Your running clothes should always be tailored to what you’re doing, whether that’s running 20 miles or knocking out 20 minutes on the treadmill before hitting the weights. Regardless of what type of running you plan on doing, it’s never a good idea to hit the streets in an old cotton t-shirt and your gym shorts from high school. It’s important to put together a running kit that not only fits you properly and performs at the highest levels (and temperatures), but also looks as good as what you’d wear when you do other sports, like ride a bike. That way you don’t have to change before hitting the hipster coffee spot post-workout.
The Fitness Runner (or Gym Goer)
Under Armour’s line of Coolswitch shirts and shorts feature “an exclusive coating on the inside” that works to move heat away from your skin, in theory helping you perform better over longer periods of time. The shorts and shirt also feature four-way stretch, which helps when you go from running outside or on the treadmill to weight training or HIIT workouts. Fits’s Ultra Light Runners are the ideal running and gym socks. They conform to your foot like nothing else on the market and the merino wool resists stench and helps to regulate moisture and temperature. For the perfect activity tracking companion, Samsung’s Gear Fit 2 tracks every metric you could possibly want.
Coolswitch Shirt by Under Armour $40
Coolswitch Short by Under Armour $55
Spectrum Run No Show by injinji $14
Gear Fit 2 by Samsung $180
The Enthusiast
If Savile Row is the pinnacle of tailoring, then Iffley Road is the pinnacle of running style and fit. Sure, the big box brands make quality gear, but this England-based brand takes quality, appearance, performance and fit to the next level. The Pembroke shorts are crafted from high-performing Italian fabric and feature a flat-front design that allows free movement when running. The Cambrian shirt is made from a “bespoke micro-blend of dri-release fabric” to wick away sweat. The Garmin Forerunner 235 is one of the best fitness trackers and smartwatches that we’ve ever used, and the built-in optical heart rate sensor is surprisingly accurate.
Cambrian Shirt by Iffley Road $105
Pembroke Short by Iffley Road $78
No Show Light by Darn Tough $15
Forerunner 235 by Garmin $330
The Obsessive
Our obsessive’s kit is the ultimate in running performance and style. The backbone of the kit is a short and shirt combination made by New York-based Isaora. Both are seam welded, which helps reduce any chances of rubbing and irritation. In the Micro Knit shirt, the material is laser cut, with ventilation holes to keep you cool. ICNY’s Breeze cap features a band that absorbs sweat, while the bill trim an logo are reflective to keep you safe when running at night. To cap it off, The Athletic‘s La Galaxie socks fit well and brings the kit together with a touch of design.
Welded 8.5″ Running Short by Isaora $155
Isaora Micro Knit Shirt by Isaora $125
La Galaxie Socks by The Athletic $15
Breeze Cap by ICNY $35
