Running Disciplines

A guide to buying running clothes

This guide gives you tips on choosing running clothes. When you take up running, the right clothing matters as well as the right shoes. Running clothes have refined materials, cuts and seams, so you can focus on what matters while you run.

This guide focuses on running on roads and other even surfaces. You'll find our trail running tips here, and our running shoe advice here.

The basics of choosing running clothes

What matters most in running clothes is low weight and good breathability. The materials, cuts and seams are designed specifically for running.
This guide focuses on running on even surfaces (there's a separate guide for trail running).
Technical fabrics wick sweat away from your skin quickly and keep you more comfortable.

Outer layers

Avoid clothing that's too loose, as it can get in the way of your running stride.
Outer layers should ideally have vents or a breathable fabric panel on the back.
Dress so that you feel slightly cool at the start, as your body heats up once you get going.

Base layers

For base layers, we recommend merino wool or technical fabrics, which manage moisture well and cope with changing weather.
Base layers can be either merino wool or synthetic.

Running socks

Avoid cotton socks, as they don't wick moisture away and can cause blisters.
Go for synthetic socks in warm weather and wool-blend socks when it's cooler.
Socks with a cuff that rises above the collar of your shoe can reduce chafing.

For running, the key things to look for in clothing are low weight and good breathability. On a windy day you may need protection from the wind, and from the rain when it's wet. You can get by in light clothing even when it's fairly cold. Only when the chill starts creeping in do you need an insulating layer.

Technical running clothes

Running clothes are almost exclusively made from synthetic technical materials. Wool has come a long way in recent years, though, so wool-blend and even pure wool running clothes are now available too.

Both materials are recommended for one main reason: their ability to wick moisture. As your intensity rises, sweat needs to move away from your skin as quickly as possible so your skin can breathe. That way, your clothing doesn't hold back your performance or your comfort.

Running clothes typically keep seams to a minimum, and the cut is designed to allow a full, active range of motion. Avoid clothing that's too loose. Baggy fit and excess fabric cause discomfort and can even restrict your body's natural movement.

For your outer layers, look out for vents. Openings on the back or a thinner mesh panel make a noticeable difference to breathability.

Quick tip: it's fine to feel a little chilly when you step out of your front door. Your body temperature will rise once you're moving, so overdressing can work against you mid-run. Running clothes are meant to keep your body close to its optimal temperature. So dress in thin layers that you can shed during your run if needed.

Base layers

For underwear, choose either merino wool or technical fabrics. Merino works especially well in cold weather, as it doesn't feel as cold against your skin when you stop and your heart rate drops. As long as you keep moving, you usually won't get cold.

You'll find men's merino wool base layers here and technical ones here.

Here are women's merino base layers and here are the technical ones, and we also stock sports bras that work well for running.

Running socks

First and foremost, avoid cotton socks for running. Cotton doesn't wick moisture away from your skin, so the sock is guaranteed to stay wet for your entire run. A wet cotton sock is cold and stiff, and it's almost certain to give you blisters.

Running socks made from synthetic materials are recommended for warm weather. They wick moisture effectively, so the sock stays dry and soft for the whole run and your feet don't suffer. In cooler weather, wool-blend socks are a solid choice.

Cuff height is largely down to personal preference, as long as the cuff rises clearly above the collar of your shoe to prevent unnecessary rubbing, for example on your Achilles tendon. Well-made running socks are anatomically shaped and almost seamless. This keeps the sock firmly in place while you run and prevents pressure points from forming.

Socks are worth investing in, because your feet are the only part of your body that hits the hard ground when you run. The more you can reduce the impact of hard road surfaces with a good combination of shoe and sock, the better.

Summary

Materials and fit are key to both comfort and performance when you run.
Technical clothing and the right base layers help keep your skin dry and comfortable throughout your run.

Our running clothing range includes running tops, trousers, tights and shorts. Trail running clothes also work well on even surfaces, and some cycling clothing doubles as running wear too.

You'll find plenty of gear for running here.