Apparel
Apparel should support your body during exercise by allowing freedom of movement and provide necessary support to muscles and joints. Moisture-wicking fabrics facilitate temperature regulation to help keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather by pulling sweat away from the skin. A good fit reduces friction to help prevent skin chafing and blisters.
Running Shorts
The type of shorts you wear will largely be dictated by your preferences and training needs but look for something you can move freely in.
When choosing a pair of shorts, consider:
Inseam length – determines the amount of leg coverage and freedom of movement. A shorter length increases mobility but a longer length provides more coverage.
Waistband – affects the comfort, security and fit of the shorts. A thinner waistband weighs less but a thicker waistband will provide more of an anchor to slip less. Ensure the waistband is smooth and does not dig in.
Liner – most shorts contain a liner made of breathable fabric that wicks moisture, allows airflow and provides support. A good liner helps prevent chafing by acting as underwear.
Pockets/storage – allows you stash essentials (e.g. phone, gels, keys, ID, bank card, money). Consider how much storage space you will need depending on the length of your run.
There are a variety of types of shorts, such as:
Classic shorts – have a liner and typically come in lengths of 2”, 5” and 7”
Split shorts – have a split up the sides to allow a greater range of motion
Short tights – provide a snug, sleek fit for optimal freedom of movement
2-in-1 shorts – combines the benefits of short tights with more conventional shorts for a more casual look
Running Tops
The wrong top can quickly ruin a run. Traditional cotton t-shirts soak up sweat, stick your skin and prevent sweat from evaporating and cooling your skin. This can lead to chafing, discomfort and overheating.
A technical top will allow air to pass through to your skin to avoid chafing and overheating which will allow you to move more comfortably. Make sure to wear tops that fit well. A well-fitting top sits close to your skin and is not overly tight but loose and free enough to let air flow through and allow you to move freely.
There are three main types of tops:
Tank tops/singlets – have no sleeves which allows for more freedom of movement and more airflow to help keep you cooler
Short sleeve tops – have short sleeves fitted close to the arms for added coverage
Long sleeve tops – have long sleeves for added protection and insulation on colder days
Running Jackets
The type of jacket you require will be largely dictated by the weather conditions but look for something that provides both protection and comfort.
Jackets are used to shield you from the elements like rain, wind and cold weather to make your training more consistent and enjoyable. Some jackets are waterproof or water-resistant to help keep you dry in wet conditions. Other jackets are windproof or wind-resistant to provide protection in windy conditions. Some jackets have reflective elements to enhance visibility in dark and low-light settings to improve safety.
A quality jacket will enhance performance as well as offer protection. Jackets help maintain optimal body temperature by offering breathability to avoid overheating while also providing insulation to keep the body warm. A jacket that is lightweight with a flexible design will allow for unrestricted movement to ensure you can move naturally. When choosing a jacket, consider the material quality, breathability, water resistance, fit and visibility features. A good jacket will be both functional and comfortable as well as adapt to your needs and movement to enhance your running experience.
Running Tights
Running tights are designed to offer support, comfort and performance benefits when moving.
Due to their tight fit, they offer flexibility and freedom of movement which allow you to move more naturally and without restrictions, unlike when wearing joggers or running pants. The snug fit of tights can provide muscle support with compression tights even reducing fatigue and aiding in quicker recovery post-run.
The thermal properties of tights help keep muscles warm to reduce injury risks and make your run more enjoyable. Tights made of moisture-wicking fabrics help keep the skin dry by moving sweat and prevent chafing and irritation. Some tights have reflective details to enhance visibility in dark and low-light settings to improve safety.
When choosing a pair of tights, consider the material quality, fit and additional features such as compression level, pockets or reflective elements. A good pair of running tights will be both comfortable and durable enough to withstand regular use to help you experience your best run.