a water bottle. I love the pockets, and I am surprised more jerseys don’t come with them.

The run

So, how did it fare during my run? Very well. Yes, I prefer my fabrics to be a little less synthetic, but it feels comfortable on the skin, and does not provide any friction as you run. The pockets work great at carrying items such as keys or phone in your pocket, while you concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.

Yeah, the shirt screams out the fact that you are a fat lad/lass at the back, but hey, who cares.

More information

For more information, visit the Fat Lad at the Back website:

http://fatladattheback.com/mens/scarper-running-jersey

It retails for £30, down from £49.99 at the moment.

The website contains a complete range of gear, for both men, women, and the ones among us with ‘spare tyres’.

Verdict

There aren’t enough products made for the normal among us, the ones who don’t just get out of bed and run 10 miles before breakfast. It is good to see that a company is taking the initiative to give us a voice, and do it in style!

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