I live in the most, shall we say, lifestyle diverse neighborhood in Seattle, so when I’m out on a run, it’s not surprising to receive an up-and-down from anyone, male or female. During the beginning of the reprise of my running life, a lot of those looks seemed to say, “Oh, look at the poor slob trying to run.” Recently, that empathy has been replaced with envy.
ashmei's Ultimate Softshell Running Jacket
True story.
So many of us have spent so much time at Fernando’s Hideaway, that figment of Billy Crystal’s imagination, we’ve started subscribing to the it’s-better-to-look-good-than-to-feel-good philosophy. The U.K.-based company ashmei shows us that we can do both. Not only do I “look marvelous, darling” in my new jacket, I feel that way, too.
In my previous running life, I had a running jacket made by a very well-regarded athletic tech company. It had a detachable hood, removable arms, big pockets — none of which made for a very form-fitting piece. In fact, I used to hate the “wsh, wsh” sound I heard during my runs, like the rubbing together of tubby, corduroy-encased thighs. It never felt cozy.
After various circumstances led me the past year back to running, my body has begun to transform, leading me to seek sleeker gear for a new, (comparatively) sleeker me. I first spied this piece in British GQ, as one of its “100 best things in the world right now” feature. The trail of Internet searches led me to ashmei, which intrigued because, though I’ve never been to the United Kingdom, I’d always heard its drizzly, mild weather was very much like to Seattle’s. Plus it very much seemed like an outfit that embraced design and high-tech sensibilities — again, very Seattle.
The kicker was that every inquiry I sent ashmei, about sizing and the like, was answered by a chap named Stuart Brooke, who it turns out is the company’s founder. If you’ve ever read this blog, you know that I highly value shopkeepers who treat their customers personally, like the long-term investments that they are. In spite of the fact that the company, for me, was overseas, meaning mostly that I couldn’t touch and ogle the merchandise before purchase, plus I had to make all those euro-dollar conversions, I was willing to take the ashmei plunge.
The back, in black.
From the materials to the craftsmanship, everything about the jacket screams, “luxurious.” You can read on the ashmei website about the specs and the way the piece is mapped out with either wind- and water-resistant polyester or baby-soft, stretchy merino wool to match the climate zones produced by a typical runner. I can assure that it all looks, feels and works perfectly.
Suffice to say, it’s the little things that have me swooning about this jacket.
The end of the sleeves have thumb loops with hidden, flip-down merino mitts for colder days. The front zipper is offset, so it doesn’t chafe against the chin or push against the neck. The top of the collar is lined with fleece for further comfort and — get this – there is a bonded “Bite Grip” to help you zip down with one hand. Lest you think this all is superfluous and overthought, I’m one of those kind of guys who overdresses and then hates myself about midway through my run when I start overheating. No problem here. In addition to the ease of zipping down, unlooping and pushing up sleeves, this jacket has virtually hidden venting in the back and zip down vents in the front that work like a charm.
There are only two pretty small pockets and I say this not as a criticism but to flag inspired thinking. I mean, you’re not carrying a big, fat wallet on your runs so you can, say, stop for a bag of groceries, are you? One of the pockets is especially well suited for carrying a digital device and includes a cable exit and adjoining routers.
The jacket lacks a hood. Again, not a complaint. Hooded jackets are best for post workouts, in my opinion. During a run, they tend to be drags or bulky (if detachable). I purchased a merino beanie from ashmei, to go with my jacket. It’s feather-light, stretchy and warm. Plus the bottom hem is elastic, making this the first running beanie that doesn’t insist on riding up over my freezing ears or head. The elastic is a simple notion, but genius.
The ashmei Ultimate Softshell Running Jacket is a work of art. I can’t say it makes me run any faster, but I sure feel more sleek and therefore fleet. Running with it, I look and feel … mah-velous, absolutely mah-velous, darlings. It’s indeed possible to have both.
