lululemon’s Swiftly range of running shirts has been one of their longest-selling ranges of womens running apparel, and with good reason. These technical tops are designed to be sweated in and keep performing for many miles.
I’ve run many training runs and races in lululemon Swiftly shirts, including some grueling trail marathons and 50ks, and finished feeling comfortable and chafe-free – so that just gives you some idea of what I mean when I say these shirts are built to perform.
In this lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Shirt review, you guessed it, I’m reviewing the long sleeve version of the Swiftly top – the race length version, to be exact – and there’s plenty of photos of what that looks like in the image gallery at the end of this post.
There are a variety of styles, colorways, fits and sleeve options available. As many of the features including the materials and fit are the same across the different variations, this review will also be helpful if you’re considering getting the short sleeve or tank top version of the Swiftly Tech running shirt, too.
Key features of the lululemon Swiftly Tech running shirt
The first thing to know when considering getting a Swiftly Tech running shirt is that the material and construction is specifically designed with runners (and other sweat-loving athletes) in mind.
It’s a relatively thin, woven material, made from a blend of nylon, recycled polyester and a small amount of elastane that gives it some stretch.
This material is highly breathable and sweat-wicking, despite fitting close to your body. In fact, you want the material to fit close to your body to get that comfortable, streamlined fit, without the distraction of excess fabric (which can also contribute to chafing as it moves around).
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If you’re used to wearing looser running shirts the shift to a slim-fit shirt like the Swiftly may be a bit of a game-changer for you in terms of how you choose and select your running apparel going forward.
There’s something very nice about running in streamlined apparel that makes you feel like you’re running faster and more effortlessly, even if, in fact, your speed is no different!
That being said, later in this review I share a few tips on getting the right size, because you don’t want to end up with a running shirt that’s too tight or restrictive either.
Lululemon Swiftly Tech shirts – Slim vs Relaxed Fit
As mentioned above, this particular Swiftly Long Sleeve running shirt is a slim fit, but it’s worth noting that you can also buy lululemon Swiftly running shirts with a relaxed fit.
I also have a relaxed fit version in black, that I wore while I was pregnant with my son and for running postpartum. Depending on your preference, you may like the relaxed fit style more than the slim fit version, or find it more comfortable to wear.
You can see pictures of what that looks like in the photos throughout my post on tips for running postpartum.
Race or regular length
The Swiftly running shirt featured in this review is what lululemon calls the ‘race length’ version.
Race length is basically a shorter version compared to the regular lululemon Swiftly long sleeve shirt. You can also get the short sleeve (t-shirt) and racerback (tank top) versions in race length, too.
The choice between race length and the regular version is really personal preference.
Why choose race length?
While I used to prefer longer shirts that came down over my butt, I learned over many years of running that there’s little you can do to prevent shirts from riding up as you run – and it doesn’t get any less distracting the more you run!
So, to prevent my running shirts from bunching up around my waist, the solution is to buy a shorter length shirt in the first place – so there is nothing to ride up.
Hence, the race length shirt is ideal if you face the same challenge.
Sizing and fit
If you already wear lululemon apparel then the Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Shirt should fit you in your regular size.
For reference, I’m 5ft 4 and am wearing a US 8 in the photos throughout this review.
As noted above, be aware that some versions, such as this one, are designed with a slim fit that skims your body, so consider the longer length or relaxed fit variations if you’d prefer more coverage.
Seamless construction
Lululemon describes these shirts as having seamless construction.
Well, they’re not quite seamless, but the way the shirts are woven means they have minimal seams, and they’re not in areas that would cause chafe, at least in my experience.
Thumb loops
In my opinion, all good long sleeve running shirts should have thumb loops, so that way you have the option of using them and they don’t cause a problem if you choose not to.
This shirt does, and they’re perfect. Very nice for keeping the back of your hands warm on cold days.
Silver threads to reduce odor
One of lululemon’s material technologies, Silverescent, means these Swiftly tech running shirts are woven using silver thread that reduces odor-causing bacteria that can develop in warm and moist environments.
While I tend to wash my running gear after every single run, this means you can probably get away without washing this shirt between runs, especially if you didn’t get that sweaty.
Color options
Like with other lululemon apparel, such as the most popular styles of lululemon running leggings, color option availability changes frequently as new color drops come in and sell out.
In case you were wondering, the leggings in the photos in this review are also lululemon and you can learn more about them in my Fast and Free running tights review.
Depending on when you’re reading this review and when you visit the product page to check color options, there may or may not be a wide selection to choose from.
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That being said, if you prefer the more understated colors like blacks and heathered greys, there are usually a few options plus some limited edition colorways that may catch your eye!
It’s worth noting when looking at color options that some colors and patterns will more clearly show the large lululemon logo on the front better than others. For example, it’s not very obvious on the purple shirt I’m wearing in the photos throughout this review.
How to wash lululemon Swiftly Tech running shirts
These shirts are thankfully easy to care for. The label states you can machine wash cold and tumble dry low.
I don’t tumble dry my Swiftly shirts (or my lululemon leggings) because they dry so quickly anyway and my dryer has a tenedency to make holes in my more delicate clothing. So I just machine wash and hang to dry.
Swiftly Tech running shirt variations
As I mentioned at the start of this review, lululemon makes the Swiftly Tech running shirts in a few different variations by:
- Sleeve length – long, short or racerback (tank or vest style)
- Body length – race length, cropped or regular (they don’t say ‘regular’ for the normal length option – just look out for products that don’t have ‘race length’ or ‘cropped’ in the title!)
- Fit – the normal ‘slim’ fit or relaxed fit
These are the main variations although occasionally I see that lululemon does other styles with different features such as alternative necklines.
Cost and where to buy
This particular variation of the Swiftly Tech running shirt – the race length long sleeve – costs $78 and is available to buy directly from lululemon.
The button below will take you to the product page where you can check the latest size and color availability:
You can also browse the wider ‘Swiftly Tech’ running shirt range to check out the other variations, and, if you’re after a steal, check whether there happen to be any in lululemon’s like new resale store which you can learn more about in my lululemon like new guide.
Review summary
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Image gallery
