SKINS compression clothing for runners and other athletes includes the collection called DNAmic ULTIMATE. This utilises “performance-boosting DNAmic Gradient Compression tech” for “support and stabilisation” of leg muscles. I have tested the SKINS DNAmic ULTIMATE Starlight women’s tights.
Features include:
- DNAmic ULTIMATE Gradient Compression
- Warp knitted mix of yarns for a “carefully calculated level of stretch to offer controlled compression and durability”
- SKIN Fit sizing based on an “unique Body Mass Index/anthropometrical algorithm”
- Biomechanically positioned panels and seams
- 50+ UV protection
- HeiQ for temperature control “like a second skin”.
- 360˚ reflective logos
- Small non-zipped internal waistband pocket
- Designs for men and women
- Four different sizes for women
- Nine different sizes for men
- Full length and 7/8ths length versions
- £110
- See SKINS.
What’s good about SKINS DNAmic ULTIMATE Starlight tights
The DNAmic ULTIMATE Starlight tights have been made with what SKINS describe as their “most advanced compression technology to increase muscle oxygenation, stabilise active muscles and reduce blood lactate build up, which enhances performance and speeds up recovery time”.
I have worn a number of SKINS products over the years and while I can’t be sure they offer better compression benefits compared to other brands, I do find myself choosing the tights over any others.
I find that the compression on muscles makes me feel as though they are well supported and sometimes even gives me a bit of an energy boost. I don’t know if this is maybe all in my head but I usually run well when I am wearing SKINS.
The length of the full Starlight tights is a good fit for me. I have long legs and all too often other brands are a bit short.
The general shape and cut of the tights is good although you do need to get used to them being so tight. SKINS sate that the compression works best when the fabric is tight against the skin.
The tights have different panels to offer lesser or greater compression in various areas and these appear to have been well thought out by designers. For example, there is greater support around the glutes, hamstrings and calves.
The fabric is soft and silky yet also durable. I have owned some SKINS tights for more than a decade and while they have lost a bit of elasticity they are still good enough to wear for a run or hike. The seams are still intact and the fabric has not worn thin.
This brings me to the cost. SKINS are not cheap but they do last a very long time so, in my opinion, they make a good investment.
There is another feature of the fabric, the HeiQ temperature control detail, which SKINS claim: “When cold, it keeps you feeling warm. When hot it cools you down and keeps you dry.”
The temperature control feature is difficult to gauge because I can’t compare how my legs would feel on a run compared to wearing another pair of tights. However, on the whole, I think the SKINS DNAmic ULTIMATE Starlight tights do keep my leg temperature fairly even. Unless it’s very cold and windy, I have not noticed my legs feeling too hot or too cold while running. I have tested them in a range of weather conditions, too.
There are some areas of reflectivity for night running, which is a good feature, although see my points below.
The addition of UV50+ is a nice touch if you plan to run in full-length tights in sunshine.
There is a range of nine sizes for men, which is excellent, and four for women. See below for my further comments.
What’s not so good about SKINS DNAmic ULTIMATE Starlight tights
Sometimes I feel that brands over-sell on new products. I can’t tell if the new compression technology is any better than the last version. As consumers, I worry we are being encouraged to buy something new when the older version was just as good? Who knows?
It is also hard to know if recovery is improved with one type of compression technology over another. There are so many variables when running including the terrain, distance, what you have done over the days before, what you eat and drink etc…
The fit of the SKINS seems to have changed a bit over the years. I don’t think my shape has changed much but I find that SKINS for women are tighter and higher around the waist then they used to be. I much prefer a lower waist so I am not a big fan of the latest design because the waist rises up too high for my comfort. However, I do know that many women like a higher waist so I expect they will like the fit of the Starlights. I’d like a choice of waist heights.
While there are nine different sizes for men, there are only four for women. It would be good to have a wider range for women, too.
The claim of 360-degree reflective visibility is true but a little far fetched. While there are some great reflective details on the front area of the tights, both at the waistband and the shins, there is only a small logo at the rear and quite high up on the butt.
Also, I wonder how much of the front waistband reflective will be visible once people add a running top or jacket. I think the reflective details need to be redesigned.
I would like to see a zipped pocket rather than a non-zipped inner pocket on the waist band. Placing anything in the pocket that is not flat creates an annoying rub on the lower back.
Conclusion: SKINS are a reliable brand and highly regarded for compression technology. I do find that they give great support and, on balance, aid muscle endurance and recovery. This latest version is well designed in general although there are a few small features that could be improved. It would be great to have a wider range of sizes for women.