What to Wear Running: A No-Nonsense Guide for Women who Move

We don’t run for anyone but ourselves. So when it comes to running gear, we need clothes that hustle as hard as we do. Whether we’re pounding pavement, chasing finish lines, or sprinting through school drop-off before our real run even starts, what we wear can make or break the miles. Here's your no-BS guide to running clothes that move, breathe, and get out of our way.

The Running Wardrobe Breakdown

Before you lace up, here’s what a complete running outfit can look like—built to flex with every kind of run, from couch-to-5k to full-on ultra.

Running shorts

These aren’t your lounging-around shorts. Running shorts are designed to move with you, not against you. Breathable fabrics and anti-chafe seams help you stay cool and irritation-free, even on mile 12. Compression styles hug your muscles for extra support, while split shorts give your legs max range of motion. Longline cuts offer extra coverage and help prevent ride-up, especially on trail or tempo days. Bonus points if they come with a bounce-proof pocket for keys, cards, or that mid-run gummy stash.

Our Favorite: The Obsession Running Shorts

We're not saying you need twelve pairs…but we’re also not not saying that. The Obsession Running Shorts by Oiselle have earned permanent rotation status in our running drawer. That soft, stretchy, high-rise waistband? Zero pinching. Zero slipping. The fast-drying poly/spandex blend works in heat, rain, and everything in between. Built-in liner? Check. Zippered back pocket? Also check.

They’re the kind of shorts we forget we're wearing—but would never dream of leaving behind. Run-tested, rave-reviewed, and yep, fully obsession-worthy.

Running leggings

When the temps drop—or we want a little more coverage—running leggings step up. High-waisted styles keep us supported and distraction-free, while compression gives our muscles a little recovery boost. And stash pockets? Non-negotiable. We want our phone and fuel handy, not flapping around in a jacket.

Our Favorite: Homestretch Running Leggings

We don’t settle for leggings that lose steam halfway through the run. That’s why we reach for Homestretch Running Tights by Brooks—built to power through the last uphill switchback and sprint to the finish. These run tights deliver dense, just-right compression without squeezing the life out of our stride. The recycled poly/spandex blend wicks and breathes through sweaty miles, while a high-rise waistband with internal elastic stays in place, no adjustments needed.

Three well-placed pockets (including a secure back stasher) hold our phone, fuel, and keys. And with UPF 50 protection plus fabric made from five recycled plastic bottles, Homestretch is proof that performance and planet-friendly can go stride-for-stride.

Sports Bras

This is where the real support system lives. A high-impact sports bra isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Look for wide straps to distribute impact, breathable fabrics to handle sweat, and adjustable features so you’re not stuck with one-size-fits-nobody. Whether you’re an A cup or a DDD, bounce control is non-negotiable when you’re logging serious miles.

Our Favorites: Run It All 2.0 Racerback Sports Bra & Goldilocked 2-Way Bra

The Run It All 2.0 Racerback Sports Bra by Brooks Running is the comeback story your running wardrobe deserves. This bra took a tough hauler and completely overhauled it—delivering better comfort, more capacity, and wireless support that feels next level thanks to an integrated bottom band. The unique quick-dry fabric combined with targeted perforations in high-sweat zones keeps you dry no matter how hard you push.

Ideal for high-impact workouts for D cups and mid-impact for DD to E cups, this bra offers pullover simplicity with cup-band style separation and support. The bonded construction might feel firm at first pull, but it quickly warms up and molds perfectly to your body. Adjustable straps and a racerback design move with you, not against you, so nothing holds you back.

We crowned it the Best Running Bra in our Top-Rated Sports Bra Guide for a reason: this one adapts to you. Racerback or scoopback, low-mile recovery run or high-impact hill day—Goldilocked 2-Way Sports Bra keeps pace without locking you in. Built by Brooks Running for serious support without the squeeze, it features wide padded straps, adjustable everything, and wireless, built-in coverage that stays put when the rest of you doesn’t.

Best for high-impact workouts on C–D cups and mid-impact on DD+. In other words: just right.

Running Tops

• • Tank Tops: Perfect for hot-weather runs or when you’re layering up. Racerbacks give your arms freedom to move, and mesh panels add much-needed ventilation. Look for soft seams to avoid shoulder chafe when wearing a pack.
• • T-Shirts: Your all-season MVP. Lightweight, breathable, and usually made with anti-odor or anti-stink tech so you can wear it more than once (we won’t tell). Great for layering or going solo on mid-temp days.
• • Long Sleeves: Transitional weather? This is your sweet spot. Long sleeves offer sun protection, warmth, and just enough coverage without overheating. Features like thumbholes keep sleeves in place under jackets and add a little hand warmth when gloves are overkill.

Running Jackets

The unsung hero of early mornings, drizzly days, and the kind of wind that makes you question your life choices. A great running jacket blocks wind, resists rain, and packs down fast when the sun finally shows up. Reflective hits help you stay seen before sunrise or after dinner, and zippered pockets keep fuel, keys, and phone bounce-free and locked down.

Our Favorite: Vital Hoodie

This is the hoodie that lives by the door—because we reach for it constantly. It’s the just-right layer when the forecast says “maybe,” and it pulls double duty as a warm-up piece, wind layer, or emergency stash when temps drop mid-run. The secret sauce? That ridiculously soft Buttah® LT fabric that wicks sweat like a champ, plus Stinkstopper® tech so you can wear it day after day (after day). The Vital is breathable, layerable, and built for movement—which makes it just as ready for tempo workouts as it is for coffee walks after. No frills, no fluff—just a running staple we’d hate to run without.

Running Hats, Hair Ties & Sunglasses

Sun, sweat, and wind in the eyes? No thanks. A good running hat wicks away moisture and shields your face from sunburn. Sunglasses with UV protection and anti-slip grips keep you focused, not fiddling. Bonus: You’ll squint less and look more pro, even if you’re just out for a quick jog.

Our Favorites: Runner Trucker Hat & Scrappy Scrunchies

This isn’t your average trucker—it’s the hat that’s always up for a long run or a short sprint and somehow still looks cool doing it. With its stashable, foldable bill and adjustable elastic toggle, the Runner Trucker Hat keeps sweat and sun out of our eyes without ever weighing us down. We love it because it stays put when we’re flying down switchbacks, wicks like a champ, and tucks right into a pocket when we don’t need it. Trucker style meets trail grit—just how we like it.

And because scrappy women need scrappy accessories, we’re grabbing Scrappy Scrunchies every time. Made from leftover Title Nine performance fabric, each scrunchie is unique—randomly paired and ready to work. These hair ties stay put through hill sprints, headwinds, and heatwaves, and they do it all without pulling or slipping. Like the women who wear them, they’re one of a kind.

Socks & Shoes

Socks are more important than they get credit for. Blister-free, breathable, and with just the right amount of cushioning, they keep your feet happy through every terrain. And shoes? Fit is everything. Cushion, stability, drop height—what works for your body and stride is the only thing that matters. Forget trends. Find your match and stock up.el syndrome here.

Our Favorite Sock: Smash UltraGlide No Show Socks

When the miles heat up, these socks keep their cool. Featherweight and summer-ready, the Smash UltraGlide No Show Socks pack just enough cushion to protect without overheating. We love the heel tab that actually stays put and the deep pocket that hugs instead of slips. From PR chasers to first-mile runners, this is the sock we grab when blisters aren’t an option and quitting isn’t on the table.

Our Favorite Road Shoe: Brooks Ghost Running Shoes

Reliable, cushy, and quietly high-performance—that’s the Ghost Running Shoes by Brooks Running. It’s our go-to for pavement pounding, long-haul walks, and everything in between. Brooks amped up the cushioning this season, but it still feels stable and natural, with just the right pop off the toe. Whether it’s your first 5K or your fiftieth, the Ghost is a soft-landing, keep-you-going kind of ride. Bonus points for the recycled upper and no-break-in fit.

Our Favorite Trail Shoe: Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

This is the shoe we count on when the trail turns type 2. The Speedcross 6 GTX by Salomon grips like a mountain goat, sheds mud like a champ, and shrugs off wet weather with a fully waterproof, breathable GTX upper. The speedy lace system means zero flapping, zero fuss. It’s built to go fast and far, even when the terrain says otherwise—because nothing should get between you and the summit.

Hip Packs & Water Bottles

Hydration doesn’t have to mean holding a giant bottle or awkwardly stuffing your bra. Hip packs, running belts, or handheld bottles are made for the long haul—no bounce, no bulk, just easy-access water and storage for fuel, keys, or your phone. You’ll forget it’s even there—until you need it.

Our Favorite: Kapai Hip Pack

We love a low-maintenance pack that punches above its weight, and the Kapai Hip Pack by Cotopaxi does exactly that. With just enough room for the run-day essentials—phone, keys, snacks—it keeps everything locked down, bounce-free, and within reach. It’s featherlight, tough as nails, and made from repurposed materials, which means every pack is one-of-a-kind (just like our training routes). Whether we're hitting singletrack or sprinting errands between workouts, the Kapai Hip Pack is our hands-free, carry-all MVP.

What to Look for in Running Clothes

Moisture-Wicking & Quick-Drying

Because soaking wet gear is no one's finish line fantasy. Look for fabrics that pull sweat off your skin and dry in a flash.

UPF Protection

Running outside? UPF 50 fabric protects your skin while you clock the miles. No sunscreen streaks required.

Thumbholes & Layer-Friendly Features

Cold hands, begone. Thumbholes keep sleeves in place while making layering smoother than your stride.

Compression Support

Boost circulation and recovery with just-right compression in leggings and bras. Not too tight—just secure enough to keep things lifted and moving.

Packable & Lightweight

A jacket that disappears into your hip pack? Game. Changer. Bonus if it’s windproof and water-resistant.

Reflectivity

For early birds and late striders. Reflective hits on sleeves, hems, and shoes keep you visible and safe in low light.

Mesh Vents & Strategic Breathability

Look for mesh panels in high-heat zones (back, underarms, waistbands) to keep airflow flowing and sweat under control.

The Best Fabrics for Running Gear

Not all fabrics are up for the race. Here's what to look for—and what to skip.

• • Polyester: Durable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. A go-to for high-output days.
• • Nylon: Smooth, strong, and often found in compression leggings or wind-resistant shells.
• • Merino Wool: Naturally thermoregulating and odor-resistant. Great for winter runs and layering.
• • Spandex (or Elastane): Built-in stretch for freedom of movement—essential in bras, leggings, and fitted tops.
• • Avoid: 100% cotton. It holds onto sweat like it's storing it for later—no thanks.

How to Dress for Any Running Weather

Hot Weather (70°F and Up)

• • Lightweight tank or tee
• • Breathable shorts or a quick-dry skort
• • High-impact sports bra
• • Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• • Minimalist socks and ventilated shoes

Pro Tip: Opt for light-colored gear to reflect heat and UPF fabrics to block harmful rays.

Mild Weather (50–70°F)

• • Moisture-wicking tee or long sleeve
• • Shorts or cropped leggings
• • Layer with a light, packable jacket
• • Compression socks if needed
• • Reflective elements for early/late runs

Pro Tip: Layering is your friend. A tank under a long sleeve gives you options if you heat up mid-run.

Cold Weather (Below 50°F)

• • Thermal long sleeve or merino base layer
• • Insulated running leggings
• • Wind- or water-resistant running jacket
• • Ear coverage (buff, hat) and gloves
• • Wool-blend socks and cold-weather running shoes

Pro Tip: Think "cold start, warm finish." Dress like it’s 10–15 degrees warmer than it actually is—you’ll heat up fast. Layer smart with our Crash collection—insulation that won’t weigh you down, even when the pace picks up.

Final Lap: Running Clothes That Keep Up

Running gear should never be the thing holding you back. The right clothes work hard, breathe easy, and stick with you every mile. So whether you’re a trail blazer, a pavement pounder, or somewhere in between, dress like you mean it—and then run like hell. Looking for more athletic apparel? Check out our Train Shop. Shopping for the special runner in your life? Don’t miss our Gifts for Runners page.