#FitYou with Phindi Gule: Choosing the perfect clothing for running

This week's #FitU with Phindi Gule helps you to find the right running clothes, which will even hold your phone while you run. 

Read: Phindi Gule's #FitYou: The secret to finding the perfect running shoe

Comfort is key, especially when it comes to running and choosing clothing that will not cause irritation during your run. Weather conditions are an important factor to consider when purchasing running clothes. 

Warm-weather running clothes

For warm days, your running clothes should help wick away moisture, keep you cool and protect you from the sun’s rays. Shorts, a shirt, and socks might be all you need on a warm day.

Winter running clothes

When the temperature drops, consider wearing pants or tights, and a vest or soft-shell jacket. Remember that you will warm up once you get moving. Insulated versions of these items are ideal for winter activities.

Read: Keri's wellness Wednesday: How to get that gym smell out of your clothes

The second thing to consider when purchasing running clothes is your body. Individual bodies react differently when running so you need to figure out whether you're a sweater or an easy burner. This will inform the type of gear you buy.

Here are a few options that will assist you when buying running clothes:

Moisture-wicking fabrics transport perspiration away from skin to keep you dry and chafe-free while you’re running. These are usually a good idea. 

Fabrics that dry quickly, such as polyester and nylon, keep you comfortable as you work up a sweat. If you’re caught in a passing rain shower, they’ll dry quickly to keep you from getting cold. 

Also, many long-sleeve tops for cool-weather days offer thumbholes to increase hand coverage and warmth so you can possibly skip the need for gloves. They also help to keep sleeves in place as you run. A few styles even have mittens built into the sleeves.