When it's cold outside, the running clothes should have warming properties - but still offer you a dry feeling. Whether for the transitional season or the deepest winter - there are special running pants, shirts, jackets or vests for every weather. A little tip: A rule of thumb says that you should be a little chilly at the start, then you are properly dressed.

RUNNING PANTS: SHORT OR LONG, TIGHTS OR SWEATPANTS?

Does it always have to be the super tight pants for running? No. However, tights have two advantages over wider-cut running pants: they fit like a second skin and guarantee you complete freedom of movement. The tight fit transports moisture away from your body and regulates your temperature. Thin tights are usually sufficient and can be worn in warmer temperatures. For the really cold winter days, there are thermal pants for keeping you warm. But it is always important: The running pants must fit well and must not chafe anywhere.

In addition, there are compression pants that exert more pressure in certain areas to promote better blood circulation. Whether this really leads to better performance is a matter of debate. But compression can prevent injuries and enhance muscle recovery.

So what about shorts and other running pants? Shorts are always a good choice when it's very warm. Even in single-digit temperatures, shorts in combination with a longsleeve can be sufficient if you have fast and strenuous runs ahead of you.
If you don't feel like wearing very tight pants, then you can of course train with more loose pants. The advantage here can be wind permeability, which means that the clothing promises additional cooling. However, you must be careful that the pants do not chafe anywhere or slip constantly. A disadvantage is that wider cut pants often do not regulate moisture as well as tights - but all in all it remains a matter of taste.

RUNNING JACKETS AND VESTS: LONG LIVE THE ONION LAYER PRINCIPLE!

There are rain jackets, windproof running jackets, vests that keep you warm, running vests against the wind, outerwear with reflectors - the rabge is huge. The good thing is: The garments complete each other perfectly - with the onion layer principle you can’t make many mistakes.

• Running vests complement long-sleeves or T-shirts and can also be worn under jackets. They warm your body, but leave your arms completely free to move. There are super light vests. There are vests that protect you from the wind in the front, but are well ventilated in the back. For winter there are insulated vests and some running vests also protect against light rain. First of all, it is important to know whether you sweat quickly while running or whether you freeze more. The vest should always fit tightly so that it does not flap when running. But it should also not hurt or rub anywhere. There are vests with pockets that offer space for energy bars or other equipment - or vests that are super minimalist and literally do not weigh anything.

• Depending on the weather, a jacket can be worn over a vest. In the rain, the body gets chilled quickly, so a special rain jacket is recommended for wet weather, which then also keeps the wind out. You should always pay attention to the balance between waterproofness and breathability. The power lies in the combination: a good running rain jacket should offer both to a certain extent.

• Wind jackets can be either wind resistant or windproof. They can also be a good choice for moderate temperatures, wind, and light rain if you're not going to be out for that long and maybe training more intensely.

• Finally, there are the warming insulation jackets for your winter run. These are also available in waterproof and windproof versions - but here, too, good breathability is especially important. Depending on your taste, a hood can be a helpful detail. For long runs, storage space is an advantage, which means a jacket with several pockets. If you are really fit and rather go on short units with speed, the jacket should above all be light. You should also make sure that your jacket is equipped with reflective inserts, so that you are well seen in the dark season.

We offer more detailed information about running jackets here.

Bjoern daehlie Running Apparel

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