August 5, 2011

YMX by Yellowman Review/Giveaway

Last Updated on August 5, 2011 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP-C

Recently, i was contacted by a clothing company I had never heard of, YMX by Yellowman, and asked if I was interested in reviewing one of the tattoo-art-inspired athletic shirts. I took one look at the website and said absolutely. I liked what I read about the company, and I LOVED the prints/designs and colors of their clothing. YMX offers running, cycling, ski, and yoga gear for men and women. About YMX by Yellowman:

YMX (acronym for YellowMan Expression) was launched in 2009 as an extension of the original, high-end tattoo clothing brand, YellowMan (founded in 2004). Built on an extensive library of original tattoo artwork collected around the globe, YellowMan offers collectible, limited wearable art prints. YMX was created to offer an alternative to YellowMan in a broader, commercial market, while still preserving the authenticity of its origins.

YMX offers multifunctional garments that bridge the gap between athletic and fashion garments. Featuring high-comfort, lightweight MadKool fabrics and detailed, original prints, YMX garments can be worn for athletic use, or for casual wear. As a matter of fact, because of the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric, many people wear YMX in both active and leisure activities without having to change! (RFM: I totally rocked this shirt for a good part of the rest of the day, before I got my smelly post workout self into the shower, haha!)

Yellowman was kind enough to send me the Tribal Sea Running Tee . I had seen it online, but only in the blue & green version. So imagine my excitement when I opened the package to find my Tribal Sea Tee in BRIGHT pink and orange. Take a look around…you know I love hot pink!

Believe me when I tell you, these pictures do not do the actual color justice!

I LOVE anything bright and flashy, and this shirt…well it is bright and flashy! The shirt style and feel reminded me A LOT of the rashguards I used to wear in my surfing days, but even lighter weight. Which is amazing, as any of you who have ever worn a rash guard knows they are light weight to begin with! About the fabric used in YMX clothing:

ahh the classic phone-camera-bathroom-mirror shot
MadKool® technical fabrics enhance the athletic performance of the people who wear it. MadKool® efficiently moves sweat away from the body to the outer layer of the fabric, where it dries faster than with other fabrics.

In addition, MadKool® fabrics regulate your natural body temperature so you will stay warm in cool weather activities, and cool when your heart is pumping.

Some MadKool® fabrics, such as those used in YMX cycling jerseys, offer UV protection so you can wear them on your next outdoor excursion without having to worry about exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

MadKool® fabrics have a lot of stretch, hold their shape and are abrasion resistant. Although they feel delicate, they aren’t. Wear YMX garments hard, they can handle it just fine.

As an added bonus, MadKool® fabrics are engineered to receive prints with vivid clarity and permanance, so you don’t have to worry about wearing your garment hard.

I took the shirt out for a test “brick” first thing the next morning. A 13 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run in the South Carolina August heat and humidity.

First things first: I’m still a nervous new cyclist, and while this isn’t something YMX advertises as part of their clothing line, I felt a little safer out there on the road when my outfit was as bright as a traffic cone, haha. If you can’t see me in this shirt, you need to get your eyes checked!

But on to the performance of the shirt: it was so incredibly light weight I didn’t even think twice about it. Granted, I didn’t stay 100% dry from sweat, but in 80+% humidity…I don’t think it’s possible. I certainly wasn’t dripping with sweat, and I was comfortable, and cool. No chaffing, no riding up, no bunching. Like I said, I hardly even knew it was there. Focusing on your training and not worrying about your gear and clothing is priceless!

The back pocket on the shirt was the perfect size for my car key and cellphone. And with a fold over top on the pocket, I didn’t worry about losing anything out of the pocket.

The clothing is a little bit on the pricier side (for example, this tee retails for $69.00). However for those of us who have been in the endurance community for a while know, good gear costs money. In my opinion, the comfort of this shirt alone is worth the money. The beautiful designs and colors are an added bonus. (I’ve already added the Koi Hoodie to my Christmas wish list!)

And on a total side note, but something that made my day: instead of a sticker…YMX sent me a little paper circle of wildflowers. Check it out! It says bury it in soil, water, and ta-da! Flowers! It made me smile. Way cooler and more eco-friendly than a sticker

The awesome people at YMX by Yelloman were kind enough to offer up a cycling jersey to one of my lucky readers in their size (mens or womens, guys don’t be afraid to enter!!!)

To enter: (please leave comment for each one that you do!)
Required entry:
1) This giveaway is open to followers of Run Faster Mommy! , so please “follow”, or let me know if you are already a follower!

Bonus entries!
2) Visit YMX by YellowMan’s website. Take a look around, tell me your favorite item!

3) “Like” YMX by YellowMan on facebook! and don’t forget to enter their “win a wardrobe” contest while you are there!
4) Share this giveaway (twitter, facebook, blog, wherever! leave a comment )

Super-duper bonus do-good entries!
5) Donate to my L&LS Team in Training fundraising page! 1 extra entry per $1 donated!! 🙂

Entries will be accepted until Friday August 12th at midnight, and placed on a spreadsheet in order received. Winner will be drawn by random.org and announced/contacted on Saturday August 13th.

Good luck, and thank you for entering!

(*note* The Federal Trade Commission mandates that I let you know YMX by Yellowman provided me with this product free of charge, however, the opinions expressed are those solely that of my own.)