Nike Sportswear Windrunner

I look forward to getting a lot of use out of this versatile jacket on mild-weather fitness walks, and especially when traveling to sunny destinations. It is lightweight and packs small for those who like to travel light, but still substantial enough to keep me warm on the plane. I also appreciate the UV protection, 75% recycled content, and a fabric that is easy to spot clean. This jacket easily transfers from hiking to the beach to city walks and as an extra layer at dinner due to its print and fit, which is elevated from exercise /outdoor gear. The one disappointing aspect is the sleeve length, which is short for me and exacerbated by a bit of snugness in the back and elbows with any significant arm movement. Note that I have long arms and a large chest for a typical size small, but a medium may been oddly bulky at the waist, and I would have lost the elevated cut that helps the jacket stand out. It is somewhat of a cropped/short fit on my 5'9" height. I typically shy away from floral prints, but the grey and black neutrals in the floral print are terrific and bring something to the jacket that I don't think would be achieved as well in a solid color. Additionally, the pockets are substantial enough to hold a cell phone even without being snapped close, though admittedly, I wouldn't mind a small hidden zippered pocket in the interior of the jacket. I am currently rehabbing and in physical therapy several times a week, so I appreciate fitness clothing that allows me to look put together when going about my day before exercising.

I was excited to try something I wouldn’t normally try. The fit was a little higher on my hips than I would normally prefer and the waist wasn’t flattering for my shape. I did appreciate the details that made the jacket more feminine like the diagonal piping towards the zipper. In another print I could see myself giving this jacket more of a chance. The zipper did stick a few times when I was testing out the jacket, which could easily get snagged on the cotton liner material. This is a nice jacket to add warmer, protection from the wind, but not too much weight. I just caught myself pulling it down all the time, which is distracting during a workout. Unfortunately I think it just fit my curvy body type more than anything.

I was primed to love this jacket! I’m always looking for clothing with sun protection that fits my active lifestyle. The fabric and fastenings have a nice high quality feel to them, which held much promise. Alas, it feels uncomfortable and awkward on. The wrist and waist cuffs are thick elastic, which leads to a sort of puffed out look, which I doubt would flatter any figure. It’s also deceptively heavy in weight, the zipper is out of balance with the rest of the garment and weighs it down. If I’m looking for a sun protective jacket, it’s because I want to wear it primarily in the warmer and sunnier weather. It’s going to be too heavy for that. I could overlook the weirdly thick elastic cuffs and the awkward fit, but to be honest, this jacket looks utterly terrible on me. I know I’m middle-aged, but I don’t feel nearly old enough to be seen in something with this dowdy of a cut. It seems to be a design that sounded good on paper, but the execution missed, badly. The only thing I think when I put it on is that I look like a caricature of someone who is trying to be a “hip grandma” by putting on a jaunty sporty jacket. I tried it on for a friend who busted out laughing. I know that Nike makes some great jackets. This is not the one for me