Clothes for the run

Short answer: On a run you warm up within five minutes and cool down again two minutes after you stop. Your layers need to handle both, and the innermost one matters most, because it either moves moisture away or holds on to it.

The warmth comes quickly

After five minutes your body has produced enough heat that you could take off a layer. Many people dress for how it feels at the door and end up running in too much. A good rule of thumb is to feel slightly cool at the start. Then your clothes will be right once your body has warmed up.

The inner layer should move moisture

If the layer against your skin gets wet, it cools you down as soon as you stop. That makes the inner layer the most important choice on a run. A fabric that absorbs moisture and releases it again feels more comfortable than one that stays wet against the skin. Choose underwear that fits close without chafing. See bamboo underwear for men.

An outer layer you can remove

A light outer layer is nice for the first few minutes and on cold days. Choose one you can tie around your waist or leave somewhere once you are warm. A thick layer you cannot take off on the way soon becomes too much. Two thin layers you can adjust are better than one that is either too warm or too cold.

A fit that does not chafe

On a run you repeat the same movement thousands of times. A seam or edge that rubs a little soon becomes noticeable. Choose clothes that sit calmly on the body without shifting, and check that the seams lie flat. Underwear that rides up is what many people regret most after a long run.

Change straight after your run

Five minutes in wet clothes after a run is enough to leave you cold for the rest of the evening. Your body stops producing heat while the wet clothes keep cooling your skin. Change your inner layer as soon as you get home, and put on something dry and soft. See most popular for men.

A dry set for afterwards

If you run from work or a gym, keep a dry set in your bag. Soft joggers are easy to pull on and keep you warm while your body settles down. They are also comfortable for the rest of the evening if you are just heading home to relax. See men's bamboo joggers.

When the weather changes

A cold, dry day calls for an extra layer at the start, while a damp day means thinking more about the inner layer. Rain makes clothes heavy, and wind cools more than the thermometer shows. Check the weather before you head out, and dress for how it feels after the first few minutes, not at the door.

Wash after every run

Running clothes should be washed after every run, because sweat settles in the fabric. Hang them up straight away if you cannot wash them at once, so they do not sit wet in a bag. Air drying is gentle on the fabric and keeps the shape, so your clothes are ready for the next run.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear for a run

A thin inner layer that moves moisture, and an outer layer you can take off after the first five minutes, once your body has warmed up.

Why do you feel cold after a run

Because your body stops producing heat while the wet clothes keep cooling your skin. That is why the first minutes after a run often feel coldest.

How quickly should you change afterwards

Straight away. Five minutes in wet clothes after a run is enough to leave you cold for the rest of the evening, so keep a dry set ready.