Guide to Running Clothes
Having the right running clothes and shoes makes running more comfortable and enjoyable. (Owning functional gear doesn’t hurt either.)
In this guide, I break down the running-related clothing items I’ve worn over the years. I describe what I look for when shopping and provide links to online buying guides if I could find them. In addition to the products those guides provide, I have a paragraph on my favorite item in the category and other items that I’ve tried with my review. (I’m not a brand ambassador for any products.) When possible, I provided links to the product I used but manufacturers discontinue or alter clothing items on a regular basis.
Table of Contents
The Basics
Summer/Fall
Winter
The Basics
Sports Bras
For some women, this is the most important yet problemative purchase in their running wardrobe. For smaller busted women, there are a lot of options on the market that will lead to comfortable running. But for larger chested women, the options are more limited since the demise of the Brooks Juno Racerback Sports Bra. Still, most women should look for supportive, “high-impact” models. This is one of those items where it’s better to try it on in a local running store rather than purchasing online. There’s an expression – likely created by running apparel manufacturers – that a sports bra shouldn’t see a birthday.
Favorite: Lululemon Energy Bra [Review]
Buying Guides: The 13 Best Sports Bras for Runners, Runner’s World
Price Range: $25-$100
Other Products: [Tag]
Tops – Sleeveless
For most runs, I wear a singlet or tank top. For singlets, look for warm, sweat-wicking fabric, soft against the skin, and fitted. (As a general rule, I don’t wear short-sleeve shirts. In my opinion, the little flap of fabric over my shoulder doesn’t serve much purpose.)
Favorite: Saucony Endorphin Singlet [Review]. This is my favorite singlet for races. It’s fitted but not clingy. The fabric is soft but it doesn’t feel drenched with sweat on humid days. Some runners might find it a little short-waisted – it hits me at the waist band and I’m 5’7″. It has a racer-back design. Price: $38
Buying Guides: For All Your Miles and Every Workouts, These Are the Best Running Shirts, Runners World
Price Range: $35-$50
Other Products: [Tag]
Shorts
Shorts are my exercise bottoms of choice for temperatures above 40 degrees. When shopping for good running shorts, for me, it’s all about the pockets. While I can wear a running belt, I’d rather have enough pockets to carry my house key, a few cards, and a gel. I also pay attention to the inseam. Generally, the longer the inseam, the less I have to worry about chaffing from “chub rub“. In addition to loose-fitting shorts, short-tights are another options.
Favorite: Saucony Impulse Short. These shorts are made of comfortable fabric and have a four inch inseam. They have one zippered pocket in the back of the waist band that’s large enough for some cards and a gel, and a small pocketer in the front for a key. Saucony broke my heart and discontinued the short but it’s still available through secondary retailers such as Amazon. Price: $20-$60
Honorable Mention: Oiselle Roga Shorts [Review].
Buying Guides: All The Running Shorts We’re Loving Right Now, Runner’s World
Price Range: $20-$100
Other Products: [Tag]
Socks
At minimum, a running sock is just a liner between the foot and the shoe. But, some socks also provide additional cushioning or support for the foot. Look for brans made of smooth fabric to avoid blisters.
Balega Hidden Comfort Socks. Without a doubt, this is my favorite sock. It provides good cushion for long runs and enought warmth in the winter. It fits well and cuts right under my ankle. There aren’t any seams that would irritate my feet and the fabric is comfortably soft. Price: $13
Buying Guide: The Best and Most Comfortable Running Socks, Runner’s World
Price Range: $10-$20
Other Products: [Tag]
Shoes
Running shoes are very individual. There are trainers constructed for everyday running, lighter shoes for racing, and trail shoes for navigating tough terrain. For new runners, getting a proper fitting at a local running store is a good idea before buying a shoe.
Favorite: Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Waveknit. I’ve been wearing these shoes for a few years now. As a high mileage runner, I’ve needed a model that would stand up to the constant pounding. The newest version feels slightly lighter than the 21s but the ride is essentially the same. Price: $140
Buying Guide: The Best Running Shoes of 2022, Runner’s World
Price Range: $100-$190
Other Products: [Tag]
Add-ons: Speedlaces [Review] and Beecause Shoe Charms Back to top of page
Summer/Fall
Tops – Long Sleeves
When the temperature drops below 60 degrees, I’ll usually put on a long sleeve top. I look for warm, sweat-wicking fabric that’s soft against the skin and fitted.
Favorite: Saucony Swift Long Sleeve. This is one of several Saucony products that I love but have been discontinued. It’s very cozy and fits perfectly on my 5’7″ frame hitting right at my wrists in the arms and hips on the waist. I own two – one in blue and one in black. The fabric is a little on the heavy side so it provides a little warmth on colder spring or fall days. It’s also reversible. Price: $58
Honorable Mention: Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve. These shirts are so comfortable that I own three. I wear them as an outer layer on slightly cold days but mostly as a base layer in the winter. It’s fitted but the fabric breathes well. It’s long in the arms and waist on me, so it’s probably best suited for lanky runners. Price: $68
Buying Guide: The Best Base Layers for Runners, Runner’s World
Price Range: $50-$115
Other Products: [Tag]
Arm Warmers
On spring and fall days when the temperature is around 50 degrees, I will often wear arm warmers. As someone on the lanky side, I look for models that will cover the length of my arm. I also try to find seams that might chafe.
Favorite: Asics Thermal Arm Sleeves. These arm warmers are very basic. The fabric is thick, so they can get a little warm on some days but it’s easy to roll them down.
Price Range: $10-$40
Other Products: [Tag]
Visors
For runners, visors are primarily for sun protection and wicking sweat away from the eyes. When shopping, look for a wide brim that shades the eyes from the sun. They’re also good on rainy days for keeping water off the face.
Favorite: Brooks Chaser Visor. I purchased this visor at the 2019 Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon and have worn it on a few runs now. I can’t believe how comfortably it fits my small head! I bought several because my Nike visors are literally falling apart. I liked the adjustable band better than Velcro, which is used by some manufacturers. The brim is a little shallow but I’m happy to just pull it down because it actually fits well. Price: $24
Buying Guide: 12 Cool Running Hats to Shield You From the Sun, Runner’s World
Price Range: $25-$35
Other Products: [Tag]
Winter
Outerwear
A good jacket or vest can provide warmth and protection from snow and rain. The key is finding something that is warm but also light-weight. A water-resistant outer and fleecy lining is also good. Also, look for a fit that keeps the elements out (i.e., no gaps around the neck, wrists, and waist), and pockets.
Favorite: Road Runner Sports R-Gear Never Winded Jacket. I got this jacket as a gift and it’s out of stock. It’s not fancy but it gets the job done. The outer shell is made from a water-reistent fabric. The inner layer is fleecy for added warmth. The front zipper is cut on a bias which makes the jacket somewhat stylish. The two front pockets are zippered. The neck is high but soft. Price: $89.99
Buying Guide: The Best Winter Running Jackets That Make Cold Weather Runs Bearable, Runner’s World
Price Range: $80-$200
Other Products: [Tag]
Tights
When the temperature turns cold, full leg coverage can make running much more comfortable. Finding a tight that’s both warm and light-weight can be a challenge, though. Purchase a pair that still allows for a full range of motion in the legs. For taller runners, the length is also critical for ankle coverage. A fleecy lining and pockets are also nice.
Favorite: Sugoi Midzero and Subzero Tights. I’ve been so happy with these tights that I rarely even try on other brands. The midzero are lighter and allow for a lot of leg movement. I do winter speed workouts in them. The subzero are heavier and don’t move as well but they have a warm fleecey lining. I’m 5’7″ and they hit about 2″ above my ankles, which is fine with me. The only problem I have with these tight is that there aren’t any pockets! There’s a key pocket on the waist band but that’s it. Price: $129.99 and $139.99
Buying Guide: The 15 Best Tights for Every Type of Run, Runner’s World
Price Range: $35-$170
Other Products: [Tag]
Beanies
Warm, sweat-wicking fabric, soft, fitted and long enough to covers the ears.
Favorite: Mizuno Breath Thermo Pip. I bought this hat before the 2017 Fairfax Four Miler and it became a favorite this winter. It’s very light weight, warm, and fits my head like a glove. I noticed the current model was on sale so I bought two more! I like this beanie because it’s light-weight and fits over my ears. Price: $30
Buying Guide: 9 Winter Running Hats to Keep Your Noggin Warm on Cold Runs, Runner’s World
Price Range: $10-$30
Other Products: [Tag]
Gloves
On sub-freezing days, I will usually wear a liner-type glove and mittens – sometimes with Grabber Hand Warmers. Grippers make it easier to grab items out of pockets. If using electronic devices, touch pads on the finger tips is useful.Favorite: Asics Everyday Liner Gloves. In the spring and fall, I wear my Asics New York City Marathon Five-Boroughs gloves almost every day. There are a lot of similar gloves out there, though, that don’t have the New York City boroughs on the fingers. Price: $9
Honorable Mention: Smartwool Cozy Mittens [Review]
Buying Guide: 16 Great Running Gloves You’re Sure to Love, Runner’s World
Price Range: $9-$45
Other Products: [Tag]
Neck Warmers
Turtle Fur Neck Warmer [Review]
This page was initially published on October 8, 2018 and will be edited or updated as needed.