 HELP Running Clothing As in all areas today clothing worn by runners in the 21st century has developed through research and many advances in science. The vast range or articficial fabrics used and many improvements in design and manufacturing processes leave little room for the old cotton tee shirt in the modern day kit bag.
Take a look at our tips for buying clothing and don't forget if you have any questions before you buy please get in touch.
Running Tops
The different weights or thickness reflect the different seasons. As do the length of the sleeves - stating the obvious, but it's best to have a short sleeve and a long sleeve version with our climate in the UK. Anyway, many people complete events and races in short sleeve tops even in the winter months. If you feel the cold more than most people then look out for those tops described warm. The fabrics will provide sufficient ventilation via intricate panels - usually down the sides and any seams will be locked down to feel almost seamless. Although some tops are heavier than others to be worn on colder days, they will still be much lighter than a cotton top. Half zip tops can be especially useful if you like to vary the ventilation once you get warm on a run. Winter can be a time for a baselayer. These tops are worn next to skin, can sometimes provide some support or mild compression but are essentially worn to reduce the rate of air flow next to your body and thus help regulate your body temperature.
Shorts/Tights
As more and more people take up running there are more styles and particularly lengths of shorts on the market each season. All our shorts are constructed of wicking fabrics to reduce the amount of sweating and include an inner layer for better fit and comfort. Many include a small pocket, sometimes with zip for storing keys etc... In addition to the traditional and still popular racing style short, we now see a range shorts in lengths ranging from 5" to 9" and some a baggier shape than others. ¾ length or Capri tights are very popular with women and becoming more popular to with men too.
You don't necessarily need to look like you've an audition pending with the National Ballet to wear a full length tight out on a winter run. If you steer away from bold panels of colour and go for a plain black tight in a matt fabric it will pass off on anyone. If you've ever run in really cold weather and pulled up with a tight hamstring or calf then you should be aware of the benefits of wearing a long tight to keep out the elements. Most full length running tights will have a zip at the bottom for ease in taking them on and off and also a draw cord around the waist and some element of reflective material so you can be seen at night. Many have a small zip pocket for a key too.
Jackets
The price generally reflects the design features of the jacket. More expensive jackets would provide further protection against rain and wind. That said, most of our jackets will do a very good job at protecting you from the wind and from a good shower. A waterproof jacket will likely have a protective membrane and have tape applied to any seams to keep out the rain. Shower proof running jackets will not normally incorporate a hood, leaving it to you to work out whether you want to go with a hat, cap or choose to go without.
High Visability Jackets
Incorporating the same features of any of our other running jackets, a hi-viz jacket is a popular choice and often essential bit of kit for the runner. Designed with visability in mind these bright coloured jackets make you stand out, not just on dark mornings and nights but any time you are running on the roadside, down a busy commuter route or a narrow country lane. As well a bright colour these jackets incorporate reflective material on the front, sides and rear for 360 degree round visability. Be seen from a quarter of a mile away or more.
Baselayers
As touched on previously these garments are worn next to skin and can provide some support or mild compression but are essentially worn to reduce the rate of air flow next to your body and thus help regulate your body temperature. There are a range of different long sleeve and short sleeve baselayers and some offer greater warmth and provide thermal qualities for the colder winter months.
Compression
The growth in the area of compression wear is one of the best examples of how research,textile chemistry and improvements in design and manufacturing have brought about garments which benefit Olympians as well as the competitive runner and those exercising to achieve fitness goals. The technical fabrics offer different grades of compression across the extent of the individual garment and these garments are scientifically proven to improve posture, minimise unwanted vibration of the muscles, improve blood flow post exercise and enhance recovery.
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