The right clothing can make you more comfortable in training and competition, helping you perform at your best. That matters in most sports, but especially in running. Running clothing is often more technical, with high-performance fabrics designed to provide protection and comfort in all weather and every season. Read our tips below for choosing road-running clothing and get off on the right foot.
Road running clothing for summer
Bottom half
Shorts and three-quarter-length tights are good choices, though some runners prefer longer bottoms. Whatever you choose, go for a close fit with compression and muscle support to help improve performance and reduce the risk of cramps and muscle pain. For running shorts, choose a lightweight, comfortable pair, ideally with micro-perforated fabric for gentle, effective ventilation that helps you stay dry and feel light as you run.
Top half
Opt for t-shirts or vests, which are practical for good arm freedom and unrestricted movement. Choose quick-drying fabrics to ensure better comfort and effective moisture-wicking. Bear in mind that white reflects light — and look for tops designed specifically for running, as they feature special seam construction to prevent chafing.
Socks
On the road, you can wear either low or high socks (you don't need much calf protection). However, make sure to choose socks with flat seams, a reinforced heel and ideally a right/left foot-specific design. And of course, the fabric should be breathable to effectively wick away perspiration.
To complete your kit, don't forget compression arm sleeves and a cap. It protects you from the sun and can also keep off the rain. One final tip: never wear a brand-new outfit for a race — wear it at least two or three times in training first to break it in and spot any potential issues.
Road running clothing for winter
The beanie
Starting with your head — where you're most at risk of getting cold — make sure you wear a beanie. It's highly effective in cold conditions, and if you choose a breathable beanie, it won't be too uncomfortable. It's also easy to take off mid-session and put back on at the end of your workout.
Gloves
They’re essential in very cold weather. How quickly your hands warm up varies from person to person, but it can take around 20 to 30 minutes of running for your extremities to warm up. So a pair of gloves is well worth bringing. Yet beginners choosing road-running clothing often overlook them.
Top half
Wear one or two breathable T-shirts and a windproof jacket. Two or three thin, close-fitting layers are better than thick clothing that can feel stifling. You could also choose a warm, breathable thermal jacket for winter running: it keeps you comfortable without getting in your way.
Bottom half
It’s best to cover your legs, but if you prefer running in winter with bare legs, that’s fine. Just make sure you warm up properly, and consider rubbing your legs before you set off. You can wear base-layer shorts under running shorts or trousers, or combine base-layer bottoms with trousers in the coldest conditions. Don’t overdo the layers on your legs, though: they’re likely to warm up the most and need less insulation.
Socks
It's best to choose crew-length socks and follow the same recommendations as for summer. Your feet shouldn't get cold while running.
Base layers
In very cold conditions, opt for technical base layers in blended fabrics. Materials blended with bamboo, for example, are perfect for staying close to the body, wicking away perspiration and retaining warmth against your skin. What's more, they are extremely comfortable and soft — almost like a second skin! In any case, if you run in regular underwear, watch out for chafing, which can become a real problem over time, and choose products with flat seams where possible.
That said, if you take road running seriously, choose your clothing with care. It may seem like a minor concern, but you'll notice the difference too late if you pick road running clothing from a range of basic or non-purpose-built options. Today, kitting yourself out properly doesn't cost much more, and in most cases the quality of construction means the clothing lasts significantly longer.
