The folks at Janji reached out to us recently asking if we would be interested in taking a closer look at any of their gear. After looking at their website I responded, yes, please send me one of everything! Now, while they did not do that, they were very generous and provided us with multiple items to review. I am going to start with the M’s Swift Tech Merino LS Mock-Neck because I almost didn’t ask for it, and it has become my favorite piece that Janji sent me.

 

Janji makes apparel for men and women. The company will choose a specific country to be featured in each of their limited run lines of running gear. They work with artists in that country to collaborate on prints and graphics. Janji is also involved in supporting clean water initiatives throughout the world. As part of their country selection process, they will find a local organization that is already working on providing clean water in that country. Five percent of the proceeds of Janji gear will then go to the organization.

 

Fit

I am 5’10” and 162 lbs and the medium fits me perfectly. It is form-fitting enough to feel good as a base layer but works well on its own. There are thumbholes on each cuff, and the length of the sleeve is just to use them without the sleeves feeling stretched out. I really like how Jamji decided to create these holes. They feel natural to use and create a half glove protection on your hand. The Mock Neck does not feel constricting at all, and this is from someone who is not a big fan of turtlenecks and the like. It is a clever design choice that really helps this shirt stand out from others. The fabric of the shirt is soft and super comfortable.

 

The form-fitting base layer with thumbholes work excellent for trail running in cool weather

 

Function

The Mock Neck really is a nice addition to cooler weather running shirt. It sits a little higher on the neck than other shirts, thus providing a little extra warmth. That said, I have never felt like it was causing me to overheat. The thumb slits have been cut to disappear when not in use, increasing the shirt’s ability to keep you warm. When the thumb slits are in use, they provide coverage just below the knuckles. The merino/poly blend functions really well at keeping you warm, wicking moisture, and drying fast. Did I mention how soft and comfortable this shirt is? There is an integrated loop on the inside collar that you can use to hang the shirt which really appeals to the attention to small details side of my brain. Overall this shirt excels at the functionality expected of it.

 

Janji works with artists in countries to collaborate on prints and graphics and is also involved in supporting clean water initiatives throughout the world

 

 

Janji Mercury Quarter-Zip Top – Men’s | REI Co-op $94.00

 

 

 

Feature Requests

This is the second item I have reviewed that will have zero feature requests.

Conclusion

The folks at Janji have created a really solid piece of gear with the M’s Swift Tech Merino LS Mock-Neck shirt. It is all the things you want a cool-weather shirt to be and more. Add to that Janji mission of giving back 5% to clean water initiatives, and you have really no excuse to add this to your regular running gear rotation. Their current partner for the Mexico Collection, of which this shirt is part, is Isla Urbana. Additionally, Janji has a membership program called Janji Collective. For a $50 fee, you receive a singlet and a lifetime discount of 15%, while the entire membership fee goes directly to the clean water initiatives.

 

Janji’s signature red stitch on the neck adds a little flavor to the shirt

 

You can purchase the M’s Swift Tech Merino LS Mock-Neck shirt on their website. Just remember that all their gear is a limited run, so don’t wait too long!

Specs

  • Ultra-soft merino/poly blend for serious moisture-wicking management to move sweat away from the body quickly
  • Thermally regulating merino wool for comfort in a wide range of temps
  • DriRelease jersey for fast drying
  • Snug (but not skin tight) fit provides added warmth, comfort + super easy layering or wearability on its own
  • Contoured armhole with racerback seaming for enhanced mobility
  • The mock-neck style for a little extra neck protection with our signature contrast ladder stitch on the back
  • Integrated thumb slits built into cuffs disappear when not in use
  • Integrated locker loop on back collar
  • Reflective logo on sleeve cuff
  • Swift Tech: 84% polyester, 11% merino, 5% spandex drirelease jersey
  • Weight: 194g / 6.8oz (M’s Medium)