New Balance's RC Collection is a high-performance apparel lineup tested by mindbodygreen editor Carleigh Ferrante, featuring the RC Jacket, RC Bra and RC Essential Short. The review highlights the jacket's packable design and durable water-repellent coating, the RC Bra's encapsulation and NB Sleek 4-way stretch fabric, and the shorts' role in the tester's rotation. Ferrante wore the pieces across easy runs, a tempo in rain, and a 10-mile outing in NYC heat to assess comfort and function.
The RC Jacket proved breathable in humid rain, with a hood, elastic cuffs and the ability to pack into itself via an elastic loop. The RC Bra offered encapsulated support, channeled cups that move sweat, bonded seams to reduce chafing and sizing through A to G cups. The RC Essential Short held up across repeated wears and washes during the week of testing.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of mindbodygreen.com
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Packable Weatherproof Layers
- Ultralight garments that compress into minimal carry formats create space for premium running gear built around unpredictable urban weather and convenience-led mobility.
- Chafe-free Support Apparel
- Bonded seams, encapsulated construction and sweat-channeling materials signal a shift toward performance intimates that merge technical fit with inclusive sizing.
- Tested Multi-condition Kits
- Apparel validated across rain, humidity, heat and repeated washing reflects demand for versatile running wardrobes that reduce gear changes across training scenarios.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Performance Apparel
- Advanced textiles, water-repellent finishes and packable silhouettes are reshaping athleticwear through lighter, more adaptable products for endurance consumers.
- Running Gear
- Specialized designs for tempo runs, long distances and daily training open opportunities for integrated apparel systems tailored to specific runner needs.
- Sports Bras
- Expanded cup sizing and technical sweat-management features highlight growth potential in high-support activewear that better serves diverse body types.
