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9 best women’s running gear

Go the extra mile this summer and autumn with the right exercise kit

Wednesday 29 May 2019 15:55 BST

With the British weather at its most unpredictable during the summer and autumn months, it’s important to invest in running gear which will see you through the changing seasons. Here, we’ve included items which are suited to dry, warm conditions, such as t-shirts, light base layers, shorts and capri tights.

Others, such as the jackets and hoodies, will protect against colder, inclement weather. And if you layer up, many of these will be suitable when winter arrives.

We ran miles in the warm, wet and wind and tested each piece of gear for its comfort, functionality and durability.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

1. Nike Sidewinder Epic Lux: £75, Nike

Nike is many runners’s go-to brand for its comfortable, hard-wearing gear. These patterned tights are super-stretchy but have a snug, streamlined fit that unlike some will not slip at all while you’re pounding the pavements. They are sweat-wicking and the mesh panels behind the knees provide extra ventilation. As well as the usual zip pocket at the back you find on most running trousers, there are also small inner pockets at the front for the likes of a key. Choose from three shades, including this multi-coloured version. They also come in a capri option.

2. Brooks LSD Jacket: £70, Brooks Running

Running specialist Brooks knows what really works when you’re out on the roads or trail – and that weather can be changeable. This very lightweight jacket will protect from the wind as well as light showers – it’s water resistant– and then if things perk up, it packs up into a zip pouch with an elastic bag you wear on your arm so that you can run hands free. The front zipper has a headphone anchor which means wires will not be jerked back and forth. If luminous pink isn’t your colour, it also comes in lime and black and white.

3. Rapha Base layer: £50, Rapha

Rapha might be known for its cooler-than-average cycling kit, but the British brand is brilliant for running clothes too. Made with merino wool, this sleeveless base layer is very comfortable. The material wicks away sweat, cooling you down during a run, and its stretchiness allows you to easily move around. Base layers with less merino content may be cheaper, but this one is great quality. The length of the layer also allows you to tuck it into your bottoms, which is especially good in colder conditions.

4. Fabletics Navassa Crop: From £20, Fabletics

Co-founded by the actor Kate Hudson, Fabletics was launched in 2013 with the aim to create stylish, high-quality gear at accessible prices – and we think it does that very well. If you prefer shorter tights, this pair hits just below the knee. The sweat-wicking material is elastic enough for them to be comfortably flexible on a run, but tough enough to ensure they don’t become see-through when they stretch. They can be worn high-waisted and the zip pocket at the back will keep small valuables safe. Choose from eight designs. Prices depend on whether you sign up to be a “VIP member”, which requires you to spend £44 a month, though you can “skip” months if you prefer. (You also get extra discount on your first purchase, so make sure you read the small print).

5. Adidas Response Wind Jacket: £44.95, Adidas

Another one for running in inclement weather, this good-value jacket is water-repellant, windproof and will shield you against the elements. Features like the thumbholes in the cuffs mean you feel extra protected and the little details – like the collar with a soft inner lining so that your neck isn’t irritated when the zip is fully done up – make it a really comfortable one to wear. The reflective details help you stay visible and there is a small zip pocket on the back, which won’t fit a mobile phone, but is ideal for storing keys and the like. It can come up small, so you might want to go up a size depending on how tight-fitting you want it.

6. New Balance Ice Short Sleeve: £28, New Balance

Made from New Balance’s very effective sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric, this one will keep you cooler than most. The centre back mesh panel and the vents at the front allow air to enter, further helping the cool-factor. It’s UV-protected and comes in five colours. The fact it has sleeves means it’s one you can wear it if you run with a rucksack.

7. Sweaty Betty Taper Run Tee: £65, Sweaty Betty

Sweaty Betty aces fashion-forward but super-practical exercise gear. This lightweight top with a mesh back looks great layered over a bright vest. It’s made from a soft sweat-wicking fabric and is very comfortable on a run. It’s longer than some so it won’t ride up and expose any flesh.

8. Asics Fujitrail Hoodie: £55, Asics

For when things get a bit autumnal , this hoody will come in very useful. Made from a comfortable jersey fabric , it has rubber shoulder grips to stop a rucksack slipping and thumb hooks to help keep hands warm on colder days. The hood’s a snug fit if it does need to go up. We think this is an ideal one for those run to workers.

9. Women's UA Perfect Pace Short: £19, Under Armour

If you’re after some shorts for longer runs, we like these from Under Armour. They are lightweight, breathable and the exposed waistband styling gives elevates them from traditional running shorts to a more style-conscious pair. There are four colours to choose from and there’s an inner pocket for small valuables. The material’s perforated but the built-in brief means you won’t be flashing your underwear.

Verdict

For running wear that can be worn all-year-round, at £75 the Nike Sidewinder Epic Lux tights may seem expensive, but you’d be paying for excellent quality and long-lasting wear. The tights are stretchy, comfortable and cool while running. On the top, for us, New Balance’s short sleeve top is an excellent summer investment.