An Outfit That Doesn’t Show Sweat No Matter the Heat Outside? Meet Bandit’s Vanisher Collection
- Our editor tested Bandit’s Vanisher collection, which promises to be sweat-proof.
- The three tested pieces—Vanisher Reverso Scoop Neck Run Bra, Vanisher V-Neck Race Crop, and Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts—feature multiple pockets for gels and phones.
- Some pieces require a first wash to prevent color bleeding.
During one of the first truly hot weekends in June, I went for my long run in glacier blue compression shorts from FlipBelt and came back with a massive sweat spot in my crotch. I generally sweat a lot, so that wasn’t in any way surprising; plus, in running, sweat is practically a badge of honor, so I am fine with looking like I ran through rain at the end of my workouts. For me, it’s more important to have enough pockets for everything I need to carry than my appearance.
Because I found the sweat spot funny, I posted a postrun video that day—and that’s when I was told about the Vanisher collection from Bandit that supposedly doesn’t change colors when wet and therefore doesn’t show sweat. Obviously, I needed to try this for myself.
I tested three pieces from the collection—the Vanisher Reverso Scoop Neck Run Bra in light green, the Vanisher V-Neck Race Crop in growing grid poppy, and the Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts in bright red—and with the temperature only going higher, I decided to put them to a serious test on my next few long runs.
Vanisher Collection First Impressions
The Vanisher V-Neck Race Crop has a built-in bra that makes for a double layer of material around the chest, so I was curious to see about heat regulation on the run. I am not a big fan of built-in bras as they sometimes seem more of an afterthought than the most important gear piece in a woman’s wardrobe, but this one felt pretty snug and supportive. It has slide-in pockets under the arms and around the lower back that can comfortably fit gels, plus an additional center-back phone pocket. Like I already mentioned, pockets are a big deal to me, so I was excited about the possibilities.
Bandit Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts
Bandit Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts
The Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Shorts are high-waisted and come with snug thigh pockets and additional belt compartments (just like my FlipBelt shorts I like so much) where I stored gels, a phone, keys, and a small water bottle. Each sleeve has grip spots that help the shorts stay in place. The compression on these shorts really squeezed my lower body, but not in a restrictive way, and likely thanks to that, I didn’t feel lopsided when I put my phone in the thigh pocket, as I do with my similar shorts I own.
Bandit Vanisher Reverso Scoop Neck Run Bra
Bandit Vanisher Reverso Scoop Neck Run Bra
The Vanisher Reverso Scoop Neck Run Bra is reversible and also has a center-back phone pocket, plus two more in the underarms. The bra, being reversible, doesn’t have padding, which has no effect on performance but could be a dealbreaker for some due to modesty. The bra felt more lightweight compared to the top, which makes sense since it has fewer layers of fabric than the top, and was pretty breathable on my run, absorbing sweat away from my skin. Wearing 34B/S sizes, my breasts are on the smaller side, and for me, the bra provided just the right amount of support.
Wash First—Alone
Bandit recommends washing these pieces exclusively with other activewear and like colors, and at a cold temperature.
Just to be safe, I hand-washed the brightly colored garments before throwing them in the washing machine. This was a smart move because they bled enough color that I decided to machine-wash them on their own, while also adding vinegar to the cycle. From the second wash on, it was fine—no more bleeding.
I let the apparel air dry, but you can also tumble it on low per Bandit’s instructions.
Testing the Collection
I did my first long run in the race crop and compression shorts. While the seams on the top are mostly smooth, the underarm pockets ended up chafing my armpits. And since I was doing an out-and-back, there was no other way but to run it all the way back, despite my skin feeling irritated halfway through already. So I swung my arms extra wide, something I don’t normally do.
My regular arm swing could have something to do with it, since Gear Editor Amanda Furrer didn’t encounter the same issue. For my next long run, I swapped the crop top for the sports bra. The pockets on the bra are aligned under the hem and don’t stick out, so those, thankfully, caused no chafing (though I put nothing in them to be safe).
The collection’s material—mostly polyester, mixed with elastane/spandex—felt a bit thick at first as I was putting the clothes on and starting my run, but in the end didn’t make me feel any hotter compared to my other activewear.
The apparel does exactly as it promises: it makes sweat vanish. I ran 9 miles in 80-degree heat one weekend and 10 miles the weekend after, and while my skin was glistening, there was not a single sweat mark on my outfit. It looked as fresh as it had when I started running.
But don’t let the dry look fool you: I sat down on the ground midrun to give my legs a minute of respite while I ate my gel, and my butt left a heart-shaped outline on the asphalt. The material was fully soaked, so while it doesn’t show sweat, it definitely retains it.
Good for Heavy Sweaters
Overall, this outfit is a great race-day choice, adding a fun pop of color without making you feel self-conscious if you’re a sweater—and it will look great in race photos, too. The abundance of pockets across the collection makes it an excellent option for everything from shorter races to long-distance events, giving you plenty of space to carry all the essentials you'll need for hours on the run. Just be wary of potential chafing if you swing your arms low.
Shop Bandit Vanisher Collection
Pavlína Černá, an RRCA-certified run coach and cycling enthusiast, has been with Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics since August 2021. When she doesn’t edit, she writes; when she doesn’t write, she reads or translates. In whatever time she has left, you can find her outside running, riding, or roller-skating to the beat of one of the many audiobooks on her TBL list.