There are many types of running tops made from various materials. It’s essential to know should running tops be tight or loose. People have various opinions on this depending on the weather, the person, distances planned for running.
Should Running Tops Be Tight Or Loose?
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- I believe running tops should be on the tighter side but maybe not skin tight, but I think the most important thing about a running top is the material it is made of. A running top must be made from moisture-wicking fabric, which helps keep the body cooler when running. These are the reasons that I believe a running top should be tight:
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- helps limit the movement of material while running
- prevent chafing.
- helps improve aerodynamics
- feel better when running
- depending on body shape, it shows off your muscles
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Limit Movement Of Material When Running
The less material a running top is made from, the less material that can move around when running. If you wear a loose top, the material will move while running, which can cause other problems. For example, if it is windy and you wear a loose top, the wind will blow the material. The looser a top is the more inclined it will be to ride up while you are running.
Prevent Chafing
The tighter the running top that a runner wears means less chafing. Chafing occurs when material moves and rubs off various parts of the skin. The main place that male runners suffer from chafing is on their tits. This is worse the longer the race is. You will often see a marathon runner crossing the line and their running top covered in blood due to chafing. Runners that wear loose running tops will generally suffer from chafing during long-distance races as the material moves.
Improves Aerodynamics
A tighter running top improves aerodynamics as no extra material flying about to slow you down. If you are a runner continuously thinking about how to make your times quicker, it might be worth looking at the clothes you wear running. Tight-running tops are definitely worth the investment.
Feel Better When Running
A tight running shirt helps to promote blood flow as compression tops help increase blood oxygen levels making it easier for your body to deliver oxygen to your blood and muscles efficiently. It also helps promote blood flow and fights against muscle soreness.
Shows Off Your Muscles
Tight running tops show off your muscles and lean body if you have the right body shape. This is why some people, especially men, wear a tight running top. Also, if you have a sculpted 6-pack, this can be seen with a tight top, making them seem even more pronounced. Maybe you have only started running to lose weight, so you won’t be interested in showing off your muscles.
How Tight Should A Tight Running Shirt Be?
This is another question many runners ask as I now have decided to wear a tighter shirt rather than a loose shirt, but then they wonder how tight this shirt should be. Should it be like a second skin, or should there be a little freedom of movement?
Running tops should be reasonably tight but not necessarily figure-hugging; likewise, they shouldn’t flap around when you run in them. It would be best if you aimed for a fine balance between well-fitted and slightly baggy.
We should check the following when deciding on a running shirt/top:
- Tight, but not so tight that you struggle to put it on.
- Minimal flapping and extra fabric anywhere
- Easy breathing
- Comfortable underarms, especially the seam, as the seam rubbing off the skin can cause chafing, which is very annoying and sore.
- Moisture-wicking and breathable.
- Doesn’t ride up.
What Material Should A Running Shirt Be Made From?
Many different materials are available when looking for a running shirt.
Synthetic fabrics have taken the lead in recent years for their ability to keep you dry and comfortable, and these synthetic fibers are man-made.
Synthetic materials include polyester and acrylic. They are the best for running as they can wick away moisture from your body and keep your body comfortable and dry.
Nylon – Nylon is one of the most popular fabrics in running wear as it’s sweat-wicking, breathable, and super stretchy, so it’ll move with you for a comfortable ride.
Cotton – Avoid cotton at all costs, which will soak up any sweat and rain, making the shirt heavy and uncomfortable. This shirt will be slow to dry.
Final Thoughts
I have always wondered should running tops be tight or loose. My preference has always been a tightish top, as I wouldn’t say I like a top that sticks to my skin, but I definitely don’t like a flapping top because it’s too loose. As I have said previously, the most important fact about a running top is that it is made from breathable, moisture-wicking material.
