Good material

Insights from an insider

If you’re wondering what goes into the gear that keeps you warm and dry, Allison Gentry, a design apparel manager at Brooks Running, has you covered. She works on apparel for men and women, including bras and accessories, that are manufactured in Asia.

“As a material developer, I help find the perfect fabric and trim to meet the functional and performance characteristics we are looking for in our products. I search for fabrics that have the right hand feel and design aesthetic to help elevate our designers’ vision and product developers execution,” she explains.

To help keep you warm and dry on your run, Allison sources functional finishes like DWR (durable water repellent), cirés (a highly glazed wax finish for wind resistance), and wicking for quick drying.

Allison, who holds an advanced degree in Textile Technology and Management from North Carolina State University, has some fascinating insights into the technology that goes into apparel. Perhaps the most significant thing she’s learned is that men and women have distinctive body temperatures.

“Male and female runners have different cold weather needs. Women run colder, so for example, the women’s Shield hybrid vest has more insulation than the men’s.”

These and other insights are learned in lab settings using standards set forth by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Our scientists partner with researchers around the world to study how the body moves and what your body needs when you run.

After we get nerdy in the lab, our researchers move on to real world runner insights. Inspired by the experience of thousands of everyday athletes, Brooks gear is infused with runner DNA right down to the stitch and seam.

Cold weather apparel tech to watch this winter

Allison highlights some of the technology in our winter gear that she thinks runners should know about:

• Check out our Fusion Midweight Jackets for water resistance and wind resistance. This style is designed to keep you warm and dry.

• Our Shield hybrid vests have thoughtfully placed insulation, specific to men’s and women’s needs. Also in the F21 Shield collection, we launch the shield thermal hat and shield lobster gloves to keep your head and hands nice and toasty.

• In fall 2021, we launched the Switch Hybrid Tight for men and women. These tights offer water resistance protection with DWR stretch woven panels on thighs and calves.

• We also recently updated our men’s and women’s Momentum tight/pant. This super cosy piece now includes brushed interlock with recycled polyester content. I personally love the jogger.

• And the much-loved Notch. It’s made from almost the same fabric as previous season but based on customer comments we have made this fabric slightly less stretchy. These pieces are a bit less slouchy and it’s now easier to use zippers. Our Notch line still has Burst + AM + AO (which means they are antimicrobial and anti-odour).