Ciele Athletics Review: The U VLVMockneck & M FRDWintertight Put to the Test
- Diego Tobias
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Ciele Athletics has built a reputation for premium running gear that blends style, function, and high-performance materials. Known primarily for their iconic running caps, Ciele has expanded into technical apparel, and their latest releases—the U VLVMockneck - Astronautic and the M FRDWintertight - Shadowcast—are designed to keep runners warm, comfortable, and moving through winter conditions.
We had marathon runner Hasir Amir test both pieces on a long winter run to see if they hold up. At 6’1” and 200 pounds, Hasir isn’t the typical lightweight distance runner, making him the perfect tester for fit, durability, and real-world performance.
Here’s his honest, unfiltered review.
U VLVMockneck - Astronautic: Warmth Without the Bulk
Mocknecks aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind when runners think about winter layers, but Ciele is pushing the boundaries of design with the U VLVMockneck - Astronautic. Featuring COOLmatic™ technology, this top aims to provide warmth without the weight, while keeping sweat under control.
First Impressions
✔ Super sleek and minimalist—no unnecessary branding✔ The fit is snug, but not suffocating✔ The material feels premium, soft, and light
Hasir’s take:"When I first put it on, I thought it was a little tighter than I expected, but honestly, once I started running, I didn’t even notice. It has that snug, second-skin feel, which I like in the winter because it keeps the warmth in without feeling heavy."
Performance on the Run
✔ Surprisingly breathable despite being a winter layer✔ COOLmatic™ tech works well—sweat dries quickly✔ Good range of motion—doesn’t feel restrictive
Winter running is tricky because layering is key, and bulky gear can slow you down. The U VLVMockneck solves that problem by trapping heat efficiently while still allowing airflow, meaning you stay warm without overheating.
Hasir’s take:"I’ve tried a lot of winter tops that either overheat me or leave me freezing. This one actually gets it right. I ran in mid-30s weather, and I didn’t have to take it off or roll up the sleeves once. It just kept me at the right temperature the whole time."
Who’s It For?
✔ Runners who want a lightweight but warm winter top✔ Anyone who prefers a snug fit over baggy layers✔ People who want breathability without sacrificing warmth
Hasir’s final word:"This is a great winter layer, but if you don’t like tight fits, you might want to size up. Overall, it did exactly what it’s supposed to—kept me warm, wicked sweat away, and felt comfortable the whole time."
link to mockneck.
link to tights
M FRDWintertight - Shadowcast: Cold-Weather Protection That Moves With You
Running tights are either a runner’s best friend or worst nightmare—they can be too restrictive, too loose, or not warm enough. The M FRDWintertight - Shadowcast promises a perfect balance of warmth, flexibility, and comfort, but how does it actually perform?
Fit & Comfort
✔ Runs snug—built for performance✔ Great mobility—moves well with the body✔ Keeps legs warm without overheating
Hasir’s take:"These tights fit tighter than most I’ve worn, but I’m a bigger guy, so that’s expected. That being said, once I got moving, they stretched perfectly and didn’t feel restrictive at all. If you’re around my size (6’1”, 200 lbs.), they might feel snug, but they should fit the average runner perfectly."
Performance on the Run
✔ Stayed in place—no annoying slipping or shifting✔ Kept legs warm in cold wind without feeling sweaty✔ Fabric feels premium—no cheap, flimsy material
The best thing about these tights is the balance between warmth and breathability. Many winter tights trap too much heat, making long runs uncomfortable. The M FRDWintertight manages to keep legs warm without suffocating them, making it ideal for cold-weather training.
Hasir’s take:"I’ve worn tights that made my legs feel suffocated, and I’ve worn ones that let the wind cut right through them. These found the sweet spot. I ran in windy, 30-degree weather, and my legs stayed warm the whole time without feeling sweaty or uncomfortable."
Who’s It For?
✔ Runners who need warmth without bulk✔ Anyone looking for high-quality winter tights that actually last✔ People who want a performance fit that doesn’t slide down mid-run
Hasir’s final word:"I’d definitely wear these for winter training, and I could see them being great for race-day warm-ups too. If you’re someone who wants running gear that actually does what it promises, these are worth checking out.
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