Well-chosen clothing can clearly help with your comfort, improve how you feel during training and competition, and therefore enhance your performance. This holds true for most sports, but perhaps even more so for running. Running clothing is often highly technical, with higher-performance components designed to provide protection and comfort in all weather and all seasons. Find our tips below for choosing your road running clothing and get off on the right foot!
Road running clothing for summer
Bottom half
Shorts and three-quarter tights are the go-to options, though some people don't hesitate to go longer. Either way, choose a close-fitting garment with compression and muscle support to improve performance and prevent cramps and muscle soreness. For running shorts, go for lightweight and comfortable options — ideally in a micro-perforated fabric that provides gentle, effective ventilation to keep you dry during exercise while delivering a feeling of lightness.
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
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
Gloves are essential in extreme cold. Sensitivity in the hands varies from person to person, but it takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes of running to warm up your extremities — so a pair of gloves is far from a luxury! And yet they are often overlooked by beginners choosing their road running clothing.
Top half
Plan to wear one or two breathable t-shirts plus a windproof jacket. Layering 2–3 thin, close-fitting pieces is always preferable to bulky clothing that will leave you feeling overheated. You can also opt for a warm, breathable thermal jacket — ideal for running in winter, and light enough to barely notice you're wearing it.
Bottom half
It's preferable to keep your legs covered, but if you enjoy running in winter with bare legs, it's not a major issue. In that case, make sure to warm up properly — even massaging your legs before you set off. You can wear a pair of tights with shorts over the top, or a running trouser, or even full trousers with tights underneath for the coldest temperatures. That said, don't overdress on the legs — this is where you'll generally feel warmest and need the least layering.
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.
