So we’ve been testing a full range of gear from GoLite recently and we’re happy to bring you some final reviews and wrap-ups for this gear.
Just to remind you, we’ve recently published a final review for the GoLite Manitou Sleeveless Top and the final review for the GoLite Wildwood Trail Top.
Today, we’re reporting on the Tilly Jane Skirt from GoLite, a trail and running skirt with an MSRP of $60. We did our initial review a few months back and have been testing this skirt in a number of different conditions and locations. To refresh your memory, here are some of the highlights from our initial review:
About GoLite:
According to their website, GoLite was founded with the “simple idea…That experiencing nature would be better with less. Less weight, less fuss, less waste…more fun”. GoLite strives to not only provide products that are not just light in weight, but also light in their impact on the environment. GoLite uses the GoLite Index to determine the impact of each product and calculates this index using three main measures: Environmentally Preferred Materials, Responsible Production, and Education+End-of-Life Programs. GoLite has also adopted a Fair Labor audit process and follows The Timberland Company’s Code of Conduct.
About the Tilly Jane Run Skirt:
The Tilly Jane Skirt weighs in at a minimal 100 grams, or roughly 4 oz. The skirt is made of recycled polyester, spandex, and also uses Minerale in the lining, a fabric with microporous particles derived from minerals. This material is designed to provide a quick drying fabric that is comfortable and performs well. These particles are embedded in the fibers, so they won’t wash off or wear out. The skirt also features DriMove Lite, a polyester based fabric that is strong and featherweight and assists with moisture management.
The inner liner, hidden from view when wearing the skirt, features an inseam of about 1.5 inches. This means that the liner isn’t quite a brief, but not quite as long as a real pair of shorts. GoLite calls this length a boy short.
There’s also a zippered side pocket that is very useful. This zippered side pocket can hold a full sized iPod without being uncomfortable.
The skirt is very stretchy and falls evenly around your body. The waistband is substantial without being oversized and fits flat against your body.
Final Observations on the Tilly Jane Run Skirt:
We’ve used this skirt for about three months. We’ve used it running, doing P90X, on the elliptical, and in low to medium impact classes and activities.
First off, the skirt is shorter than some other run skirts we’ve tried. This wasn’t an issue for our tester, but some users might not love the length. Also, unlike some other skirts, the Tilly Jane isn’t very roomy or ‘flouncy.’ The Tilly Jane fits taunt across the hip and the front. Since the skirt fits well everywhere else, we assume this is a design feature. Our tester was split on this fit. She mentioned liking the snug fit because it keeps everything in place, but some wearers might not like the fit. This fit did not restrict our tester’s range of motion.
The skirt “moves and stretches with ease” and dries quickly. Our tester observed that the boy short liner is a strange length. The boy short liner rides up during high impact activities and bunches in the crease of the leg. This is uncomfortable during longer runs. Our recommendation is to lengthen or shorten the liner. If the liner was longer and featured a silicone band, the bunching problem would probably be solved. Conversely, if the liner was a brief, it wouldn’t bunch either.
The skirt is very comfortable, save the above mentioned bunching issue. The fabric is very soft, the DriMove Lite is fantastic–the two-layer skirt weighs only 4oz.
Our tester loved the design and appearance. The skirt is functional and is stylish enough that you won’t be embarrassed to run a few errands before or after the gym.
If other customers experience the same bunching issue, we hope that GoLite will modify the design to prevent this problem. Other than the bunching, this skirt would probably receive a 4.5 to 5 Star rating. It performs as advertised, dries quickly and looks very smart.
Review Overview
Price
Construction
Durability
Fit and Feel
Appearance
Summary : As with other GoLite products, very lightweight, solid construction and comfortable, but the fit's not for everyone.