Choosing the right clothing can make a real difference to your comfort, improving how you feel during training and competition, and ultimately boosting your performance. This is true for most sports, but especially so for running. Running clothing tends to be more technical, featuring higher-performance components designed to offer protection and comfort in all weather conditions and across all seasons. Check out our tips below for choosing your road running clothing and get off on the right foot!
Road running clothing for summer
Bottoms
Shorts and capris are the go-to choice, although some people don't hesitate to go longer. Either way, choose a close-fitting garment with compression and muscle support to enhance performance and reduce the risk of cramps and muscle pain. When it comes to running shorts, go for lightweight and comfortable options — ideally with a micro-perforated fabric for gentle yet effective ventilation, keeping you dry during effort while delivering a sensation of lightness.
Tops
T-shirts or vests are the way to go — practical for full freedom of arm movement with no restriction. Look for quick-drying fabrics that ensure better comfort and efficient moisture management. Bear in mind that white reflects sunlight, and choose purpose-built tops: they are designed with special seams to prevent chafing.
Socks
On the road, you can wear either low or high socks (no real need to protect the calf). That said, make sure you choose socks with flat seams, a reinforced heel, and ideally models with a right/left foot ergonomic design. And of course, the fabric must be breathable to wick away moisture effectively.
To complete your kit, don't forget compression sleeves and a cap to cover your head. It protects you from the sun's rays and also from rain when needed. One final tip: don't wear a brand-new outfit for a race — wear it at least two or three times in training first to get used to it and spot any potential issues.
Road running clothing for winter
Beanie
Starting from the top, since that's where you're most likely to feel the cold, make sure you wear a beanie. It's highly effective in cold conditions, and if you choose a breathable beanie, it won't feel too uncomfortable. Plus, it's easy to take off mid-session and put back on at the end of your training run.
Gloves
They are essential in very cold conditions. It really depends on how sensitive your hands are, but it takes around 20 to 30 minutes of running to warm up your extremities, so a pair of gloves is far from a luxury! Yet they are often overlooked by beginners choosing their road running clothing.
Tops
Plan to wear one or two breathable t-shirts and a windproof jacket. It's always better to layer 2–3 thin garments close to the body rather than wearing thick clothing that will leave you feeling suffocated. You can also opt for a warm, breathable thermal jacket, which is ideal for running in winter — barely noticeable yet delivering maximum comfort.
Bottoms
It's preferable to keep your legs covered, but if you like running in winter with bare legs, it's not a major issue. In that case, make sure you warm up thoroughly, and even massage your legs before heading out. You can wear base layer shorts underneath a pair of running shorts, or opt for full-length trousers over a base layer for the coldest temperatures. That said, don't over-layer your legs — they tend to generate the most heat and need less insulation than the rest of your body.
Socks
It's best to go for ankle-height socks and follow much the same advice as for summer. Your feet shouldn't get cold while running.
Underwear
In very cold conditions, opt for technical base layers made from blended fabrics. Materials such as bamboo, for example, are ideal for staying close to the skin, wicking away perspiration and retaining warmth. They are also incredibly 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.
Either way, if you take road running seriously, choose your clothing with care. It might seem like a minor concern, but you'll only realise the difference too late if you opt for basic garments not specifically designed for running. These days, kitting yourself out properly doesn't cost much more, and in most cases the build quality means the clothing lasts significantly longer.
