When we go for a run, the big question is, what should I wear when running? Many variants affect what we wear. If the weather is warm, we will try to wear as few clothes as possible when we run, and if the weather is cold, we should wear extra layers; if wet and windy, find something that is wind resistant and waterproof. I will now go through the various clothes we should wear depending on the weather.
Summer
In the summer we should try to wear very few clothes. Generally, a running vest/singlet, shorts, socks, and runners. You will also need a good sports bra if you are a woman.
Running Vest/Singlet/Top
A running singlet is an athletic piece of clothing worn when running.
Ideally, a running vest should have a sweat-wicking dry-fit material, which is very important as the mesh panels make the vest breathable and lightweight.
A running top can be anything breathable and moisture-wicking. Each runner will have to decide whether these tops are tight or lose.
Some runners will also wear compression arm sleeves, which help with blood flow in the arms and are also made from sweat-wicking material.
Shorts
A nice light pair of shorts is essential. These shorts should consist of sweat-wicking material. In addition, running shorts should have a pocket for holding keys or a phone. These shorts come in various lengths, from short to medium to long.
Running Socks
There are many different types of running socks. In the summer, we should try to wear anklet socks, but some runners will need to wear compression socks to prevent injury. Anklet socks come in different variations of arch support, anti-blister, and seamless. Some runners chose not to wear socks.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are extremely important when we are running. We must know how our feet pronate before buying runners, as there are different running shoes depending on how your feet pronate. If we are trail running, we should buy trail running shoes, not road running shoes.
Sports Bra
A sports bra is an essential part of your running kit. We need a bra that will give us proper support so that we don’t bounce as we run, as this can be pretty painful if running any distance. Sports bras come in 3 variations, low impact, medium impact, and high impact.
Running Hat or Visor
A running hat should be made from breathable material so that air circulates when running. A running hat will draw the sweat from your head into the hat, keeping you a lot cooler. It also stops sweat from running into your eyes.
I prefer a running visor as it keeps the sun off my face and stops sweat from running onto my face. Also, an open top provides much better breathability and airflow than a hat/cap.
Sunscreen
We must wear sunscreen when we are out running during warm weather to help protect our skin from cancer.
Winter
During the winter, when we are out running, it is vital that we wear the right clothes to keep us warm but not have our bodies overheating at the same time. Therefore, I wear a base layer, long tights, running pants, socks, runners, a reflective jacket, gloves, and a hat in the winter.
Base layer
A base layer made from dri-fit material is the best top to wear when running in the winter as it keeps us warm and keeps the sweat away from our skin.
Running Tights/Pants
Running Tight/pants are great for keeping our legs warm in winter. Some of these running tights are thermally lined, keeping us much warmer. I prefer non-thermal leggings as I overheat when I wear thermal ones.
Running Socks
During the winter, knee-high socks are the best as they keep our legs warm. If you are a runner who needs to wear compression socks, you have no choice but to wear knee-high socks.
Running Shoes
I generally wear the same type of running shoes, winter, and summer. I know some sports companies do waterproof running shoes, but I have never tried them, so I won’t recommend them whether they are good or bad. The podium runner explains the advantages and disadvantages of waterproof running shoes.
Running Jackets
A light, waterproof, and windproof reflective running jacket is best for running. This jacket will protect us from the wind and the rain. It also needs to be made from a highly breathable membrane, so we don’t sweat from the jacket.
Extra Layers
If it is extremely cold, we can wear additional layers over the base layer and under the jacket, such as a t-shirt or even a long sleeve t-shirt.
Gloves
We should wear gloves to keep our hands warm and dry and blood circulating when the weather is cold. Ideally, these gloves should be made from moisture-wicking material such s merino wool, polyester, or nylon.
Hat
A hat during the winter will help prevent us from losing our body heat out through the top of our heads when running. A moisture-wicking beanie is probably the best hat for the winter.
Reflective Clothing
If running on dark winter evenings, even in lit-up areas, it is essential to wear highly reflective clothing or a high-vis vest. If running in unlit areas or areas with poor lighting, it is necessary to wear either a headlight or a body light as well as reflective clothing or a high-vis vest so that we are safe when we are out running.
Final Thoughts
I hope you now know what clothes you should wear when running, depending on whether it is winter or summer. In the summer, it is essential to wear light moisture-wicking garments, and in the winter, we wear clothes that will keep us warm and dry, and it is also vital that they are moisture-wicking. Also, wearing reflective clothing or a high-vis vest and light when running in dark areas is essential in the winter.
