A New Runner’s Guide To Dressing For A Workout, And How To Look Good Doing It.
Don’t let formal wear have all the fun!
As we ring in the new year, we also welcome the onslaught of resolutions we’ve set for ourselves. For some, the new year means leaning into fitness and picking up new workout habits, like running. The tricky part with running attire, which applies to any workout activity, is that functionality trumps every other consideration. While running, the clothes you wear should move and breathe with your body.
Athletic company, Brooks, which specializes in running shoes, believes, “you should wear your clothes while running, they shouldn't wear you.”
Factoring in the functionality of athletic-wear makes it more challenging to create outfits that also feel styled and fashionable. However, it’s not impossible. By elevating certain ensemble elements, such as tennis shoes, sports bras, and socks, your exercise attire can evoke ‘effortless chic’ while enabling successful runs.
Begin with the Base
With any outfit, shoes are a crucial element that can make or break the whole ensemble. This makes them a good jumping-off point for bringing style into your athletic-wear. Take advantage of the plethora of options available in the market, and use various colors and silhouettes to add personality into every look. The versatility of tennis shoes should not be overlooked when getting dressed for runs.
If there is a color your closet favors, then why not purchase shoes to compliment that. Running brands have shoe styles that cater to all fashion tastes. From color lovers to neutral admirers, there is a shoe model to suit everyone’s taste. Stealthfit sneakers taper in at the ankle, giving the them a sleeker appearance. Or chunkier styles can be used to anchor streamlined outfits. Check out this Runner’s Guide to Shoes for some ideas:
Set Yourself for Success
Workout sets are a lifesaver for those who love to dress in cohesive outfits with minimal effort. The emergence of the ‘Hot Girl Walk’ trend has blessed our markets with a plethora of choices for athletic sets. With such a wide range of styles available, you will be able to identify a functional set without compromising personal style. Feeling confident in the outfit you’re running in is important because when you look good, you feel good.
One way to derail a run is by wearing clothes that will cause irritation to your skin as you move. When considering whether a set is worth the purchase, examine the quality and effectiveness of its ‘sweat-wicking’ fabric.
According to outdoor apparel company Smartwool, “Breathability is the ability of a fabric or fiber to transport moisture in the vapor state from an area of higher humidity to an area of lower humidity. In other words, the more breathable a product is the better it is at removing moisture from the microclimate (the space between your skin and the garment).”
A fabric’s ability to breathe, and keep the microclimate dry, will prevent chafing while running. Per Nike, moisture-wicking fabrics are great for not just keeping your body dry, but also regulating body temperature. The more effective a garment is at enabling the evaporation process, the better it can regulate body heat.
For overall health, the ability of a garment to work with your body is a paramount consideration. Refrain from choosing sets that are too binding. Running is all about free movement; You want to be in control of your clothes, not the other way around. This is especially true when identifying effective sports bras; Brooks states breasts can move up to “10cm in three different directions'' while on a run. Finding a garment that effectively supports the chest area without digging in or constricting will prevent adverse effects. These sports bras from LuluLemon, Set Active, and Nike all have medium to high support, which is the support range needed for high-impact activities, such as running.
Head-to-Toe
Accessories allow you to bring some fun and intrigue into an outfit. One way to bring in a new element is with headbands. To any reader possessing bangs or face frames: headbands are one of the most effective ways of keeping those pesky face frames out of the way. An additional benefit of wearing headbands: the cloth will soak up sweat around your face. For colder runs, opt for headbands made from a heavier material, as they can keep ears warm. Beyond these functional benefits, headbands bring an essence of totality to your athletic outfits.
How to Style: Match your headband to your shoes. Or use a headband to segue for introducing a pop of color. Headbands are a great way to crown your outfit.
A necessary accessory for any running ensemble is the sock. As the only line of defense between your feet and blisters, socks are a vital wardrobe item for every runner. Historically, the ideal running sock is lightweight but cushioned where the cuff of a tennis shoe meets the foot. However, there is an alternative to the textbook running sock, and that is.. the white tube sock.
Why not shake things up instead of deferring to the expected choice? Opting for a tube sock, while unconventional, allows you to bring a bit of styling to your outfit. W Magazine deems white tube socks to be a “secret styling weapon,” useful in any fashionista's arsenal. In workout settings, the look of a longer sock elongates the legs and provides a smoother transition from sneaker to leg (compared to ankle socks). The benefit of running in longer socks is they still have cushion, and you won’t have to worry about them riding down.
Running is a beautiful pass time, it can be a meditation as much as anything else, and loving what you wear will only enhance the experience. There doesn’t need to be a sacrifice between looking good and having functional gear. Light up the sidewalks with a vibrant pair of sneakers, feel sleek in your set, have fun with tube socks– however you suit up for a run, make the clothing choices that make you happy and the style will follow suit.
Find this story in the Jan. 2024 Issue of the magazine for a fun quiz!
Written by
Molly Waters