Beginner’s guide to choosing the right running gear

The choice of high-tech running clothing available is now overwhelming, and with five-syllable technical jargon, brands are able to confuse even the most clued-up athlete. As an athlete looking for an effective range of clothing to run in, don’t be fooled by what it looks like. How the clothes function is of greater importance and should be the main consideration when purchasing.

While you can ‘make do’ with any clothing that feels comfortable, you shouldn’t want the discomfort of running in sweat-logged cotton that chafes your skin.

Therefore, the key factors that you should be considering are:

• The clothing’s ability to move freely with your body.

• The fabric’s wicking ability.

• How lightweight it is.

• Whether the waterproof clothing remains waterproof during the most miserable weather.

Focus on your personal running needs
The type of clothing purchased depends on how serious you are about running and what weather conditions you are prepared to run in. If you only plan to run occasionally when the sun is shining, all you'll need is clothes that will help you stay cool and are lightweight (shorts, t-shirt and socks). However, if you like longer events such as marathons or don't enjoy the idea of getting soaked in the winter, you'll probably want to invest in more specialist clothing.

Summer runs: light weight, breathable and cooling properties
When running in warm weather, the aim is to stay cool and dry. For this, less is more; wearing a vest/singlet instead of a t-shirt is certainly a start. However, the most important decision to make is what material is it made of.

As previously mentioned, cotton t-shirts retain moisture, which makes them heavy and wet during exercise. They also tend to have rough, uneven stitching, which can cause chafing and in extreme cases bleeding. New high-tech wicking fabrics are designed to draw sweat away from the skin to the outer surface so it’s able it to evaporate easily. For you, that means clothing that stays light and comfortable yet still keeps you cool when humid.

As expected, this type of high-tech material has a larger price tag on it compared to a standard white cotton t-shirt. However, the benefits are great - we’ve all seen the London Marathon footage of people with bleeding nipples.

For those winter nights: warm, reflective but lightweight running gear
The dark winter nights also bring cold temperatures, so it's important to keep warm. With new lightweight but warm materials, you'll be able to run in comfort even when people question your sanity as you head out to face the elements. 

For this reason, layering is the key to staying comfortable. The principle behind this is that air is trapped between the layers acts as insulation. As your core temperature rises it begins to heat the trapped air around your body, keeping you warm. You can also take layers off as you warm up.

• Start with a light base layer, preferably of a wicking material to draw sweat away from your body. While you want to keep warm you also want to keep dry.

• The second layer should be a lightweight long-sleeved top. In milder weather this can be your final garment. It should fit loosely over the base top. This will create insulation for the body.

• In extreme cold, a third and final layer can be applied. This layer should be a lightweight fleece. If it's raining, the top layer may be a breathable, windproof, water-resistant jacket.

All layers should fit to allow free movement, but not to the point where it’s baggy.

Again, depending on the weather conditions you may want to wear lightweight training trousers or leggings rather than shorts. If you do decide to wear trousers, the same rules apply. They must be water resistant, light weight and have the ability to transfer moisture away from the body.

Finally, it is a well known fact that 25% of heat loss occurs from the head and hands, so wear a hat and gloves when it's very cold, even if you do feel silly! Fleece ones are the best choice as they are warm and allow the skin to breathe while offering wind resistance.

Remember, from a safety point of view, try and get gear with reflective bands. It could literally save your life on the roads.

If you're looking to get the right gear for your early running sessions, why not check out the realbuzz.com shop for great running products and top training PDFs to really boost your exercise?