Whether you’re a morning runner or a veteran runner preparing for a marathon, the right Jogging Wear can always make your sports experience twice as effective with less. But in the face of the various concepts of “moisture wicking”, “3D tailoring” and “UPF50+” on the market, do you often feel that you can’t start? Don’t worry, this article will take you to understand the purchasing logic of running equipment in one stop, from fabrics, versions, scenes to accessories, so that every penny you spend is spent on the blade.
1. Fabric is the core: choose the right material and say goodbye to stickiness and discomfort
Sweat excretion during running is 3-5 times higher than on a daily basis, and the choice of fabric directly determines your comfort. A good running fabric should not only be able to handle sweat quickly, but also take into account the needs of elasticity, breathability and even environmental protection. Let’s first go through a table to quickly understand the characteristics of mainstream functional fabrics:
Functional keywords | Core principles | Applicable scenarios | Represents the brand/product |
|---|---|---|---|
Moisture-wicking + quick-drying fabric | Through the grooved structure on the surface of the fiber, sweat is adsorbed from the skin to the surface of the fabric, accelerating evaporation | All kinds of running scenarios, especially in spring and summer hot weather | Nike Dri-FIT, Adidas Climalite, unit price is about 150-300 yuan/piece |
Antibacterial and anti-odor | Silver ions or plant extracts are added to fabrics to inhibit bacterial growth (bacteria break down sweat and produce odors) | Long runs (more than 1 hour) or multi-day exercise | Uniqlo AIRism EX, the unit price is about 99 yuan/piece |
Cooling technology + UPF50+ | Cooling fibers absorb heat, and UPF50+ fabric blocks more than 98% of ultraviolet rays | Outdoor running and plateau running in summer | Banana 501A cooling sun protection clothing, the unit price is about 129 yuan |
Four-way stretch + seamless process | The spandex blend achieves multi-directional stretching, and seamless splicing reduces friction and wear | High-intensity interval running, marathon | lululemon Swiftly Tech, the unit price is about 550 yuan/piece |
Here is a real case: a runner around me always wore a cotton T-shirt to run, and every time he came down 5 kilometers, his clothes were like a “sponge that absorbed water” on his body, and he was particularly prone to catching a cold when the wind blew. After changing to quick-drying fabrics, the same amount of exercise can dry the clothes within 20 minutes, and the comfort improvement is particularly obvious. It should be noted that recycled environmentally friendly yarn is the current trend, and the running series like Patagonia uses a large number of fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, which are environmentally friendly and do not affect functionality, and runners who pay attention to sustainability can give priority.
2. Tailoring: comfortable fit, taking into account safety and appearance
There is no absolute “best” for running fits, only “the best”. The core principle is: do not restrain movements, reduce wind resistance, and meet the needs of different scenarios.
Slim or loose? Look at exercise intensity and habits
- Slim and fast type: suitable for medium to high intensity running, marathons, etc., the tight design can reduce wind resistance, and some compression models can also promote blood circulation and relieve muscle fatigue. However, pay attention to choosing fabrics with four-way elasticity to avoid tightening too tightly and affecting breathing.
- Loose straight leg: suitable for daily jogging, leisure sports, or runners who are afraid of stuffiness in summer. It is recommended to choose a style with an adjustable drawstring at the hem, which can be tightened while running to prevent clothes from shaking and increase comfort.
The detailed design hides a “careful machine”, and safety and comfort are indispensable
Many runners tend to overlook details, but these designs can greatly enhance the experience:
- Reflective strip night running: This is the “safety guarantee” of night runners. High-quality reflective strips create clear reflective areas under light, allowing passing vehicles and pedestrians to quickly spot you. I have previously evaluated a domestic running jacket, which can clearly see the reflective effect from 30 meters away, which is much safer than ordinary reflective strips.
- 3D Three-Dimensional Cut: Focus on the cut of the shoulders, underarms, and waist. The 3D cut allows the clothes to better fit the curves of the body, and there will be no sense of restraint when raising hands and swinging arms when running, and the split splicing design of the armpits can also increase the breathable space.
- Non-inductive labels: Traditional woven labels tend to rub against the skin, which can cause itching or even abrasion on the back after running for a long time. Nowadays, many brands use non-inductive printing labels, which are printed directly on the inside of the clothes, and there will be no foreign body sensation at all, and runners with sensitive skin must pay attention to this detail.
3. Seasonal scene segmentation: choose on demand to meet different environmental challenges
The “seasonality” of running equipment is very strong, and the choice of equipment varies greatly in different temperatures and scenarios. Here is classified by season and special scene, giving you the most direct buying advice:
Spring and summer (15°C or above)
Core needs: breathable, quick-drying, sun protection
- Short sleeves: give preference to lightweight knit or breathable mesh fabrics, mesh patchwork is best with mesh panels under the armpits and back
- Set: The spring and summer short-sleeved suit is cost-effective, coordinated, and novices can start directly without stepping on the thunder
- Sun protection: UPF50+ skin clothing, light and easy to store, sweat does not stick to the body
Autumn and winter (below 15°C)
Core needs: warmth, windproof, breathable
- Bottom layer: fleece tights in autumn and winter, close to the body and warm without bloating
- Middle layer: Zero degree warmth middle layer, fleece material is the best to lock in heat
- Outer: Windproof softshell jacket, blocks cold winds and is breathable
In terms of special scenarios, waterproof jackets in the rainy season should choose a waterproof jacket with a high breathability index (≥5000g/㎡·24h), otherwise although it will not leak when it rains, the sweat of the body will not be drained, and it will be particularly stuffy. The style of urban commuting is suitable for office workers, such as a simple running jacket, which can be worn directly after get off work to go for a run, and you can go on a date after running to change your inner wear, which is full of practicality.
4. Accessories and equipment: small details determine the upper limit of running experience
Many people only focus on clothes and pants, but ignore the importance of accessories. In fact, good accessories can solve various “small troubles” in running and make the movement smoother.
Basic Accessories: Comfort guarantee from the inside out
- Quick-drying sports bra/shockproof support bra: This is what female runners need. It is recommended to choose a style with good shockproof support, widened shoulder straps to reduce pressure on the shoulders, and a style with anti-slip rubber strips around the lower perimeter that will not run the cup. According to the test of female runners around me, the shockproof effect of professional running underwear is more than 80% better than that of ordinary underwear, and there will be no discomfort after running for a long time.
- Breathable running socks: Choose a blend material with a cotton content of 30%-50%, which absorbs sweat and dries quickly, and the thickened design of the toe and heel can reduce friction and prevent blisters.
- Lightweight cross-country shoes: choose soft soles and good rebound for road running according to road conditions; Trail running requires deep sole grain and strong slip resistance to protect the ankle from injury.
Auxiliary accessories: Solve various needs in running
The kettle waist bag is a must-have for long-distance runners, choose a style that can hold a mobile phone and a water bottle, and the belt should be breathable and not tighten the waist; Smart sports watches can monitor heart rate, pace and other data in real time to help you scientifically adjust exercise intensity; The reflective armband is suitable for night running with ordinary clothes, which is light and safe.
5. Sourcing Agent perspective: How to choose cost-effective Jogging Wear?
Hello everyone, I’m Yigu, and I’ve been engaged in sports equipment procurement for many years. From a procurement point of view, there is no need to blindly pursue big names when choosing running equipment. Many domestic brand foundries are the same as international brands, with exactly the same fabric and craftsmanship, but the price is only 1/3-1/2 of the big brand. When purchasing, you can pay attention to two points: first, look at the fabric composition, for example, as long as the quick-drying suit contains more than 50% polyester fiber, with the correct weaving method, it can achieve a good quick-drying effect; The second is to look at the test report, regular brand products will have UPF sunscreen, antibacterial and other test certificates, which are the guarantee of quality. In addition, many brands will have discounts when the season changes, and the cost performance is the most cost-effective at this time, so you can pay attention to it in advance.
6. FAQ: Answers to the questions that runners are most concerned about
- Q: Do I have to buy expensive running equipment? A: No. Novices can start with basic models, such as quick-drying clothes for about 100 yuan and running shoes for about 200 yuan, which can meet basic needs. As the intensity of the exercise increases, the professional equipment is gradually upgraded.
- Q: Is the fabric of recycled eco-yarn durable? A: Durable. The strength and abrasion resistance of recycled polyester fibers are similar to those of virgin fibers, and they can be used for 1-2 years under normal washing, which is no different from ordinary fabrics.
- Q: Will running too much in winter affect athletic performance? A: Yes. It is recommended to use the “three-layer dressing method”: the bottom layer is quick-drying, the middle layer is warm, and the outer layer is windproof, so that it can not only keep warm, but also increase or decrease at any time according to the exercise state to avoid overheating or cold.
- Q: Are there any other safety precautions besides reflective strips for night running? A: You can wear it with reflective armbands and luminous bracelets, choose well-lit routes, avoid remote sections, do not wear headphones or only one when running, and maintain awareness of the surrounding environment.