Literary Sport Is the Running Brand I’ve Been Waiting For

The Claude Quarter Zip quickly became my go-to winter running layer. The Japanese Merino and COOLMAX® blend strikes that rare balance—it's warm enough for cold mornings but never feels stifling once you heat up. I particularly appreciate the thoughtful details: the raglan sleeve allows for full range of motion, and the zippered card pocket at the hip is perfectly placed for a house key or credit card. Elegant enough to wear into the office, this quarter zip is a perfectly tailored top that feels significantly more elevated than comparable ones from the likes of Lululemon or Vuori.

The Strand Short is an exceptionally considered nine-inch half tight. The French-milled fabric speaks to Literary Sport's obsession with materials—substantial without being heavy, structured but not stiff. Every detail feels intentional: the built-in brief provides just enough support, while the storage solutions (a zippered pocket, key slot, and a clever webbing loop for stashing a shirt) are actually useful rather than just technical flourishes. The double waistband construction—something I've come to look for in running shorts—eliminates the constant adjusting and riding up to provide a clean, secure fit that lets you focus on your run. The restrained palette just confirms what the rest of the short suggests—running gear can be technical and tasteful.

The Lorca Sleeveless Tee proves that minimalism can be a performance feature. While deceptively basic at first glance, there's real sophistication in its restraint. The Japanese cotton has this amazing papery lightness that makes it perfect for hot-weather runs. It's breathable enough for humid days but doesn't feel technically sporty—more like your favorite vintage t-shirt that happens to perform well on the track.

Most running jackets solve one problem while creating three others. Good thing the Ashbery Jacket isn’t most running jackets. It’s made of a Japanese stretch nylon that manages a rare balance of blocking wind while still breathing. What sets this piece apart is the attention to movement: the darted elbows mean no pulling across your arms, and the hood actually stays in place without blocking your peripheral vision. The mesh panels are placed exactly where you need them, venting heat during harder efforts without creating cold spots. The hidden pockets secure essentials without adding bulk, and the adjustable shock cord hem lets you dial in the fit. But the real magic happens when the sun comes out and you pack the jacket down into a bundle no bigger than your handheld water bottle. It’s one of the most efficient layering systems I’ve seen in running gear––and I’ve seen plenty.

While, let's face it, track pants are more for casualwear than they are the actual track, the Wole Track Pant embraces this truth with refreshing honesty. Instead of pretending to be performance wear, these lean into what modern track pants have come to be: sophisticated enough for the city, comfortable enough for everything else. The technical fabric blend has actual structure—something between dress pants and sweatpants—while details like the pintuck front and curved side seaming elevate them beyond usual athleisure. Even the pockets feel considered.

Whether paired with half tights post-run or styled with denim for coffee runs, the Paz Sweatshirt has become my essential piece for downtime. The medium-weight Japanese loopback terry fabric excels at temperature regulation through its innovative construction: a smooth face exterior paired with a looped interior that wicks moisture and traps warmth. Its boxy cut makes for a versatile silhouette that feels structured but still easygoing, while its elongated ribbed cuffs feel thoughtfully considered and a touch above what you’d get from most premium crewnecks. Yes, at face value, this is simply an expensive sweatshirt; but the details are considered enough to justify the investment for those seeking elevated athletic wear that seamlessly transitions to daily life.