Janji Women’s Apparel Review

Durable, sustainable, responsibly made — this mantra is behind every Janji item, as is the brand’s promise to expand access to safe drinking water. Janji gives 2% of all proceeds — as well as all membership fees for the Janji Collective Program — back to projects around the world, including in the USA.

I became aware of Janji via its water projects and travel features before I knew much about its running gear. I enjoy the rich visuals from the countries, landscapes, and artists that inspire their products, and I appreciate the grassroots community water projects they sponsor.

I’m glad to have tested some of their high-performance clothing on trail runs, fat bike rides, hikes, and other pursuits. In this review, I tested the following women’s garments designed for running and other high-energy activities:

• Janji Runterra Bio Long Sleeve ($64) long sleeve shirt
• Janji AFO-Vent SS Tee ($66) short sleeve shirt
• Janji Groundwork Pace Sports Bra ($48) sports bra
• Janji 3″ AFO-Vent Multi Short ($72) traditional shorts
• Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short ($60) spandex shorts
• Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tight 2.0 ($88) long tights

Men’s garments are similarly named and offer longer inseam options. It will be an exciting day when women’s shorts have availability in the usual shorter inseams as well as the longer options that are common in men’s shorts.

Women’s sizing ranges from extra small through extra large for all items, which covers waist sizes 24 to 35 inches, as well as chest sizes 30 to 40 inches for bras and up to 44 inches for shirts. All model photos on the website include sizes and measurements to help you determine your size visually in addition to a size chart for each garment.

For reference, at 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and 125 to 130 pounds, I’m a solid medium in everything from Janji. Where I found myself in between sizes, sizing up was the appropriate decision.

Janji Runterra Bio Long Sleeve

The Janji Runterra Bio Long Sleeve ($64) is a really unique and comfortable long-sleeve shirt made to be biodegradable in under four years in an oxygen-poor environment — don’t worry, that doesn’t include your closet. It is made from 70% U.S.-grown, premium, long-staple Supima cotton and 30% polyester with embedded volcanic ash. This combination creates a very soft and durable shirt with enhanced odor resistance as well as heat and moisture regulation.

The raglan sleeve keeps the seams away from high friction places even under a running pack or an overstuffed travel duffel.

I tested this on runs and fat bike rides, and found that the cotton content resulted in more moisture retention than I prefer, even in the dry climate where I live in Colorado, but it wasn’t a significant issue on runs of about one hour and easy bikes in cool weather.

Where this lovely understated long sleeve really excels is in casual wear. It looks kind of dressy with tights and a jean skirt, and feels cozy like only cotton does on a recovery day with joggers and a book.

The long sleeves reach just beyond my wrists and the bottom comes just below my hip bones — no extra material, but perfectly sized. I highly recommend this shirt, especially for everyday comfort between workouts.

The garment is not pre-shrunk and sizing is best preserved via a cold wash and hanging to dry.

The Janji Runterra Bio Long Sleeve shirt. The author, Kristin Zosel, is also wearing the Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tight 2.0, which we review below. All photos: Kristin Zosel

Janji AFO-Vent SS Tee

The Janji AFO-Vent SS Tee ($66) is another really unique shirt that I found perhaps more suited to casual wear than running, because of a style preference rather than a performance issue.

This material is absolutely amazing at providing a bit of wind protection and water resistance while being highly breathable, particularly in wind. The shirt is structured with four-way stretch nylon (80% nylon and 20% elastane) with micro-perforations you can see through when stretched, yet it provides complete coverage with usual wear. The smooth, shell-like face resists snags, rocks, abrasions, pilling, and dog claws. The material doesn’t take on sweat, either.

Short raglan sleeves and an underarm gusset allow for full range of motion and no friction beneath a pack. I find the shirt to be a bit hot on warm days perhaps because of the shell-like feel. I have to wear this shirt in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with high-output activities or to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at a more casual pace. I didn’t feel that my hydration pack worked well over it, as the material slides and bunches beneath the lower back aspect of my pack.

Once again. though, I enjoyed wearing it more as casual attire on summer and fall evenings, as it looks sharp and fits in well dining al fresco after a disc golf game.

The Janji AFO-Vent SS short sleeve shirt. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji 3″ AFO-Vent Multi Short, which we review below.

Janji Groundwork Pace Sports Bra

The Janji Groundwork Pace Sports Bra ($48) is full of unique design and shaping details that set it apart from many others. For my 34AA size, it has more material than I prefer, particularly along the front of the axillary area which means it comes up pretty high under my arm. Those with larger cup sizes will be pleased as this will keep you well supported from all sides.

The deeper u-shape in the front coupled with the double straps on each side give it an interesting look. The tie-dye design that I tested and the other colors available are gorgeous.

I love the interwoven cross-back straps which level up the design and keep the support strong but not weighty over the shoulders while allowing airflow along the back. The seams are friction-free against the skin and under a hydration pack.

A power-mesh lining between the two layers over the chest increases breathability and adds support for high-impact activities — a friend with a 36C-plus cup really appreciates it on the downhills. Light padding inserts are included for modesty, but they are not sewn in, so after wasting precious minutes wrestling with them for the fifth time after a wash, away they went —  modesty be hanged.

The high-performance Groundwork Knit fabric is a very sturdy fabric for a bra — it is constructed of a tightly woven filament of 68% nylon and 32% spandex, with a 100% polyester lining. There’s a density and weightiness to it in hand, and it feels fairly protective once on.

Though it is indeed breathable and moisture-wicking, I find it to be a warmer bra and best suited to temperatures under 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I wear a hydration pack on every run, and I’m not one to wear a sports bra without a shirt, so I’m sure it could have a higher range of temperatures with fewer layers on top.

It’s not the stretchiest chest band, so sizing up for me is also key to avoiding rib and breathing restriction.

For more of our current favorite sports bras, take a look at our best sports bras for running guide.

A front view of the Janji Groundwork Pace Sports Bra. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short, which we review below.

A back view of the Janji Groundwork Pace Sports Bra. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short, which we review below.

Janji 3″ AFO-Vent Multi Short

[For our current favorite running shorts, take a look at our best running shorts for women guide.]

The Janji 3″ AFO-Vent Multi Short ($72) is a multi-pocketed short that utilizes the same durable, quick-drying, four-way stretch, perforated nylon fabric as mentioned above in the short-sleeved T-shirt, and in shorts form, it is an ideal fabric. Water beads up and disappears, dirt and debris brush off instantly, sweat disappears, and the breathability coupled with the shape of the shorts keep them well-suited to any temperature.

The wide, soft waistband hits below my belly button, which I appreciate immensely. A chafe-free performance brief liner, constructed of 94% polyester and 6% spandex, fits well over trail runner glutes.

These shorts are all about bounce-free storage. As such, five waistband pockets with elasticized external openings are positioned circumferentially around the shorts, some of which pass through beneath a stitched portion for added security. It takes a bit of experimentation, but it’s amazing how many fuel items, gloves, ear bands, and such you can carry without droopy shorts.

There is a clip in the left front pocket to keep your key secure. I found all the pockets to be phone-sized, but I preferred the placement along the back center pocket for comfort. While I’m not as likely to store tons of items in my shorts during a daily run, I love the multitude of options.

I’d love to see these shorts in a five-inch inseam and perhaps even a seven-inch option as well. The three-inch version with its side notch definitely allows for unhindered movement, but if you have larger glutes — ahem! — they get short pretty quickly, especially in the gym after your run.

One thing I really like about how Janji organizes their items on their website is that if you like this particular style of short, it also comes in two other fabrics. So, from one page, you can select the short, color, size, and fabric type you’d prefer. So easy!

A back view of the Janji 3″ AFO-Vent Multi Short. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji AFO-Vent SS short sleeve shirt, which we review above.

A front view of the Janji 3″ AFO-Vent Multi Short. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji AFO-Vent SS short sleeve shirt, which we review above.

Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short

Featuring the same fabric as the bra, the Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short ($60) is splendid in design and function.

The supportiveness of that tightly woven nylon and spandex keeps my muscles and skin happy without restricting motion or breathing even over several hours of running. Not once have these migrated in the wrong direction, and the legs stay put thanks to perfect shaping and a thin strip of silicone grip on the laser-cut seamless hem, which keeps the leg opening exactly where you want it without chafing or pulling uncomfortably. The six-inch length provides optimal coverage without feeling too long.

Additionally, the smooth face of the durable fabric has ensured they’ve successfully remained unscathed against my attempts to rough it up with the usual rock, scrub oak, and dog claw incursions. I also love that they slide unnoticed beneath wind or rain pants.

Janji included a few other great details: the waistband is a lovely ergonomic width that rides on the lower half of my stomach, which is ideal. An infinity drawcord and power-mesh lining within the waistband allow for a secure, supportive fit with some customization.

I appreciate the deep side pocket on either side of the short. A phone on one side and a fuel bar plus a key on the other ride smoothly and don’t affect the fit. A long, thin pocket on the back of the waistband keeps fuel or a pair of gloves secure without a zipper. A small internal pocket against the small of the back can accommodate a key fob or card.

Without being overly effusive, the Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short is my favorite item in this collection.

A detailed pocket view of the Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji AFO-Vent SS short-sleeve shirt, which we review above.

A back view of the Janji 6″ Groundwork Pace Short. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji AFO-Vent SS short sleeve shirt, which we review above.

Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tight 2.0

With all the same amazing features of the 6″ Groundwork Pace Short discussed above, the Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tight 2.0 ($88) is simply longer — a 7/8 length that rests just above the ankle bones on me, and perhaps a bit higher on someone with longer legs. For colder environments, this same tight also comes in full length with a lightly brushed interior. I’m just as pleased with all the functional features in these 7/8 tights as I am with the Pace Short, right down to the silicone gripper strip at the ankles and the pockets.

These lightweight tights are well-suited for the 30- to 50-degree Fahrenheit temperatures so common in the late fall and early spring.

I have only one difficulty with the tights — they are designed with a fairly strong taper through the knees and calves. As someone with rather large calves and kneecaps that are apparently sensitive to pressure, I found them to be restrictive through these two regions at times.

This also seemed to create a downward pull on them over the course of an hour or so. It didn’t affect flatter runs, but I noticed it on steeper uphills or sitting around before a run. Two friends who tried them on did not have the same experience, so your experience may vary.

A detailed pocket view of the Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tight 2.0. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji Runterra Bio Long Sleeve shirt, which we review above.

A back view of the Janji 7/8 Groundwork Tight 2.0. The author, Kristin, is also wearing the Janji Runterra Bio Long Sleeve shirt, which we review above.

Janji Women’s Apparel Overall Impressions

In my first experience with Janji products, I’m very impressed with their function, design features, and overall comfort. With few exceptions, the items perform well for a wide range of high-output endurance activities and casual wear, but with an eye-catching style that celebrates the featured artists partnered with the designers.

Sizing is consistent across all items and size charts. Though they do promise free 60-day exchanges and no-fuss returns, we all prefer not to have to utilize such generous options.

I’m very pleased with the durability of the items. Despite many washes and wears, each item looks brand new.

Janji’s commitment to elevating community relationships, responsible and sustainable practices, as well as their commitment to improving access to clean water make them an inspiring company to follow.

Call for Comments

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