BAM Flexa Compression Crop Top & Seamless Running Shorts – Test and Review

BAM is an environmentally sustainable business that uses incredibly soft bamboo to create lasting clothes. Since their inception in 2006, they have held sustainability at its core.

The BAM Flexa blue running set I’m trying – comprising their Compression Crop Top and Seamless Running Shorts, has a fluid construction and is incredibly soft to the touch. Its styling and graphical design is really attractive. As a set it looks great together. I have worn both kit items numerous times now and have been incredibly satisfied with the material and its longevity. 

After several washes in the washing machine, the material maintains its elasticity and hasn’t done that terrible shrinking act other fitted pieces do. The material has a luxurious quality to it that feels exceptionally high-calibre while staying breathable and lightweight. 

Both companies and sports enthusiasts are looking for more sustainable brands to focus on to protect our planet. Bamboo is an excellent source as it is the planet’s fastest-growing crop. 

On their website, BAM claims: “Bamboo absorbs five times more carbon than hardwood trees, and because it stores carbon in the plant and roots, it can regenerate soil health. It’s simply one of the best crops you can use to protect the planet.”

Unlike fossil-fuel-based synthetics, bamboo clothes are natural, renewable and biodegradable. Through their research, Bam’s bamboo viscose has a lower carbon footprint than conventional viscose, cotton and polyester.

BAM describes their cobalt blue set as incredibly lightweight but supportive. I am small-chested and found that I didn’t have to wear a sports bra underneath the top when doing light exercise. 

The shorts have an inseam of 10cm, which is great for light exercise, but when running and training for ultramarathons, I prefer a longer, short length to prevent the material from rolling. You can also find leggings in the same colour and style. 

They have a 360-degree stretch and side rib panels, meaning they hug my body and not grip my waist, which I find with other brands gives me stomach pains. They are high-waisted and find the natural curve of your hips, which gives a flattering silhouette for any body shape. 

The fit comes in small, medium and large, as separate bottoms and tops. The fit was true to size and was extremely comfortable from the first wear. Right now, they only come in a beautiful cobalt blue, which is flattering to any skin tone, and I would love to see this set in different colours in the future. 

While I personally wouldn’t wear the shorts for running again, I liked the fit on the whole, either for post-race cool down or for mid-week cross-training exercises like yoga and strength training. 

BAM Flexa Compression Crop Top
£36.00

BAM Flexa Seamless Running Shorts
£18.00 (was £36.00 currently in their Sale)

BAM Zero 73 Running Gilet - Test and Review 

Striving for a better planet – one stride at a time. As a trail runner I spend a lot of time in nature – it’s where I’d always rather be – so, running clothing that is not only functional but is also produced with sustainability front of mind is, in my opinion worth investing in.  […]