Runners......running wardrobe questions

I have just been wearing sweat capris and tshirts while running all summer (shorts are not an option as I am a "big" girl trying to lose weight)

I read on here recently that you shouldn't wear cotton because it soaks up your sweat and can weigh you down? All I have been wearing is cotton.

So what have you guys been wearing all summer?

But also what do you wear for the fall/winter??

I was going to just wear sweatpants and sweat shirts to run in for the cooler months but now i am thinking that that wouldn't be a good idea.

Can you guys share what lightweight garments you wear that still keep you warm during the cooler months?

Also what do you wear when/if you run in the rain?

Message edited 9/11/2009 10:13:58 PM.

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

I wear whatever I am in the mood. Some days, cotton shorts and an old race shirt (cottom). Other days, running shorts and a wicking (sp) shirt. As the weather gets cooler, I will start to wear the capri bottoms. I will admist most are just cotton ones. But I have the winter running leggings (compression tights) for the colder months. As for tops, I have a few running specific shirts and a running jacket. I feel like the running clothes are more for winter months b/c in the winter, you don't want the cold sweat staying on your skin. The running clothing will help you better. In the summer, I'm hot and sweaty in whatever I wear.

As for fall and spring, I will wear either shorts or capris and a shirt, but I may add a vest, too. It takes a lot of times to figure out what works.

HOWEVER, get yourself some gloves, a hat and an ear warmer thing. No matter how warm your body may get during the colder months, you will have a crappy run if your fingers and ears are freezing. And you can always take them off.

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

Not wearing cotton is most important if you are going to sweat. The cotton absorbs the moisture, not only weighing you down but can cause chaffing against the skin.

If you are just starting out, I would check out a place like Target. They have the Champion line that has moisture wicking workout attire for good prices. The materials are synthetic and work to keep you dry. There is everything from shorts, to capris to long pants in these non cotton materials.
As for on top. the same thing, you can get a synthetic tshirt, or long sleeve shirt that will help keep you dry and warm.

In the rain, I wear the same thing I would wear on any other run. The key to running in the rain is "less is more"!!

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

I can't wear cotton when I run - it definitely feels heavy and also leads to chafing. Besides that, it soaks up your sweat and just hangs there on you, which is uncomfortable to say the least. You want to look for tops and bottoms that claim to be "Moisture Wicking," even for the cooler weather. And as it gets colder, remember to dress for weather 20 degrees warmer than it is outside, because that's what it feels like to you if you're running. So if it's 40 degrees out in December, you'll still want to dress as if it's 60 and wear capris and short sleeves, maybe with a vest or a light hoodie you can take off after 5 minutes as you get warm.

I'd suggest poking around KOHL'S for running gear. They carry some good brands and the prices are right, especially during sales (which they seem to run every weekend). I've also gotten great running capris at the Reebok Outlet at the Tanger in Deer Park, and some tops at the Nike Outlet there.

Keep running! And have fun out there! Running when the weather hits 45/50 degrees is THE BEST!

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

all of the shorts I wear are "spandex", but they have come a long way in looks and function - this way my thighs don't rub together...seriously, I don't know how people can run in regular shorts...even some skinny girls I see have their thighs rub together when they run.

In the winter I wear running pants


as for shorts, I will wear a cotton tee if it's a bit cool, but most of the time I wear wicking shirts. Even in the winter I will wear a wicking tank underneath.

In really cold weather (below 32) I will wear the wicking tank, long sleeve tee, zip up hoodie and a sweatshirt - usually at least one comes off

I've picked up clothes everywhere - races (I think more than half are giving wicking shirts these days), target, tanger outlets, super runner shop.

I find lots of sales at the end of season and don't mind waiting to wear some clothes.

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

Thanks guys this was REALLY helpful!!! My DH works at the NIKE outlets in deer park as his second job so I get the employee discount and I have access to the employee website to order stuff too. They have a line called DryFit that is supposed keep you dry. I am going to order some stuff from the website, but i will also check out kohls and target.

Thanks Again!

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

ok even with DH's discount a lot of the nike dryfit stuff is still kind of ! Hopefully I will have better luck at kohls or target

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

Def. Kohls and Target, but Dicks and Sports Authority usually have great stuff on their clearance racks and try Marshalls! I've found tons of stuff there. The Nike Outlet isn't cheap but again, they also have a clearance rack and I scored some cute stuff on that.

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

Marshalls is awesome! Thats where i get all of my running gear, mostly Addidas, Under Armor and Champion.

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions

I only wear cotton to the gym- never when I run (except for socks). Go to any Nike, Underarmor or running store and you'll see a large selection of cool max fabrics- which wick the sweat from your body and keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter (keep your body from being wet and getting cold). In the winter I wear running tights, which can be PIA because they fall down so I wear my shorts over them, which gives my botty extra coverage!

Message edited 9/22/2009 3:08:08 PM.

Re: Runners......running wardrobe questions