Help with running gear please!

[ChoclolateOrange]

I started running after Christmas and have now got to the end of the Couch to 5k. So far I've found that yoga type leggings or running capris work well and I cant see myself ever running in shorts but I am struggling with what to wear on top now the weather is getting warmer. I am so much fitter and a bit more toned but not enough to dare wear clingy stuff!

Up to now I've worn a short sleeved wicking fabric t shirt style top with a lightweight windproof baggy style running jacket over. I put my i phone in the pocket and off I go. This works and hides my wobbly bits beautifully and my legs look quite sporty!

I'm going to have to ditch the jacket soon as I am now getting too hot but I dont want to expose my rolls of fat! Is there such a thing as a non clinging cool top and where on earth do I put my phone? Running clothes are so unforgiving.... Do you think colour makes a difference? Does a dark top emphasise the fat less?

I'm on week 6 of C25K and part of my incentive to do it was going and buying myself some new running kit. So I'm by no means an expert, but am quite happy with what I have on the top half, which consists of Gap's cropped tee layered over their heathered tank.

I've not found it warm enough to go out with bare arms yet, but have a zip-up jacket (not that exact one but similar) which I've been out in a few times now. Have one of these armbands for my phone, though expect you can find them cheaper.

Colour-wise, I went for DARK on the bottom half (my least favourite bit, hence taking up running in the first place!). Given that I run in leggings wanted to keep it looser on top so as not to look like a roll of sausage meat.

I'm probably the wrong person to answer as I wear whatever and don't stress about it as I figure I must look pretty ridiculous running anyway (because I am really not good at it, lol) and I keep my phone in my bra

But, I have a vest top that's pink and black stripes with the black getting bigger towards the bottom and actually it makes my stomach look pretty good. So if you can find something that's lighter on the top...it does work as an optical illusion.

I carry my phone in a sleeve thing like this. It's really handy because it has a spacious pouch that I can fit phone, keys, bank card / emergency fiver, change for the bus all into.

Loads of nice roomy running T-shirts around - surprisingly my favourite at the moment is this nice dark grey one I got from George at Asda for £8. They also do some thin marl long-sleeved hoody tops which are good for slightly chillier days.

I carry my phone in a zipped back pocket on my running tights - ronhill or if I'm wearing my lululemons in the leg pocket. Nike dry have some loose t shirts that hide a roll or two, I do a semi tuck. Uniqlo Thermal under a t shirt works. Dull fabric is better than shiny, you'll need layers, something sleeveless and a jackets works for wet but warmish days.

I have a little Velcro sleeve thing from Primark for my phone, keys etc. It cost £2. Mine is pink but there blue/green ones available too.
I usually run with a long sleeved fitting top and then a loose T-shirt over it...then when it's too warm just the T-shirt. I have been known to run in DHs T-shirts too! Won't win any fashion competitions but at least I am getting fit...

Thanks everyone, all good ideas.

I didnt know some running tights have pockets big enough for a phone, I hadn't thought of thin layers and the sleeve thing is fascinating .

That top from Asda lovely too!

Armband for your phone. I've plenty of running tights and none will fit more than the smallest off phones in.

I just wear a mix of long and short sleeved tops depending on the weather. I buy a size or 2 bigger because I hate stuff too fitted. I tend to wear a lot of high viz tops too because I run on a public byway that's open to cars too.

I dont care what I look like, I'm under no illusion it's ever going to be a pretty sight. I just like to be warm, comfortable and visible.

Most of my stuff is Nike, it lasts really well and is good quality. I have some Adidas tops as well and some karrimor tops from sports direct which were dirt cheap but aren't bad at all for the money.

I've also got the Karrimor stuff from Sports Direct. Pretty cheap and looks ok. I've got a running bum bag for my phone & keys. Tried Velcro arm thing but got cables tangled.
I run with a thin dayglo jacket. It might be a cycling one.

I know I shouldn't bother about what I look like but it just makes me feel better and more like a runner! .

I will definitely get an armband. It is good to hear everyone seems to be happy with them.

I bought a SPI belt link after it was recommended here. Has been a great buy & really secure carrying phone at my waist with adjustable size.

I have used armbands but find them uncomfortable, struggle to get the tightness right, much prefer a phone in a pants pocket, but they are cheap so worth a go.

I have a samsung and H has an iphone and both fit into pocket in running leggings. Much better imo. If you do buy an armband, make sure you try it with various layers. I find they're quite big (more geared to muscle-y arms) so they dont stay up.

Tops - go to Decathlon or Sports Direct. Lots of loose fitting T shirts that are not too tight.

But to be honest, unless you have a figure like Jess Ennis (I wish!) no-one looks good in running gear!

What brand of leggings has a pocket big enough for an iphone?

Thanks for the belt link. It looks interesting.

There's a bit of joke at our running club that clothes 'become' running clothes when they are too tatty to use for DIY and gardening anymore

Pinky - a good way to avoid tangled cables when using an armband is to put your earphones in, then "flip" the cables over the top of your head, so they come up to your ears from the back, (if that makes sense) ! Then they are all behind you when you run and don't get tangled or caught up in your arms.

I wear karrimor running stuff. And a loose vest top over my running vest that has inbuilt boob support.

I use a belt for my phone etc. They are quite cheap in sports direct etc, I didn't like the feeling of the arm thingies.

Also like that asda top. And the gap or h&m sports gear is good as well.

m.hm.com/gb/subdepartment/LADIES?Nr=4294965299#items the have lots of loose fitting style tips which I wear with a fitted running vest under.

I have this belt for my phone - it's v comfy.