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Sweatpants and cotton t-shirts have their place in the world, but not in the world of running. The serious runner knows to not only invest in his/her running shoes, but also in his/her running apparel. Whether it’s a tank top or a crew neck shirt, a pair of shorts or a pair of pants, the running gear one wears can either boost or hinder his/her performance.
Runners should be comfortable enough in their running apparel that it enhances the run and supports endurance. Apparel should not weigh the runner down, but should protect him/her from the sun, weather and the other elements which a runner faces on his/her journey.
One of the easiest ways to accomplish all this is by staying away from 100% cotton fabric when choosing running apparel. With all pieces of apparel, runners should specifically look for apparel items made of man-made fabrics designed to wick away moisture, stay free of static and protect the runner from chafing caused by friction.
Need assistance choosing Running Apparel? Follow these easy steps:
STEP 1: Identify the type of running apparel you need from the list below.
STEP 2: Read “Tips” for recommended features.
STEP 3: Click the provided links to shop for running apparel.
STEP 4: Try on your new apparel. It should feel comfortable throughout from the moment you try it on. Your new running apparel should not chafe, collect moisture nor create static. Never attempt to shrink or stretch out uncomfortable running apparel. In order to lengthen the life of your apparel, always read and follow the instructions listed on the laundry instruction tag inside.
- BASE LAYER
- During the warm running season, it’s important for runners to maintain their comfort by remaining free from moisture, which occurs during the natural process of perspiration. Meanwhile during the cold running season, runners not only want to stay dry but also stay warm. Wearing a running base layer can satisfy both of these very important needs.
- Men’s Running Base Layer Apparel
- Women’s Base Layer Apparel
- BASE LAYER TOPS
- TIPS:
- Compression (snug-fitting) and long sleeve base layer tops are best for cold weather running.
- Lightweight fabric
- Ability to wick away moisture
- Deep comfortable armholes
- Women’s base layer tops are cut to accommodate a woman’s body.
- Some brands offer special fabrications designed with silver fibers which can help to maintain body heat, fight static and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- BASE LAYER BOTTOMS
- TIPS:
- Compression (snug-fitting) base layer bottoms are best for cold weather running.
- Lightweight fabric
- Ability to wick away moisture
- Anti-friction design to avoid chafing
- BRAS
- All women engaging in any kind of sports activity, whether it’s low impact or high impact, should be wearing a sports bra. The bra itself will not only offer support and comfort, but it also offers protection from chafing and uncomfortable moisture.
- TIPS:
- Ample arm holes (Sports bras should not cut into the skin near the armpit.)
- Snug fit, but not constrictive
- Ability to wick away moisture or dry quickly
- Covered hooks and/or fasteners
- Supportive chest band
- Women with large frames will be most comfortable using sports bras with zip fronts and/or criss-cross back straps.
All Running Bras
- SHELF BRA TOPS
- Shelf bra tops offer some support with a built-in bra design. This type of sports bra is best for women with a small to medium bust. Women with a larger bust may desire to wear a shelf bra top over another sports bra for maximum support.
- Shelf Bra Tops
- COMPRESSION BRAS
- Compression bras also have a built-in bra design, but fit like a second skin and offer full support. This type of sports bra is best for women who normally wear A-cup to B-cup size bras. However, women with large body frames may find compression bras uncomfortable and difficult to get on or take off. Women with large body frames and/or large busts should consider molded sports bras.
- Compression Bras
- MOLDED BRAS
- Molded bras are sometimes referred to as encapsulated bras. The construction is similar to regular bras in that they have two built-in cups and are designed with an under wire or a firm chest band in order to provide adequate support. Molded bras are best for women who normally wear a C-cup or larger and women with large body frames.
- Molded Bras
- COMPRESSION APPAREL
- Compression running apparel fits snug and close to the body. Often, compression apparel is used as a base layer during the cold running season, as the close-to-the-body fit is designed to help the runner maintain his/her body temperature. However, runners may choose to wear compression apparel alone. This is because compression apparel offers other benefits besides warmth. Compression apparel protects athletes from chafing, which can be very beneficial while running, walking or using the elliptical. In addition, some athletes find that compression apparel supports the muscles during vigorous activity, which may aide in recovery.
- TIPS:
- OUTERWEAR
- Thanks to running outerwear, the dedicated runner does not have to miss his/her daily run just because it’s windy, cold or wet outside. Today’s running jackets and vests are designed to protect runners from inclement weather and keep the run comfortable. Runners can stay warm and/or dry with either vests or jackets, depending on what the needs are. If the runner prefers to keep his/her arms free from restriction and merely needs to keep his/her core (torso) warm, then a running vest is adequate. If the runner needs to protect his/her arms from inclement weather, then a running jacket would be more beneficial.
- TIPS:
- Lightweight
- Venting system or breathable fabric
- Water and/or wind resistant
- Flat seams for comfort
- Hooded jackets or vests are beneficial to runners who need to keep their head warm.
- Assuming that the runner is wearing a moisture-wicking base layer, jackets and vests made with a cotton blend are acceptable.
- Some type of reflective feature is especially beneficial to runners who run at night or early morning.
Men’s Running Outerwear
Women’s Running Outerwear
- PANTS
- Running pants come fitted (compressed), semi-fitted or loose. As stated before, compression pants are important for use as a base layer for warmth or to protect runners from chafing. Other runners may prefer semi-fitted or loose fitted running pants, depending on comfort level. For women, running pants come in two lengths: full-length or capri. There is no one perfect length for all runners; and the choice between the two is based on personal preference.
- TIPS:
- SHIRTS
- Like pants, running shirts come compressed or with a loose fit. They come with short sleeves, long sleeves or with no sleeves at all. Men also have the option to buy a tank style running shirt. However, women get to choose from tank tops, strappy tank tops and shimmels, which are shaped like tank tops but come with built-in bra support.
- TIPS:
- Lightweight
- Breathable fabric
- Ability to wick away moisture
- Deep comfortable armholes
- Women’s shirts are cut to accommodate a woman’s body.
- Some brands offer special fabrications designed with silver fibers which can help to maintain body heat, fight static and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- Some type of reflective feature is especially beneficial to runners who run at night or early morning.
Men’s Running Shirts
Women’s Running Shirts
- SHORTS
- With running shorts, runners have the option to select from various lengths. Men can choose from a 4” inseam to a 7” inseam, while women can choose from a 1 1/2” inseam to a 7” inseam. The length is normally dependent on the runner’s own personal modesty. Again, compression shorts are generally used as a base layer or to protect the runner from chafing. Looser fit shorts allow for greater movement, while half-split running shorts allow for even greater movement. Most running shorts come with a built-in integral liner which is used in lieu of underwear and offers enough support even for men.
- TIPS:
- Lightweight
- Breathable fabric
- Ability to wick away moisture
- Built-in mesh liner
- Anti-friction fabric to protect from chafing
- Elastic waistbands are normally more comfortable than shorts with a built-in belt.
- If modesty is a concern, choose a v-notch style of running short.
- The longer the inseam, the heavier the short.
Men’s Running Shorts
Women’s Running Shorts
- SWEATSHIRTS
- A running sweatshirt is meant to keep you warm and most all sweatshirts come in a cotton-blend. But by wearing a moisture-wicking base layer beneath the sweatshirt, you will still be able to remain dry while wearing this natural fiber. Running sweatshirts come with or without hoods, crew neck style, pull over style or in a zip-up style. The style of sweatshirt a runner uses is based on personal preference, but all are effective in keeping a dedicated runner warm on the run.
- TIPS:
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