Grooming -- 2 days ago
With the sun finally turning out, it’s now time to start assembling your warm-weather workout gear. However, finding the right attire can be difficult, with the market overflowing with fast-fashion labels that sacrifice function and reliability for trends, fads and obscure fits. Sodo Athletic Lab – a relaunch of what was originally Sodo Apparel – was introduced to the industry late last year as a remedy to this, concentrating on providing men with pieces that aren’t just premium in feel and high-performing when exercising, but are also timeless and sophisticated in looks so that they can be worn beyond the gym.
“Men’s activewear is dominated by brands whose focus lies somewhere else – in shoes or womenswear, for example – and who largely produce low quality, seasonal items on a fast production schedule,” says co-founder Matthew Stuart who, along with a diverse group of entrepreneurs and professional athletes, including NFL star Sidney Rice, is driving Sodo Athletic Lab’s ethos of balancing utility with versatility.
“When we took over the reins at Sodo, we asked a simple question – what’s missing in the market and what is worth making? For us, the answer is this collection: carefully considered activewear that delivers robust functionality with subtle sophistication and quiet confidence,” Stuart continues.
Sodo Athletic Lab, The Core Short, $135, sodo.com
To this end, the whole design approach is anchored by several key pillars: clean lines, muted tones and smart, considered detailing that provides solutions to everyday pain points. Take The Core Short, for example, the marquee piece in the label’s latest collection. There are six neutral, wear-anywhere colourways available (including black, navy and crimson), and the design is completely pared-back, making it the ideal foundation for an ensemble, whether you’re spending a weekend on rough terrain, an afternoon in the gym or the day running errands.
When it comes to fit, unlike many counterparts on the market, this piece manages to offer both durability and comfort; notably, the built-in liner has a substantial feel that locks everything in securely, stays snug to the thigh and doesn’t shuffle up.
Moreover, the focus for the team when creating this item – as well as the rest of the collection – was on stowing away a phone in a streamlined way. To accomplish this (and to also carry other everyday essentials) there are two no-bounce pockets on the outer shell, one for your device and the other for your wallet; meanwhile the liner has a thigh pocket for small items, such as house keys. There are also utility loops, which are incredibly handy if you want to tuck in a towel or a T-shirt.
To elevate the wear, mesh panels maximise breathability; reinforced side splits and silicone-dipped drawstrings dial up the hardiness; and there are anti-odour properties to ensure you feel fresh throughout the day.
When it comes to padding out your daily uniform, we’d suggest pairing The Core Short with a rotation of UPF 50 Performance Tees; we quite like this lightweight piece for the way it falls on the shoulders, as well as for the fact it’ll keep you cool and protected due to its moisture-wicking, UV-ray-shielding fabric. The Swim Short, defined by its quick-dry materials, should also be drafted into the wardrobe, given that spring and summer getaways are on the horizon. And, for when the temperatures dip every now and then, plump for the Track Jacket – its mix of breathable fleece, a selection of smart pockets and a timeless silhouette perfectly encapsulates the venture’s philosophy of subtly imbuing the classic with the innovative.
Now, for the workout. These are London’s best gyms…
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