This is my product review of water sports apparel and swimwear by Blood Red Clothing. I received free merchandise from the company for writing this review.
“We have to swim to shore,” our boatman instructed us as our outrigger failed to anchor closer to shore due to the low tide and powerful surge. Without a moment’s hesitation, I jumped right into the water, as I came ready to get wet and wild, dressed confidently in a brand-new rash guard and pair of board shorts by Blood Red Clothing, a Cebu-based international brand that’s been creating design-driven and field-tested apparel and gear inspired by the sport of sailing, since 2007. Recently, the company sponsored the F18 Class Championships in Hong Kong, held last February 7 to 8. For the past month, I have road-tested their watersports apparel during my travels from Bohol to Zambales, while enjoying a range of water-based activities that included surfing, wake boarding, scuba diving and spontaneous swims in rough seas to revisit the famed Spanish-era lighthouse of Capones Island.
Firstly, I am impressed by the attention to detail the company invests in their apparel. Besides its orange-and-black design, snug-but-comfortable nylon-spandex blend, and UPF+ 50 sun protection rating, what I liked most about the Magma rash guard (SRP: PHP 2,490) was the rubberized gripper band around the hemline of the waist that prevents it from rolling up when you get wiped out while doing intense water sports like surfing or wake boarding. I’ve even gone on a 30-foot high giant slide at a water park in Subic town, and the rash guard stayed perfectly in place until the very end! For added security, there’s also a loop along the waistline that you can secure onto your shorts.
If you’re looking for ultimate protection, there’s the Arrina sun guard (SRP: PHP 3,200), which comes with a hood, equipped with sun visor and elastic draw-cord. Extended sleeves with thumb holes and the gripper band around the waist ensures that everything stays in place even in gale-force winds and stormy seas. This well-engineered piece in a bold color combination of cyan, orange and maroon is ideal for sailing, kayaking or island-hopping trips.
I also tested Blood Red while scuba diving in Bohol. When paired with Mistral leggings (SRP: PHP 2,450), the Magma rashguard provided an extra layer for the cold water this season while I dove at Balicasag Island with Bohol Beach Club, the first and newest resort in Panglao. This outfit may also be used as wetsuit alternative in warmer conditions. The Dean board shorts (SRP: PHP 6,600) I wore in Capones Island, on the other hand, was an impressive fit and an eco-friendly product as it’s tailored from quick-drying fabric made of 87% recycled PET bottles!
While the company specializes in high-performance water sports wear, they also have stylish leisure swimwear like the Blue Munro swim shorts (SRP: PHP 2,580) I wore at Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa in Antipolo City. The elastic waist and laces ensured a really good fit, even while I cannonballed into the swimming pool, or enjoyed the jacuzzi and hydromassage amenities. Their swim shorts are really perfect for a day at the beach or hotel pool.
In a nutshell, Blood Red Clothing outperformed the watersports apparel brands I previously used. Aside from rash guards, leggings and shorts, they also design t-shirts, hoodies, neoprene tops and travel accessories. They also have apparel for women and children. Whether you’re a beach bum or watersports enthusiast, the brand makes sure you’re geared up for action under or above water. Blood Red Clothing exceeded my expectations. As their tagline goes, they’re #ThickerThanWater.
Where to Buy
Blood Red Clothing apparel and accessories are sold at R.O.X. stores and selected resorts in the Philippines. Products may also be purchased online at www.bloodredclothing.com. Free shipping for all domestic Philippine orders. Flat rates for US, EU, Asia and other international destinations.
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Blood Red Clothing Giveaway
Want to gear up in the latest Blood Red watersports wear? Get the chance to win PHP 5,000 worth of Blood Red apparel of your choice delivered to your doorstep by joining the raffle below! This contest is only open to residents of the Philippines. Deadline: March 2, 2015 (Monday)
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but the opinions herein are my own. I accept advertising in this blog as long as they are relevant to travel, tourism, adventure and outdoors. For inquiries, please send me an email.
[…] And, here’s what Edgar thinks of Blood Red’s current line– https://www.eazytraveler.net/2015/02/blood-red-clothing-review/ […]