Asics Favorite Short Sleeve Review

Likes

Even though this is one of the best-selling active tops out there, I had no previous experience with the Favorite, and simply because of its name, I had always been curious. I decided its first test would be a long trail run, taking me from heavy fog, into heat, and then back down to fog. Because of the mesh panels, the top breathed incredibly well. They seemed to have put these panels in all the right places! The Favorite Long Sleeve is incredibly light, which meant that when I did take it off and tie it around my waist, I practically forgot it was there. Then, by the time I needed it on again, it was already dry and didn't chill me with that horrible clamminess of a non-breathing top.

The fit of Asics' base layer is also a happy medium of loose and fitted and a nice long torso that doesn't drape too much if you are inverted in an exercise class or the gym. The material is smooth, slippery and doesn't stick to your sweaty skin, making it quite easy to take off and on while still moving (i.e. running). Another perk is that this fabric contains 50+ UPF protection, making it good sun protection during your outdoor activities and the highest UPF rating of any shirt we tested. And of course, the all important test: looks. I say, when nothing else works on your motivation, turn to your workout clothes. The Asics top, is, in a word, cool. It isn't flashy, but the mesh panels and the semi-fitted shape make it sporty and flattering, and when I slipped it on, I instantly wanted to get serious and get started!

Dislikes

Because the Favorite is so lightweight, it is naturally not the warmest active top out there. It is therefore somewhat limited to warm weather and/or high heart rate activities. For instance, the Moving Comfort Endurance Long Sleeve and the UnderArmour Coldgear 1/4 zip are both warmer. However, what the Asics top lacks in warmth, it makes up for in ease of movement (again, it was far and away the easiest top to take on and off while exercising) and breathability. One word of advice: the mesh panels are not comfortable for the first few wears. They seem to break in and soften after 1-2 washes and wears, which again, is the trade off for having superior breathability.

Best Application

The Asics Favorite Long Sleeve is best for warm weather activities and high heart rate activites such as tennis, running, or gym workouts. Also, because of the long sleeves, the UPF protection, and the rapid drying speed, it is ideal for sports water sports, such as kayaking or sailing.

Value