As an endurance athlete, your choice of clothing can go a long way to keeping you happy and comfortable. Of course, active wear companies know this, and consequently there’s no lack of marketing chatter claiming that Brand A or Brand Z will last you for the long haul.

In my search for an apparel company that’s on top of its game when it comes to functionality and performance — as well as looks — I found California-based INKnBURN. I gave them a call and asked if I could put their latest Motion Singlet to test.

What sets INKnBURN apparel apart is the created-by-hand artwork applied to each unit in small, limited-edition runs. Not only are the designs beautiful and vibrant, but you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd. That can be helpful, as a confidence booster and as a practical matter for your sideline crew.

The Motion Singlet design is inspired by movement and nature, making it a perfect choice for an ultra-distance trail runner. The background is done in the style of a watercolor painting and is sharply contrasted by the overlain black-ink image. Up close, people may not realize that the image is actually a runner in motion, but stand back and it comes into focus.

The fabric is Dry I.C.E (Instant Cooling by Evaporation), a super-soft, lightweight technical fabric that allows for quick moisture wicking while you’re out on the trail or pavement. I never once felt my clothing wet or weighted down with sweat. The flat seams with seamsoft thread are chafe resistant, which is important, especially for those high-friction areas while running.

The Motion Singlet is wrinkle free and easy to pack while traveling — and, bonus, all INKnBURN products are handcrafted in the USA. Just follow the care instructions properly, and you’ll have a piece of eye-catching and dependable clothing that will stay vivid for miles and miles and miles!

The Motion Singlet retails for $39.95 and is totally worth the splurge. Available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes, this is quality gear done right! www.inknburn.com

Author: Shalini Kovach is a regular contributor to Terrain magazine and is the lead organizer of Terrain Trail Runners