This is the navy Bandit Stamina crop and it is a fantastic basic. Matte double-layer fabric, no zip, nothing going on. It’s the top in the photo above with the white Accelerates and I love how that outfit looks. I also only wear it on short runs, and here’s the whole reason why.
No gel pockets
Three pockets, one under each arm and one at center back, all sized for a phone. The back one has a waterproof liner now. What it does not have is gel pockets. I carry everything on my back. On a 12 miler I’m taking 100 grams of carbs an hour, so that’s 4 gels that need to live somewhere, and in this top they’d be sliding around a phone pocket. That’s disqualifying.
So this is my easy day, short run, no fuel required top. Anything over an hour I’m in the zip crop.
Why I still own it
Because it’s the nicest plain crop I have. The fabric is matte and doesn’t shine in photos, the fit is close without squeezing, and NY Navy goes with every short in my drawer. The white Accelerates with the navy waistband and this crop is one of my favorite outfits, and I’m not going to stop wearing it because it can’t hold gels. I’m just going to wear it on Tuesdays.
Fit and sizing
XS. I’m an extra small in every Bandit crop. [FILL: how it compares to your XS in the zip crop, and whether it stretches out.]
What it’s for
Easy runs under an hour. Strides. Strength days, which is where the photo at the top was taken between reps. Anything where the phone is the only thing I’m carrying.
What I’d tell you
If you’re building a running wardrobe from zero, buy the zip crop first. If you already have that and want a basic that looks good with everything for the runs that don’t need fuel, this is the one.
What I wore
| Brand | Piece | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandit Running | Stamina Race Crop, NY Navy | XS | short runs only |
| LSKD | Accelerate 3" Mid-Rise Running Short, white | S |
All my measurements and every size I wear are on the sizing page.
Questions I get
Does the Bandit Stamina crop have pockets?
Three phone-sized pockets: one under each arm and one at center back with a waterproof liner. No gel pockets. You can shove a gel in the underarm ones but it's not what they're for and it rubs.
Is the Bandit Stamina crop supportive?
Double-layer Stamina fabric, fitted, no cups. Plenty for me on anything up to a workout. [FILL: your honest take on support at hard efforts.]
Stamina crop or Bandit zip crop?
Zip crop if you carry gels, every time. Stamina crop for the runs where you don't. It's cleaner, it's cheaper, and it's what I reach for on an easy 8.
