Jogging outfit in autumn: Away with the hoodie, into fun

You have to give the millions of joggers in Germany one thing: they are extremely creative. There is almost nothing that a man or woman would not wear on their Sunday run. The classic: a worn-out cotton hoodie combined with no less worn-out jogging pants. In addition a pair of rocked casual shoes. Others seem to see their training session as a kind of catwalk, wearing woolen hats, leggings with floral prints and running skirts and matching shoes.

And then there are the athletes, wrapped from head to toe in functional underwear, who conjure up the right running robe for any weather from the closet. Just make sure we don’t get ourselves wrong: clothes don’t make runners. Everyone should first of all wear what they find comfortable and in which they feel most comfortable. But cotton, the material that beginners in particular like to wear when running, has several disadvantages.

In this article you can read about why you should try functional clothing for your jogging outfit for autumn and what the so-called 3-layer principle is.

Cotton as a problem substance: wet, heavy, unhygienic

Doctors and running experts are critical of cotton shirts. In contrast to functional (and synthetic) running clothing, the fabric soaks up sweat during exercise. Problem 1: The natural fibers do not release the liquid again. This leads to problem # 2: the shirt or sweater is getting heavier by the minute. In the worst case, the soaking wet tissue will eventually rub the skin – for example under the arms. The nipples are particularly sensitive. So that the clothes are not ruined by blood stains, beginners should also , a synthetic material, take hold – especially at temperatures around freezing point. This light garment not only fits snugly on the body, it also ensures that sweat is first transported away from the body and therefore cools down less quickly. You don’t usually have to spend too much money on this.

Running and functional underwear in a quick check

The insulation layer: hands off cotton

While the functional underwear usually remains hidden when running, fashion-conscious runners can bring color into play with the insulation layer. Because in spring-like temperatures, a good functional undershirt and a long-sleeved running or fleece shirt with a slightly roughened interior are sufficient to keep the body warm. At cooler temperatures, on the other hand, the so-called insulation layer lies in the sandwich of functional underwear and protective layer, i.e. the running jacket. Basically, the fibers of the running shirt have similar properties and tasks as the underwear. It is supposed to warm and to conduct the moisture “transferred” by the underwear to the outside instead of storing it. Cotton cannot meet these requirements and would interrupt the transport of sweat. In the transition period between winter and spring, light fleece shirts or jackets are the best choice here.

Long-sleeved running shirts in a quick check

Which brings us to the third layer of the well-known 3-layer principle. The outer layer and its membranes are designed to protect the body from the outside against wind and water while running. At the same time should the water vapor that has been transported through the inner layers is released “into freedom”. A remarkable achievement that only high-quality breathable membranes can achieve. And you will guess: Here, too, jackets made of cotton don’t make a stitch. They soak up the sweat from the inside and the moisture from the outside, get heavier with every kilometer and sooner or later slag around uncomfortably on the upper body. The fabric cannot stop the wind either.

Running jackets in a quick check

Of course, there is more to a complete jogging outfit than just the 2 or 3 layers for the upper body. In spring and winter (at temperatures of ten degrees and below) you should definitely wear long running pants to prevent muscular tension. You can’t go wrong with slightly brushed and tight fitting pants. With slightly wider models there is a risk of chafing. They also keep your legs less reliably warm.

When it comes to running socks, cotton comes back into play. Feet produce sweat, a lot of sweat. Therefore, regardless of the weather, it is not decisive how thick the socks are (or have you ever got cold feet while jogging?), But that they sit correctly. So treat your feet to a pair with slightly reinforced fibers in the forefoot and heels. Many manufacturers rely on left and right socks and cut their models to fit men’s and women’s feet.

We give off around a quarter of all body heat through our head. It makes sense why that should also be protected. And indeed – you already guessed it: with a hat that is as breathable as possible. As much as you like your beanie or bobble hat, it’s better to leave your favorite hat at home when you run. Hats with an integrated layer of fleece also do a good job that can be transformed into a fashionable running hat in no time at all.

“The Running Bible”

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