Running Clothing Advice

There is a lot of advice to take onboard for running clothing but there are some basics for each part of the body that can be taken onboard and applied when selecting what you need and what to buy.

Typically there will be options for each type of clothing due to the different brands. A simplistic view could be to differentiate on price i.e. the higher the price the better the product. And that is normally true anyway and the old adage about how you 'get what you pay for' is normally the case.

Our video guide to Buying Running Clothing may offer your some help but there also a detailed breakdown of the different types of clothing laid out below:

Here are the different running clothing advice sections you can find below:

Hats and Gloves - anything a runner may or may need to wear on their hands or head.
Tops, T-shirts and Long Sleeve Tees - arguably the most important piece of clothing.
Running Jackets - the styles, weights and function of a protective over layer.
Shorts, Tights and Leqwear - what to wear below the waist and why.
Running Socks - looking after your feet isn't just about the right shoes.

Running Hats and Gloves (click men's or women's to see full range)

You may need a hat in both winter or summer but probably not in between. In the winter a hat is for heat insulation and to prevent you becoming too cold. Technical hats fit well and are made from synthetic fabrics.

In the Summer months / hotter weather then a running cap is more appropriate in order to keep the sun off your head and to reduce the risk of sun stroke and excessive dehydration.

Gloves are used by some runners all year round because the weather can still be fresh early in the morning and late at night. But gloves protect the hands from chaffing and dried skin. They also enhance the comfort of a runner because cold hands can be very uncomfortable.

Running Tops (click men's or women's to see full range)

A good running top should have certain key features such as lightweight, moisture wicking fabrics, frictionless seams, appropriate fit and cut plus extra panels in key areas for extra ventilation or warmth.

The more money you spend on a running top then the more of these features you can expect to see . And like with all our advice, you will understand that the more running you do the more important these become.

As a general rule a short sleeve running top is an essential addition to your running wardrobe. These are perfect in their own right but can then be worn over a base layer or under a long sleeve top or jacket.

Base layers fit closer and next to the skin and are normally made from softer fabrics. They are especially important in the colder months when the maximum possible moisture wicking all over the body needs to be attained.

Long sleeve running tops are a simple extension to the short sleeve option but offer additional warmth in the arms for when the weather is a little colder. Some long sleeve running tops do have additional features such as finger loops.

Other things to consider are the style of neck you prefer because yet again there is lots of choice. The main options are round necks, v-necks, half-zips and roll necks.

Running Jackets (click men's and women's to see full range)

These are another essential piece of running kit that are obviously much more important in windy colder weather. The weight of running jackets is usually very light and sometimes this may be confused with thin or low quality fabrics.

This is quite simply not the case - the innovation in fabric design has meant that modern running jackets are exceptionally lightweight whilst offering windproof and waterproof protection. Keeping warm in windy conditions is easy with a windproof jacket but when the air temperature is low then heavier jackets are required.

The heaviest weight jackets are normally water and windproof and the best products in the market use the world recognised Gore-tex fabric. However, the use of well known fabrics normally increases the price but does provide a guarantee of performance and quality.

Running Shorts, Tights and Legwear (click men's or women's to see full range)

Choosing what to wear below your waist can be difficult and there is definitely a difference in this category between men and women and their preferences. Typically men don't normally choose anything longer than above the knee but will wear full length tights in winter. Women will normally choose something at least knee length or longer all year around.

Mens running shorts vary from the classic racer shorts that are terribly short and revealing, right to the longer shorts that are still supportive around the groin but are looser fitting and now extend down to the knees. It is also popular to wear a lycra based running short as a base layer under another short and these are also worn in their own right.

Any fabric with a high Lycra content will be more supportive and fit closer. This can be a more flattering fit and when worn in black most womens running tights look good. However, running kit still needs to be breathable and deisgned to have the right cut and fit. If the garments are not then this will encourage chaffing and will not be comfortable when running longer distances.

It seems to us that women's most popular style of running tight is a 3/4 length and this does offer exceptional versatility. This style will cover the knees which will keep the joint warm enough in winter to keep it fluid but will not be too warm in the summer. All the main brands make them and there are also 3/4 length tights available in looser fitting, lightweight fabrics too.

It is also worth mentioning compression wear as this is becoming ever popular due to the growing awareness of the benefits and of the brands involved in compression due to high profile sponsorship deals. The advantages are that the tight and supportive fit will keep the blood flowing delivering energy and clearing waste products. The compression can also improve form and posture.

Running Socks (click men's or women's to see full range)

It should be noted that if you have bought a pair of running shoes then it is a crime if you don't also wear a good pair of running socks! They fit better, they wick moisture away from your foot, they are breathable and prevent blisters plus they can be cushioned and are very very comfortable.

There is a lot of choice when choosing running socks but basically if you suffer from blisters then choose a twin skin sock that will help absorb the friction generated between your skin and the sock. If you want extra cushioning for whatever reason then choose padded socks. And if you want a summer or racing sock then choose a lightweight breathable sock.

And if you simply want the best running socks money can buy, then choose X-SOCKS. These socks have got everything from a left and a right anatomical fit, anti-bacterial properties from a silver footbed, air channels, padding and a highly wicking fabric and expertly designed fit.