Running Tops and Bottoms for All Seasons
A Selection of Shirts and Shorts for All Weather
Personally, I pay a lot of attention to tops and bottoms as I live in a climate where a long winter demands additional layers for working out on cold days. So my running gear includes both short-sleeve and long-sleeve workout shirts and shorts, along with thermal running tights, workout jackets, and windbreakers.
I run from 5-6 days per week most of the year so need a new set each running day of the week. So, it can get expensive quickly which is why for workout gear I’m not purchasing top-of-line gear. I do spend a little extra for my race day equipment – I think it’s my ego kicking in as I haven’t received any offers of sponsorship. 😊
WARMER WEATHER COLLECTION
Tops are tops and not the gear I get overly excited about. Currently, I find Baleaf products do the job for me and at a good price. The tops I purchase are a mixture of polyester and spandex. The idea being they absorb sweat from your body to keep you dry.
Well, sort of. The sweat has to go somewhere, right? Let's just say you end up with a somewhat sodden top which some folks may or not like running in toward the end of their workout. It doesn't bother me, but you may be different.
Similar material and body sweat absorption as men's equivalent product. Fitting is different and what you'd expect. Tag-free collar design for comfort.
I find the long-sleeve equivalent of the Baleaf quick-dry shirt for those chilly runs in the spring and fall provides me ample warmth. I also use them in the winter but add an extra layer of a jacket (as below) over them to keep the cold at bay.
I have fun with the different colors although I tend to choose light colors or orange so drivers can see me more easily.
Similar material and body sweat absorption as men's equivalent product. Fitting is different and what you'd expect. Stitched crew neckline. Longer back hem for extra coverage.
Naviskin shorts suit me fine. I wear these all seasons - although in the winter over leggings ala superman-style. I prefer my shorts a little longer on the legs, not because I'm a prude but extra coverage for winter warmth. But I do have the 3-inch length as well, which works well for summer.
Again, the material is mostly polyester, with spandex to keep your body dry. Same comments as for the tops on the quick-dry concept. Doesn't work as well for me as the manufacturer promised. However, I like the texture and feel against my body, so that counts for something.
The Naviskin women's shorts are cut very differently than the men's. The material is mostly nylon, with spandex to keep lightweight and your body dry. Zipper pockets offer closed enclosures and protection for things like car keys, etc.
Suitable for everyday workouts.
Some days an extra lightweight top layer is needed, and I find this jacket serves the purpose for me. If you get the fluorescent color, then it gives you some protection if you run at dawn or dusk, or on cloudy or rainy days but I wouldn't rely on it to be seen clearly in the dark.
I prefer some room rather than a snug fit when it comes to running jackets - this also gives me options for adding a thicker layer underneath if necessary to combat wind and rain.
The women's windbreaker is made of polyamide fabric, which is lightweight and has the functions of windproof, water resistant, and sun protection. Suitable for long runs in changeable conditions. Full-length zip design provides easy on/off and additional ventilation.
Elasticated cuffs and hem to keep drafts out, and prevent the jacket from bunching or riding up while running.
COOLER WEATHER COLLECTION
I received some of these as gifts during the last holidays and they are perfect for those runs in winter when it is difficult to get motivated to go and brave the outdoors. The fleece lining gives you added cold protection during the first few warm-up miles in your workout. But the shirts continue to keep you warm on those days when the biting chill just keeps on coming at you and your pace seems to slow.
Not a great choice of colors in the men's selections but now my go-to under-shirt in the New England deep winter.
All the thermal benefits of the men's version but with a wider choice of colors and of course the styling is much better. The breathable, soft brushed fabric helps you stay warm and lifts moisture away from the skin for drier comfort. Lightweight, 4-way stretch construction improves mobility for a full range of motion.
My wife liked those she bought for me that she got herself a few.
This jacket is thicker than the previous one mentioned, and I find if I wear a long-sleeve workout shirt, running tights, and this jacket, I can cope with any temperature down to 18F. It may take a mile of running before I feel warm, but it's tolerable, and for anything thicker, I find I perspire too much.
These jackets come with a hood which I hate. I couldn't find a reasonably priced jacket with the thickness I wanted without a hood. I have a small head, and any hood flaps around my head when running, so I tuck the hood inside when I put on the jacket, and this solves my problem. So, how do I keep my head warm in cold weather? I either wear a woolen hat - or when the wind chill is a problem - a balaclava face mask.
This jacket is thicker than the windbreaker version and has no hood. It is made of a three-layer composite material with a soft fleece interior. Reflective elements on the front and back for low light visibility, elastic cuffs to keep the chill out, excellent for windy days and winter running.
Though the description talks about it as a cycling jacket I've found that most cycling clothing is fine for running - after all, they are all built for outdoor activities.
Now we're into serious winter gear. I prefer running with tights for cold running protection rather than sweatpants or training bottoms. These are fleece-lined for cold weather, and as I mentioned earlier, I can add shorts over them as they are a snug fit. The ones I purchase are for cyclists but they work just fine for running. I've never experienced cold legs wearing these even when the wind blows from the Canadian Arctic.
I always wear long socks with these for added warmth and protection.
These fleece-lined leggings are a little more compressed and tight, so if you prefer a looser version or the calves are a little thick, we suggest you choose a larger size and the inner drawcord can adjust the waist. Warm & Water Resistant: Upgraded fleece lined keeps you warm and comfortable, perfect for cold weather under 40°F.
While labeled as water-resistant like all gear when you're running they do get in anything other than light rain.