1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging

Basic Running Clothing for Beginners
What Should a Beginner Runner Wear?

By , About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

If you're new to running, you may be wondering, What should I wear when running? One of the things I love about running is that you don't need any fancy equipment or expensive running clothing. All you really need to get started with running is a good pair of running shoes.

Running Shoes: Your Most Important Running Gear


Wearing old running shoes or running shoes that aren't right for your foot type and running style is one of the biggest causes of running injuries. Therefore, it's not a good idea to dig out those old tennis shoes from the back of your closet and assume you can run in them. You need fresh, well-cushioned shoes that are designed for running, fit well and match your foot type and running style.

It's best to go to a running-specialty store, where experts can evaluate your foot and running style and make recommendations for the right shoes for you. You don't need to buy the most expensive pair of running shoes in the store, but investing in a good pair of running shoes is a smart idea that will help prevent injuries and increase your comfort while running.

More:

When to Replace Your Running Shoes
How to Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer
Running Shoe Reviews and Recommendations

What Clothes to Wear While Running


When you first get started with running, you don't need to rush out and buy fancy running clothing. Just wear comfortable clothes that you would workout in.

Women should make sure that they're wearing a good, supportive sports bra . The sports bra should fit you properly and not be too stretched out. Most sports bras need to be replaced after 72 washes, when the elasticity is lost, or if your weight changes significantly.

When you go out for your runs, be careful not to overdress. Once you warm up, your extra body heat will make it feel about 15 to 20 degrees warmer. So, for example, if the temperature is above 55 degrees, you'll probably be fine wearing a T-shirt and shorts.

More:

How to Dress for Hot Weather Running
How to Dress for Cold Weather Running

If you start getting more serious about running, you may want to start to invest in some technical running clothes. Unlike cotton clothing, synthetic fabrics, such as CoolMax or Dri-Fit, wick moisture away from your skin. Although the technical fabric running clothes may cost a little more, you'll appreciate the comfort, especially during long runs. It's also a smart idea to avoid wearing 100% cotton socks. Wearing running socks that are a synthetic blend will help prevent blisters .

More:

How to Care for Your Running Clothes

Explore Running & Jogging
About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Running & Jogging
  4. Running for Beginners
  5. FAQs for Beginners
  6. Running Clothing - Basic Running Clothing for Beginners>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.