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Running Clothing

Find the best active clothing for trail running and other active pursuits right here, from technical wicking tops and bottoms to wind shells to comfy baselayers and socks, plus accessories like arm sleeves, sunglasses, and caps. Check out our reviews, ratings, and price comparisons, or review your own top running apparel picks.

For more top-rated outdoor clothing, including insulation, hardshells, baselayers, and more, check out our full Clothing and Accessories ratings and reviews.

Types of Running Clothing

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Running Tops

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Running Bottoms

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Running Shells

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Running Baselayers

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Caps

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Arm and Leg Sleeves

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Running Socks

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Compression Socks

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Glove Liners

Top Picks

How we choose: The best running clothing highlighted here were selected based on 559 reviews of 412 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

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Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.

Top Long Sleeve Performance Top

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoodie is an ideal alternative to the grease and chemicals of sunscreen. Weighing in at 4 ounces, the Echo Hoodie provides SPF15 sun protection, with material that wicks sweat and keeps you comfortable when the sun is beating down on you. This hoodie and a ball cap completely negated my need to carry sunscreen (and bug spray) over the summer.

Reasons to Buy

  • Sun protection
  • Wicks sweat
  • Limited odor control
  • Lightweight
  • Thin material
  • Packs small
  • Sufficient length in torso and sleeves
  • Flat stitching

Reasons to Avoid

  • Durability
  • Polyester
  • THIN material
  • Hot in the shade
  • Pocketless

The Echo Hoodie became my go-to shirt for all outdoor activities this summer. I hiked in it—a lot. I ran in it. I rappelled into a cave in it. I mowed my yard and took a follow up nap on my deck in it. I even wore it on a winery tour for style and sun protection.  Balk Knob, Shawnee National Forest Rock Island State Park, Tennessee Cumberland Mountains, eastern Tennessee Initial Impressions Right out of the package, I was surprised by how light and thin the hoodie was. The shirt packed down to the size of a softball in my hand and only weighed 4 ounces.  The fit was just right.

Read more: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie reviews (2)

Top Performance Pant/Tight

Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights are the perfect solution for comfortable and durable trekking pants as well as a thermal baselayer, all wrapped up into one. They feature functional pockets and robust construction, providing so much utility that one may find that no other pants are ever needed.

Reasons to Buy

  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • All-around utility
  • Good pocket design

Reasons to Avoid

  • Insufficient waist drawcord to prevent slouching
  • Can get a bit smelly after prolonged use

Specifications: Design: Reinforced Knees/Rear, gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and flat-lock seams Knees/Rear Material: 62% polyamide, 16% aramid, 12% elastane, 10% polyester; Stretch material: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane Pockets: 3 Weight: 265 g in size small (my sample, size small, weighs 9.7 oz/276 g) Conditions of Test Period: When I say that I lived in these tights for four months, I am not exaggerating much. These were the only pair of pants that I brought during a thru-hike of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s long pathway.

Read more: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights review (1)

Top Boxer/Brief/Bikini

Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Smartwool brings Merino magic with their Boxer Brief. Comfortable, functional, and surprisingly durable these are great for any sort of hiking or backpacking, but especially useful on extended trips when you appreciate the no-stink qualities of good wool.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Good waistband
  • Amazing anti-smell ability

Reasons to Avoid

  • Investment

  . I have had great experience in the past with Smartwool products having enjoyed their socks and insulating layers. When the chance came up to test their Merino Boxer Brief I had high expectations. Made with a Merino/nylon blend, 150g weight material in a Slim Fit style, they looked and felt great from the start. After a grueling season on trail, including a month-long thru hike of Vermont's Long Trail, I have to admit I liked them even more than I expected heh. Let's get into these briefs...I mean talking about them.

Read more: Smartwool Merino Boxer Brief review (1)

Top Active Short

Patagonia Baggies Shorts 5"

user rating: 5 of 5 (5 reviews)

Patagonia's Baggies are my go-to, do it all shorts. They are lightweight, breathable, packable, abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, quick drying nylon shorts. The DWR treated Baggies sport a 5" inseam, two quick drain pockets with mesh in the bottom, and a stretchy elastic waistband with tie. I hike, kayak, wakeboard, play tennis, jog, work out and do just about everything in these shorts! If I had only one pair of shorts, these would be the ones. Patagonia has been making these for years and are made for babies on up to men's and women's.

Reasons to Buy

  • Durable (abrasion-resistant)
  • Lightweight (4.8 oz)
  • Quick draining pockets
  • DWR treated (water-resistant)
  • Nice length (5")
  • Available in a variety of colors and patterns
  • Come with a lifetime warranty
  • Flattering fit

Reasons to Avoid

  • No zippered pocket
  • Pricey (but worth it)

My Patagonia Baggies have been through it all. I love these shorts! I would literally wear them every day if I could. I bought them primarily for hiking because I had heard so many great things about them. They are perfect for hiking because they have pockets (but they are not big baggy cargo pockets), they resist abrasion and water, they are breathable and comfortable, and they do not chafe. Nowadays, ladies' shorts tend to be rather short (3" inseam), but the 5" inseam in these is the perfect length for me.

Read more: Patagonia Baggies Shorts 5" reviews (5)

Top Wind Shirt

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (11 reviews)

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a classic. An excellent, all-around, windproof, water-resistant, lightweight shell, it performs in a wide range of outdoor scenarios. I've had mine for more than six years and use it primarily running, hiking, and skiing, but have also taken it biking, paddling, traveling, and more. It conveniently stuffs into its own pocket as a just-in-case layer, and at less than 4 ounces there's no excuse not to bring it along.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight (women's 3.6 oz / men's 3.7 oz)
  • Blocks wind
  • Sheds light rain and snow
  • Full length zipper
  • Helmet-compatible hood
  • Packs away
  • Current models made with 100% recycled nylon ripstop

Reasons to Avoid

  • Water resistant, not water proof
  • Use some caution with thin material
  • You could find a cheaper windbreaker...

  hiking in the Houdini Use I've had my Patagonia Houdini Jacket for six years and regularly wear it running in the rain or snow, hiking, cross-country skiing, and more. It's a basic, lightweight, nylon windbreaker with full-length zipper and hood and is extremely versatile and well made and durable. It fits and moves well, whatever your outdoor activity. My husband, Dave, also has a Houdini and uses his regularly as well. Both stay in rotation in our mudroom year-round. Materials & Weather Resistance Current versions of the Houdini are made with 1.2-oz 100-percent recycled nylon ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and are Fair Trade Certified sewn.

Read more: Patagonia Houdini Jacket reviews (11)

Boxer/Brief/Bikini

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (9 reviews)

These might replace every pair of underwear you own. Okay, maybe not at $25 a pair, but they are comfortable, lightweight, incredibly fast at wicking away moisture and quick drying. Yep, they are that good.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable, does not ride up
  • Unbelievably fast drying
  • Wicks away moisture flawlessly
  • Anti-microbial treatment keeps stench away

Reasons to Avoid

  • Waistband stretches out over time
  • Every time I look for them online, I have to look at the midsection of an incredibly toned and tanned young man. Well, I guess that would be a pro for some.

When I purchased my first pair of these in 2009, I would have said $25 is rather expensive for a pair of underwear and would have listed that as a con. Today, as I see other performance underwear being sold for $30-$50, I realize that $25 is reasonable and well worth the investment. If you're a briefs kind-of-guy, they are slightly cheaper ($20).  USE: I first bought them because I was bike commuting 8 miles each day in the summer heat and preferred to be dry upon arriving to work. Since then, I have purchased a few more pairs (three in all) and have used for multi-day and day hikes, fishing, hunting, swimming, and just everyday use.  THE TEST: These underwear really proved their worth to me when I visited the tropical rainforest island of...

Read more: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Brief reviews (9)

Active Short

Patagonia Strider Pro Short

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Light but protective short that gets out of the way, yet lets you carry tons of stuff.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Light
  • Breathable
  • 5"
  • 5 pockets for ample storage

Reasons to Avoid

  • Durability of pocket area?
  • Bit pricy
  • Waistband bit thick

Fit I will say it up front, I love the Strider Pro shorts. When trail running or hiking up steep hills I love the fit of them. The 5" inseam means they do not pull on your quads when going up steep terrain. They have a split on the side to give you extra freedom of movement while covering you up well enough. For me a 5" inseam is perfect. The waistband is a good elastic, but also has a lace that you can tie in case they would sag on you. I can't speak for everybody of course, but the fit on me is great, and the adjustability makes me think it would fit most people very well..

Read more: Patagonia Strider Pro Short reviews (3)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The OR Astroman Sun Hoodie is an extremely lightweight, long sleeve, hooded shirt designed primarily as a sun layer for climbers. However, I believe this shirt has uses far beyond that—biking, exposed peaks, glacial travel, on the water/ paddling, travelling, and as a wind layer. The shirt boasts a UPF rating of 50+, full coverage hood, packs tiny, and weighs in at 6 ounces (no reason to leave it at home!). The thin fabric requires a little extra care around rough rocks, thorns, etc to ensure it lasts.

Reasons to Buy

  • High 50+ UPF rating
  • Fit—boxy enough to encourage air flow and not restrict movement, slim enough to tuck under a harness or blow around in the wind
  • Large, oversized hood
  • Tons of stretch
  • Reduces use of sticky sunscreens/stops to re-apply
  • Versatility
  • Weight—6 oz

Reasons to Avoid

  • Thumb loops poorly executed
  • Price might be too high for some (I personally believe it has enough value to justify it however)
  • Long-term durability may be questionable

 *This review is for the Astroman Sun Hoodie (available in men's and women's), however Outdoor Research also makes an Astroman S/S Sun Shirt and an Astroman L/S Sun Shirt, both in men's and women's.*   As you can see the fit is quite boxy, not much tailoring, great for airflow.  FIT/ COMFORT The fit of the Astroman Sun Hoodie definitely airs (pun intended) on the boxy side. There is plenty of room underneath for air movement to keep the user cool. I've worn the hoodie both directly against the skin (it's uber soft) and with a thin merino tee, with a high level of comfort in both.

Read more: Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie review (1)

Top Base Layer Top / Short Sleeve Performance

Smartwool Merino 150 Pocket Tee

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Smartwool Merino 150 Pocket Tee is an active wear, base layer made up of 87% merino wool and 13% polyester. The high wool content maximizes one of nature's greatest insulator's ability to regulate temperature, ward off the multi-day stink, and manage moisture, while the polyester content adds durability and comfort. A lightweight wool tee allows for an endless amount of uses—from a thin sun shirt on hot summer days, to an excellent next to skin layer as part of a clothing system in winter. I've worn this from the trail, to the crag, to the pub, to the lake, to chasing the kids around the yard; it is really just that versatile. The fit is a little baggier than I would like, but that one constructive criticism is more than offset by the comfort, function, and versatility of this tee.

Reasons to Buy

  • Breathable
  • Wicks sweat/ feels dry
  • No stink
  • Soft, itch-free wool
  • Offset shoulder seams
  • High merino content

Reasons to Avoid

  • Sizing runs a little large in the mid-section

  First off, a disclaimer—I am an unabashed wool fan. It's amazing to me that man has made so many "revolutionary" fabrics designed to do, well...exactly what wool does. Mother Nature has shown us the exact fibre to be using for years. Our ancestors knew it, most experts that make a living outdoors know it, walk through the Scottish Highlands/Canadian North/Siberia, and see what their clothes are made off- natural materials.  Wool is, by nature, "scratchy" to some people. It has come a long way from the ragg wool of past, and high quality, low micron wool, like the kind used in this tee, are a lot softer.

Read more: Smartwool Merino 150 Pocket Tee review (1)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Montane Dart Zip-Neck

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Montane Dart Zip-Neck is a long-sleeved synthetic shirt that is an ideal year-round base layer (a short-sleeved tee is also available). It wicks moisture away from the body very quickly, is exceptionally tailored, and protects the skin with a high UPF factor. If you’re looking to start your cold weather kit from skin out, I’d highly recommend it.

Reasons to Buy

  • Slim fit
  • High UPF rating
  • Deep zip for venting
  • No sweat lines
  • Resists odours

Reasons to Avoid

  • Large label on hip

Long-sleeve Dart Zip Neck on the left, short-sleeve Dart T-Shirt, also reviewed, on the right FIT AND COMFORT The Dart fits exactly as I would design an active base layer to fit. Slim, without being restrictive, and with a little extra length in the hem. I am 6 foot, 170 lbs and the size large fits perfectly. This is one of the main selling points to me, compared to a cheaper competitor's synthetic shirt. There is no extra baggy fabric around the stomach/chest/arms to bunch up and the extra length keeps it tucked in under a waist belt or harness.

Read more: Montane Dart Zip-Neck review (1)

More Running Clothing

Trailspace reviewers have shared 559 reviews of 412 different running clothing. Narrow your search and view more specific running clothing recommendations in these categories:

Running Tops

Running Bottoms

Running Shells

Running Baselayers

Caps

Arm and Leg Sleeves

Running Socks

Compression Socks

Glove Liners

All Running Gear

Other Types of Running Gear

Find more running gear reviewed in these related categories:

Running Footwear

Packs, Vests, Water Bottles

Running Accesories

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