Running accessories for women – the bottom half completes what you need to get outside whatever the weather. Not having to think through what you need to wear all the time helps you to keep up with the training.
important to have
- drawstring
- money/key zipped pocket closure
- zipper on long legging
- phone pouch
shorts for running
I have shorts that have integrated short leggings in them. They are great and I use them in winter and summer. So whether you have integrated leggings in your shorts or not, shorts are a must. You do not need short shorts, there are plenty of options on the market. I like to buy shorts that are mid-thigh in length.
In summer – you can wear them as is. I like the integrated part with the short leggings because I like to have part of my leg covered. The inner part also offers another layer of warmth for winter.
Running in different nations – be aware of the necessary running accessories for women & the bottom half of what is and isn’t acceptable. This is why I choose to wear shorts over my leggings. Keep your body well covered when you are in a foreign nation. Remember to check each piece of clothing. Is it see-through or not? If it is, make sure to double up.
In winter – I wear my shorts over my leggings for extra warmth in the cold winter mornings.
The shorts that I buy are usually made of 100% Polyester and have a drawstring closure. Polyester helps you to stay dry and comfortable. On the legging part of the shorts, there is an extra pocket for the mobile phone. It is great. Don’t leave home without your phone.
shorts for swimming
I have another pair of shorts. These are excellent because they are actually swimming shorts.
They have ended up being one of the best buys yet. I bought them to do my first sprint triathlon and they have been wonderful to swim in, cycle in, and also to run in.
leggings
Having at least 3 pairs of leggings in your collection is ideal. One that you are wearing, one in the wash, and one waiting in the cupboard.
I have 3 pairs of leggings for summer and I have 3 pairs of leggings for winter.
summer leggings
The leggings that I have for summer are 3/4 in length and they go over my knees. They are 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex/Elastane. This makes them very comfortable and when you sweat the moisture is wicked away from your body and they dry very quickly.
When you choose to buy leggings, do your research and find leggings that are not see-through. It is not pleasant to see anyone’s behind in detail!!!
winter leggings
The full-length leggings are for winter. It is also very possible that you have to double up here because some days it is super cold outside. I have a simple solution for this.
I layer up with stocking leggings. They are versatile because I also use these under jeans and pants when the temperatures drop. And then I also use them for sport and everyday usage.
socks
I have a collection of socks. I have short socks and I have long socks. In summer I use short socks and in winter the long socks help with a layer of warmth.
The long socks are compression socks. Compression socks have all sorts of benefits and I love them mostly because I have some trouble with water retention in my legs and these give me the support I need.
I never wear cotton socks, shorts, or leggings. Cotton is a wonderful natural material but I cannot use it for sport. I sweat very easily and I need a material that keeps the moisture/sweat away from my body. This is why I buy my sports clothing with a combination of polyester and spandex/elastane.
materials to look out for – polyester
When you are ready to buy some sports gear please look for a combination of materials. I like the combination of Polyester and Spandex/Elastane. They allow for free movement and stretchability which is needed no matter what sport you will be doing. There is also no friction on the skin. If you have material that rubs against your skin, you will develop blisters and chafing. This is very uncomfortable and unpleasant.
This combination is also machine washable and easy to care for.
What is polyester?
Polyester is made from synthetic fiber. It is like plastic and most often comes from petroleum. There are other kinds of polyester, they also use recycled plastic, crops from agriculture, and sometimes from waste too. It is easy to find polyester sourcing to suit your conviction. There are options, shop around.
Polyester is long-lasting. I have had leggings for over ten years and they are still very usable. It is also very resilient, the material really holds up under constant use. If you buy high-quality polyester, then it will also hold its shape over a long period of time. It also doesn’t shrink, if it is feeling tight, it has not shrunk;)
It also dries really quickly because unlike cotton it does not absorb sweat/moisture.
Can polyester be breathable?
Polyester is often found in the sporting world because it is lightweight and it can breathe. This is necessary as you sweat in the workout. It also does not absorb moisture/water/sweat so it keeps your skin dry. It takes the sweat/moisture from your skin and allows it to evaporate quickly.
When is a good time to wear polyester?
It is good when you are looking for a fabric that dries very quickly and is also durable and long-lasting. This is why it is so loved in the sporting and fitness world.
materials to look out for – spandex/elastane
What then, is spandex/elastane?
Spandex is made of polyurethane and it is extraordinarily stretchable. It is also very strong and durable as a material. You may also find it in clothing under the following trademark names – Lycra, Numa, Spandelle, and Vyrene. All of these materials will give you the elasticity and durability you are looking for in sports clothing.
Is spandex better than polyester?
It is another amazing synthetic fiber that stands alongside polyester. They are both wrinkle-resistant and stain_resistant.
How strong is spandex as a material?
It is what is called an elastomer, this means it can be stretched. It then recoils when you let it go. The fibers are strong, and light and you can use them in so many useful applications.