Review: SKINS A400 Compression Shirt

SKINS is the official compression garment of the IRB number five ranked Australia Wallabies rugby team. The Australian-based firm with a worldwide presence recently launched their 2015 range with the clever while bold theme of “S***S About to Change” that alludes to an update of their renowned garment technology. This is our World Exclusive look at one of SKINS new statement products – the A400 Short Sleeve Compression Shirt.

Aesthetics

Gone are the days of the large Aussie gold SKINS logos on their gear. SKINS now uses more subtle and redesigned branding on the usually black gear. Throw in a few touches of the said gold via reflective strips on the front and an unribbed, minimalistic neckline and you’ve got a shirt that looks like it means business in the gym, on the run or on the soccer or rugby field. Since the new A400 compression shirt is form-fitting you will need a fit body to look good in it. There is no room to hide those extra pounds in it.

Updates

SKINS touts a series of compression shirt technology improvements in this shirt. Along with the higher rise and definitely more comfortable neckline it has what the firm calls ADAPTIVE Technology that regulates temperature to keep you cool when its warm and warm when it’s hot. Also in the mix is Dynamic Gradient Compression that provide the optimum amount of compression based on your body contours. Lastly, the seams of the shirt are called A-Seams and are flatter to avoid chafing.

Fit

The SKINS A400 short sleeve compression shirt fits true to size and as expected. It is easy to slip on and does not have any unsightly fabric pileups once on the torso. Our favorite fit feature is the extended sleeve that reaches just above the elbow once on. This provided great compression support along the entire length of the bicep and tricep muscles.

Performance

I tested the SKINS A400 top by wearing it during an indoor spin bike ride, a three mile run, a weightlifting session focused on chest moves and as baselayer in an outdoor soccer game in winter weather. My conclusion is that it is in a class of its own. Here are our favorite features of the A400 short sleeved shirt:

• Muscle Support – The SKINS A400 shirt minimizes muscle vibration like no other. While this is minimal if you’re fit, some vibration is natural. The A400 shirt keeps everything in place via very firm yet comfortable compression. This allows you to go about your athletic business while enjoying some added support that improves blood and nutrient flow to your muscles for better performance.
• Low Weight – Although the SKINS A400 short sleeve compression shirt is extremely well-built and sturdy, I found it to be very low in weight compared to comparable tops. Coupled with its compression features, this led me to forget that I even had a shirt on when training inside. This is fantastic since your shirt is the last thing you want to be concerned out about while training or playing.

• Temperature Regulation – SKINS’ Adaptive Technology lives up to its billing. The new A400 keeps your cool once your start sweating moreso that with previous generations of SKINS products. I found this to be throughout my torso when weightlifting, spinning and running in the shirt. The new neckline and mesh underarm areas definitely improve airflow. I also think that the fabric used for the shirt may have something to do with the A400’s cooling effect since it pulls sweat quickly.
• Hem Silicone Gripper – The SKINS A400 shirt has a hem that ends in a firm silicone gripper that prevents the top from riding upwards into a pile of fabric. If you are a veteran of compression shirts then you can relate to this experience. I think that the gripper is an absolutely brilliant way of avoiding such an annoyance while preventing heat loss in colder temperatures.

The SKINS A400 Short Sleeve Compression Shirt will be available at  World Rugby Shop, Kitbag and Lovell Rugby along with more gear form the firm’s 2015 collection.

Thanks to Dani and Emily!