Look

There’s nothing garish or showy about Castore’s kit. Every piece, be it the quarter-zip top, £105, speed vest, £45, or shorts, £60, is perfectly tailored. This is sleek, practical, smart sportswear. I love the use of muted, soft colours, which avoid being boring by using interesting shades, such as pearlescent grey blue, creamy russet and chalky black.

I’m especially impressed by the streamlined addition of the mesh panelling that runs down the calf of the active air leggings, £65, and the fact that all of Castore’s fabrics are responsibly sourced within Europe. This is kit that wouldn’t look out of place in the gym or at a coffee shop.

Comfort

The weather is hot and humid while I’m training for my 10k race, but Castore’s high-stretch and moisture-wicking fabric keeps me refreshed and stops me from getting too sweaty. The material is buttery-soft and instantly cooling. This, along with features such as laser-cut ventilation, angled waist bands and flatlock stitching means I didn’t experience any rubbing or chafing while running.

On race day, I chose to wear the speed leggings, £60, with laser-cut ventilation spots behind the knee and an adjustable waistband that kept me cool and breezy in hot, sunny conditions.

The active core sports bra, £40, is the only piece of kit I didn’t enjoy wearing. It came with padded cups, which were much too big and cumbersome, but when I removed them it didn’t feel as tailored or slick as the other pieces.

Castore activewear review: can the British brand known for its menswear cater for women?