Clothes to run in

[custardlover]

Right Mumsnet - please help! I need to start exercising more and I’m trying the coach to 5k app. However, when I went out tonight the only thing I could find as a semi-suitable running top (over a t-shirt) was my 12 year old’s hoodie.

please help me find better options! I’m an almost 50 year old, size 12 with determination but little fitness! What should I wear to run outdoors in comfort?

Running clothes ideally!

You need base layers, technical wicking fabric so the sweat doesn't stay near your skin and make you cold.

Karrimor are quite cheap. Or vinted for second hand.

Not hoodies!

What's your budget?

Vinted has loads of Sweaty Betty runnning tops/ leggings/ jackets - most in excellent condition and for a fraction of the original retail price. Most important bits of kit, though, are a supportive sports bra and proper running shoes that fit properly.

I'm 60 and I run in Sports Direct running legging (£14), a long running I-shirt from Tesco (£10), a Karrimor zip neck, long sleeve running sweater (£20) and some basic running socks, with ASICs Gels.

They are comfy, and last a couple of years each before I replace them.

TK Maxx are good for excersise gear.

Vinted Is a great place to start, look for Ron Hill, Nike, New Balance, Asics or Tikiboo for Leggings or running shorts.
I get my running socks from sports direct.
Decathlon has good quality stuff and not expensive either. Tesco do some good stuff also. A good sports bra specifically for high impact (I got my last one on Amazon, £15).
A running belt for keys and phone.
If you plan to run in the dark a high vis top or jacket, or even a chest light (Amazon £15 ish)

The most important kit are your trainers. You will need to size up (I size up 1 &1/2 sizes). It is well worth having a gait analysis done at a running shop, you don’t have to buy your trainers from there (although most have some older stock that is discounted), you will have to pay for the gait analysis if you don’t get your trainers from them though (usually £20 ish). The right trainers are so important.

Trainers and a decent bra. Something bright if you'll be running when it's dark.

Everything else depends on how warm/cold you get and what your budget is. Early days of C25K you'll be doing a lot of walking, you want to avoid getting cold.

The Tesco active department has everything you need. There are some good bargains. Especially when they have a 25% off everything weekend,

What others have said basically!
I always keep my eyes peeled for Lidl offers too......they have some decent quality kit. Kids base layers this week so shall be picking some up for my son who also runs. I managed to pick up a couple of soft shells a couple of weeks ago for very little; they're very comfy and the quality is great. My fave pieces of kit are my post run compression socks and crocs which I pop on after a nice foot soak!

Get running tights and a reflective top. Try MoreMile or Decathlon if on a tight budget.
A proper high impact sports bra is a must. (e.g. Shock Absorber)
Wear running shoes, but they don't need to be expensive ones.

Don't wear a hoody.
If the weather is dry and it's couch to 5K, you can get away with cotton t-shirts.
(When starting, I wore an old pac-a-mac if it rained. It was sweaty and stinky.)
Once you can do 5K, treat yourself to some nice kit.

I have trainers I am happy with and some good sports bras. I have some basic decathlon leggings which are fine, it’s the tops I need to figure out a bit more I think - no hoodies you say? How do you keep warm?

I wear a running jacket. @custardlover.
Mine are from TK Maxx and the charity shop.
Running Jackets & Sweatshirts| Womens | Decathlon

i layer three thin t shirts and a running jacket. Running cap for my head. T shirts can be stuffed in a pocket. Marks and Sparks and sports direct or matalan are my go to for tops. The cheeky magpie and llama leisure for leggings and shorts. I keep warm by keeping moving. If it’s really wet/windy/cold I run at home on the treadmill.

You start off cold and warm up as you run generally. But for a start whilst you’re stopping and starting doing c25k I’d get some thin long sleeve tops - you can get some with holes at the end of the sleeves to put your thumbs through so they pull down over your hands, a running gilet (I got a high biz one so good for dark nights), a thin breathable jacket (although I’ve not yet found a jacket that doesn’t make me sweat), maybe some gloves and I also find a neck buff helps keep me warm.

M&S Good Move range is excellent.

Long sleeve base layer over a t shirt, so you can remove a layer when you get warm. I would get second hand merino or a cheap synthetic from Sports Direct.

Start cold, you really will warm up fast once you're running for the majority of the 30 minutes. The only time I've worn a jacket to run was when I lived abroad and it was below -10 C outside.

"You start off cold and warm up as you run generally."

Or you start off comfortable because you know that if you feel cold you won't do it next time and you'll just avoid exercise. Then you take off the layers and tie them around your waist or put them in a bag on your back.

"Start cold, you really will warm up fast once you're running for the majority of the 30 minutes. The only time I've worn a jacket to run was when I lived abroad and it was below -10 C outside."

Oh dear. This really depends on the person. I jog slowly and I only warm up half way through so this would be terrible advice for me. I wear a jacket in autumn, winter and spring.

Long sleeved running tops will keep you warm. Can wear a technical T-shirt or vest over it. No cotton in any form.

Thank you all - really great advice here

I start cold but with gloves and a hat, which I shove classily down my shorts after 2 miles. I prefer tight mid-length shorts as experience has taught me my substantial thighs will eat anything else.

Start cold, you really will warm up fast once you're running for the majority of the 30 minutes. The only time I've worn a jacket to run was when I lived abroad and it was below -10 C outside. Not if you are doing jog-walk-jog.

I wear thin fleece gloves and a hat.

Agree with pp about M&S Goodmove. It's good.

Personally I get hot running so will wear a vest in summer and a long sleeve top in winter. It has to be pretty icy for me to wear a jacket. I do get cold hands though so I wear running gloves.
The really important thing is a good sports bra and decent trainers. The rest doesn't matter so much.
Good luck OP. C25K is brilliant.

Well yes, I’m not suggesting anyone freezes 🤣 But most people I know dress for mile 3, so you’re always a little cold at the start and don’t then have to take layers off.
But yes, an option is to have a light layer to tie around your waste - depends on personal preference, some people don’t like to run with tops flapping, some I run with wear shorts all through winter, and others who wear hats.
Just a case of seeing what works for your body temperature isn’t it 😊

"you’re always a little cold at the start and don’t then have to take layers off."

You do you, but I'm pretty sure this is the kind of advice that puts people off exercise forever.