The Bandit Shredder Shorty Race Singlet is what I wear when a workout is going to be hard. It’s so light that I barely feel it, it stays cool, it doesn’t chafe, and I love the short cropped length.
The short answer: $98 is a lot for a singlet, and that’s my biggest complaint. I’d still buy it again. I haven’t raced in mine yet, but it has earned a place in my hard-workout rotation.
Best cropped singlet for hard workouts
Bandit Shredder Shorty Race Singlet
A very light, cropped mesh singlet that stays cool and hasn't chafed on my hard workouts.
Bandit Shredder Shorty Review: Quick Verdict
This is a focused piece of gear. It does very little except get out of your way, and that’s exactly what I want when I’m running hard. The cropped length is the part that makes it feel different from a normal singlet.
Bandit Shredder Shorty Race Singlet specs
| Spec | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $98 | |
| Fabric | Shredder gradient mesh | |
| Cut | Cropped, with a high neckline and racer back | |
| Hem | Side slits for freedom of movement | |
| Seams | Bonded | Designed to minimize chafing |
| Visibility | Reflective branding on the front and back | |
| Men's sizes | XS to XL | |
| Men's colors | Black and seasonal colors, including Oxide Red and Pavilion Blue |
How It Feels on Hard Workouts
The first thing you notice is how light it is. Once I’m moving, I barely feel it. It also stays cool, and the open mesh and racer back leave very little fabric to trap heat.
I also haven’t had any chafing, which matters on a top you’re wearing during the hardest sessions of your week. Bandit uses bonded seams to help prevent it.
The Cropped Length
The Shorty is cut short, with a hem that sits higher than a normal singlet. I love the length. It feels great when I’m running hard, and there’s less fabric moving around.
It’s a look that won’t appeal to everyone, though. If you’d rather have more coverage, Bandit also sells longer singlets.
Fit and Sizing
The singlet fits true to size in my usual medium. It has a high neckline for a bit more coverage up top, and side slits at the hem for movement.
Is the Bandit Shredder Shorty Worth $98?
To me, yes, even though the price is my biggest complaint. It’s light, it’s cool, and it hasn’t chafed, and I’d buy it again.
For easy miles in warm weather, I’d rather wear my Bandit Micromesh Run Tee. I save the Shorty for hard workouts, the same days I reach for a fast shoe like the Nike Vaporfly 4.
Buy it if you want the lightest possible top for hard running, you run hot, or you like a cropped cut.
Skip it if you want more coverage, you only need one running top, or $98 seems like too much for a singlet.
Bandit Shredder Shorty FAQ
Does the Bandit Shredder Shorty run true to size?
It does for me. My usual medium fits well.
How short is the Shredder Shorty?
It’s a cropped singlet, so it sits shorter than a standard race singlet. I love the length, but it’s worth considering if you prefer more coverage.
Does the Shredder Shorty chafe?
Mine hasn’t. It has bonded seams that are designed to minimize chafing.
Is the Shredder Shorty only for races?
No. Bandit calls it a race singlet, but I wear mine for hard workouts and haven’t raced in it yet.
Is the Shredder Shorty worth $98?
It is to me. Price is my biggest complaint, but it’s very light, it stays cool, and I’d buy it again.
