Huckberry’s Performance Gear Is Criminally Underrated. Here’s Why.

3 min read

• Huckberry’s in-house performance brand, Proof, has recently expanded.
• It’s a rebrand of its Wellen brand, with a renewed focus on performance gear.
• The 72-hour Merino shirt is one of our best-tested T-shirts, and some of its new offerings are also favorites amongst our editors.

OUR EDITORS HAVE been fans of Huckberry gear for years. For the most part, though, it’s been of their style-forward staples, like the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, and the brand’s supremely comfortable jeans and chinos. But another one of Huckberry’s in-house brands, Proof, has started to creep into the conversations for some of our favorite workout apparel.

The line has expanded considerably in the last year or so. It takes a similarly rugged approach to its Flint and Tinder line, but with a performance twist. Huckberry’s activewear leg isn’t actually all that new; it’s actually a miniature rebranding of its former brand Wellen. It has made some notable new additions, though, including a new line of swimwear, the lined Sevens shorts, and the Airweave Performance Shirt. The rebrand also represented a shift in a definitive performance division under Huckberry’s umbrella of in-house brands, which also includes the aforementioned Flint and Tinder and the style-focused Wills.

Shop the Huckberry Proof Line

Our editors have tested out quite a bit from the new(ish) line, and we’ve been impressed. Proof’s 72-hour Merino Shirt, in particular, has stood out. We dubbed it the most durable T-shirt during our latest trials, and though a little pricey, the breathable, hardwearing merino material is well worth the investment. I’ve worn it to the gym and under a trap blazer to an event—it’s that versatile. It’s rated UPF 30+ for sun protection and features temperature regulation and odor-resistance (and I can personally vouch for the latter after my first leg day in weeks).

I’ve never been a huge fan of lined shorts, but Proof’s new Sevens Lined Sport Shorts converted me. I could barely feel the cooling liner, and they were stretchy enough for heavy squats. As with most of Proof’s new offerings, the shorts are great for just about everything. My colleague Danny Perez also wears them regularly—in fact, he was wearing them last time we spoke.

“The Sevens are the most versatile shorts I have for being outdoors,” Perez said. “I can run, lift, bike, and swim in them (or just wear them casually). The weight is akin to the Bandit Ventos—lightweight but sturdy. I like the longer lining with two phone pockets because, no matter how sweaty the run, they never chafe or ride up. The subtle branding makes them easy to throw on with a polo or short-sleeve button-up as well.”

I’m also a huge fan of the Sevens jogger pants. These come unlined, but they feature an equally durable ripstop material and zippered side pockets for storage. I thought they felt a little stiff out of the package, but they’re surprisingly soft and stretchy. I love that I can wear them at the gym and straight to a non-workout setting. They can easily pass for a pair of chinos.

The Airweave shirt is another hybrid option, and one that’s not necessarily suitable for the gym, but there’s a method to my madness. I’d never consider wearing a button-down shirt on the golf course, but again, things change. The Airweave shirt is breathable, moisture-wicking, and super stretchy. I got a lot of compliments on it during my first round of the season, and it’s easily a shirt I can wear on date night. I think it makes a great piece of resort wear, too, and I plan to put it to the test soon.

I included some standout picks below, including Proof’s new PatinaTech line, which is a little heavier but still airy enough for summer weather. Huckberry hasn’t let me down thus far, and the “Proof” is in the pudding.

Shop the Huckberry Proof Line

Our Favorites from Proof