Do you ever come across a pile of running clothes and couldn’t figure out what to wear? Whether you are an experienced runner or a new runner, you may be wondering what to wear when running.
No matter where you run, comfort and looking good is the first thing when it comes to running. While you are huffing and puffing, you don’t want to be wearing running clothes that are too tight or loose, which can be uncomfortable and distract you from running better.
We spoke to our community runners, who shared their favourite and purchased running wear, and talked about what they would wear for running.
1. Doris Sum
Bio: UK, 28-years-old, Marketing
Doris wasn’t a talented runner. What made her a regular runner was challenging herself.
Her first run was in her university final year because she wanted to do something different before she left university. But then she found out how interesting running is and got addicted to it.
RS: What do you normally wear for a run?
Doris: In Summer, I normally wear a tank and short tight because it is very hot in Hong Kong. In winter, I normally wear long sleeves!
RS: How often do you buy new running clothes?
Doris: 1 to 2 times every 3 months.
RS: What is your price range when it comes to running clothing?
Doris: Around HKD$500-$1000 every time.
RS: Which past purchase of running wear is your favourite and least favourite?
Doris: One of my past purchases is from online, and the size did not fit. That was quite sad.
RS: What do you look for when purchasing running clothes?
Doris: The quality of the clothes and whether they look good on me.
You can follow Doris on Instagram: @dorissumsum
2. Aaron Lee
Bio: Singaporean, 23-years-old, Student
Aaron has been running competitively since 2014, when he joined his JC cross country team. He trained as a long-distance runner, training for events like the 1500m and the 5k. His personal bests for those distances are 4:31 mins and 17:53 mins, respectively.
In a week, he averages about 30 to 40km of running on top of his cycling and swimming workouts. He loves running because it takes him to different parts of Singapore, and he meets like-minded people who are also about pushing themselves and getting faster. He hopes to represent Singapore in the Sea Games one day. It will be a dream come true for him.
RS: What do you normally wear for a run?
Aaron: I think army running shorts are one of the best running shorts because they are so lightweight and simple. I like to wear any dri fit t-shirt and save the singlets for racing. T-shirts look much better, too.
As for socks, they must be at least above ankle height to avoid any blisters. Calf-height socks if I feel like showing off, but never any outrageous designs. I always wear my Garmin GPS watch as well.
My go-to running shoes are still the Saucony Kinvaras, ever since I started running.
RS: How often do you buy new running clothes?
Aaron: Now I’ve stopped buying any more running clothes. I think I already have way too much over 8 years of running. All collected from club jerseys or event t-shirts.
RS: What is your price range when it comes to running clothing?
Aaron: : I think $20-$40 for a very lightweight and breathable top. Shorts are also about the same price range.
RS: Which past purchases of running wear is your favourite and least favourite?
Aaron: I especially love the army shorts for running. They’re light, comfortable and free. My least favourite would be any running shirt that has seams inside. I’ve got an abrasion because of those before.
RS: What do you look for when purchasing running clothes?
Aaron: Lightweight, colour, breathability, comfort and price.
You can follow Aaron on Instagram: @aaroiseverything
3. Lam Wing Ching, Alicia
Bio: Hong Kong, Event Manager
Alicia didn’t do much sport when she was a student. She was influenced by her father to start running after she graduated from university.
She likes to run. Running not only gives her exciting sensations but also brings her refreshing feelings. It makes her feel closer to herself. It is also a great pleasure to inspire others to run. She aims to break her personal record of half marathon in the coming Hong Kong standards chartered marathon this year.
RS: What do you normally wear for a run?
Alicia: To make myself refreshed, I like to tie up my hair with a headband. I also love wearing breathable singlets and tights. For the shoes, I have a better running performance with cushioning, which can save a lot of my energy.
RS: How often do you buy new running clothes?
Alicia: Around once a month and 2-3 items in each purchase.
RS: What is your price range when it comes to running clothing?
Alicia: Not more than $200 for each.
RS: Which past purchases of running wear is your favourite and least favourite?
Alicia: Least favourite: I am quite tiny, so I always purchase small or XS size clothes. Last time I shopped online and bought a small size top, but it was for men, which didn’t suit me.
Most favourite: a short with a few pockets so that I can take some money, Octopus card and face mask.
RS: What do you look for when purchasing running clothes?
Alicia: I look for reasonable prices, good quality and design.
You can Alicia on Instagram: @alialialialicia
4. Chen Kai Hao
Bio: Malaysian, 32-years-old, Event Management
Kai Hao started as a casual runner in 2008. He started with a simple reason – to overcome limitations or setbacks and to prove things to himself. In 2013-14, he started to take running a bit more seriously by following some running programs and managed to improve.
He was sponsored by Hammer Nutrition Malaysia, Jaybird Sports. And recently, he joined the ASICS seeding program.
RS: What do you normally wear for a run?
Kai Hao: Normally, I wear cushioning shoes during my easy day and lightweight shoes for my workout/Interval. For an easy day, I will wear ASICS Cumulus. The cushioning shoes allow me to relax my calves and avoid injury.
RS: How often do you buy new running clothes?
Kai Hao: I’m a sponsored athlete. Therefore, I do not really buy running apparel.
RS: What is your price range when it comes to running clothing?
Kai Hao: RM50-RM150.
RS: Which past purchases of running wear is your favourite and least favourite?
Kai Hao: My past purchase of running shoes was Skechers Hyper speed elite. It’s a racing shoe with a carbon plate. I purchased it because the reviews were really positive, and Skechers did not bring in the shoes in Malaysia. So I wanted to purchase it.
RS: What do you look for when purchasing running clothes?
Kai Hao: : I look for lightweight materials for running clothes. For example, Nike racing single AeroSwift material. Its open-hole design keeps us cool as the route heats up. This product is made from at least 75% recycled polyester fibres.
You can follow Kai Hao on Instagram: @kaihao123
What is your go-to running outfit? Feel free to share with us what type of running wear you would wear to run.
Do you know you can find some really affordable and quality running apparels at our RunSociety Shop? Why not head over now to check out the latest offering!