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We’re living in something of a golden age for fitness apparel — running apparel in particular — where innovative, high-performance fabrics are more affordable than ever, and designs are becoming more playful, more capable of allowing you to express yourself in some way beyond, simply, “I am a person who likes to run.”
Below, find a rundown of the types of garments we’re most excited to wear this season and next.
Long-Sleeve Shirts for Running
The very first extra layer you call on come fall is a long-sleeve moisture-wicking T-shirt to replace the short-sleeve ones you’ve been wearing for the past six months. It’s a pretty minor step, but it’s going to make you feel awesome — until you realize you sorta jumped the gun like an idiot and you’re overheating, at which point, no problem, just roll those sleeves up and you’ll be good to go. Choose carefully here (and buy multiples) because, come winter, these will serve as your base layer.
New Balance Accelerate
It’s no secret that New Balance’s sneakers are top-notch, but they don’t get nearly enough credit for their apparel. This simple, durable long-sleeve is a reliable go-to in our running wardrobe.
Patagonia LS Capilene Cool Lightweight
Patagonia’s Capilene material is a marvel. Moisture-wicking, extremely lightweight and admirably odor-resistant.
Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve
All the cool kids are coughing up the dough for this Boston brand’s classic, stylish pieces, and you probably should too. The Harrier is among our favorite pieces they’ve ever made.
Fourlaps LS Tee
Fourlaps is a relative newcomer that’s making an awful lot of very good, high-performance basics. Expect to see them around for a long time.
Running Vests
One of the most useful garments in the running apparel universe, the humble vest is an indispensable tool in fighting off the cold while allowing you to maintain full mobility for your flailing Phoebe Buffay arms. They keep you warm in your core, where you need it most. And all those finance bros be damned, we think they look pretty cool, too.
Patagonia Men’s Nano-Air Vest
This super packable, easy transportable Nano-Air Vest from Patagonia was designed to never slow you down. The stretchable, breathable FullRange insulation dumps excess heat, keeping you warm but not overheated.
On Running Weather Vest
Still not wearing anything by On? Then you’re still running all wrong. Let this weightless vest add a little warmth, a storage pocket and a hint of style to your cold-weather kit.
Pullovers and Jackets for Running
So, now things are getting pretty serious. On those days when a simple long-sleeve tee won’t cut it, we turn to pullovers, whether they’re half-zips or quarter-zips, as they tend to offer a bit more heft and, often, a higher neck. Or you could opt for a full-zip jacket, which can be more helpful in combating inclement weather. There are so many options with so many different specialties it’s sort of insane. But these are some of our favorites.
Nike Essential Running Jacket
Nike’s “Essential” line is a perennial go-to for us, thanks to its relatively low cost and consistently high performance.
New Balance Run Grid Half Zip
We have this thing in three different colors, and it’s one of our favorite garments, full-stop. The contrasting chest pocket looks cool and comes in super handy.
Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover
This is one of those pieces that isn’t quite like any other. The Airshed material is extraordinarily lightweight and does a fantastic job keeping wind at bay.
Tracksmith Session Jacket
A super simple, classic warmup-style jacket from Tracksmith that can handle anything you throw at it, whether it’s an actual run or just the running of errands.
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech 1/2 Zip
The best thing about lululemon gear infused with the brand’s proprietary Metal Vent Technology is that no matter what you do to it — by which we mean wear it many, many times without washing it — it refuses to smell bad.
Rhone Swift Academy Jacket
Because there’s no reason your running jacket shouldn’t remind you of your days playing youth soccer.
North Face Essential 1/4 Zip Pullover
One of the things you start to learn when you pay attention to this stuff year after year is that any time a brand as significant as the North Face goes so far as to call something “Essential,” you’re generally pretty safe taking them at their word.
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