In sport apparel as runners, you should choose the right outfit and material compared to the seasons and consider performance and style. So, many of us need to adjust our running wardrobe when autumn comes. For autumn running sports apparel in general, it’s all about using the layer system and staying comfortable in the cooler and changeable weather while maintaining flexibility in your running activities. This article concerns ideas and trends in running sport apparel combining performance and style with autumn as a starting point.
Base layer system
So, when autumn comes, it’s time to replace the shorts with the long tights and the thin running T-shirt with a base layer. The purpose of the inner layer of running gear is to keep the body dry. A long-sleeved sweatshirt is a good choice for this.
Most people prefer tight-fitting materials that effectively wick sweat away from the body because they fit snugly and comfortably. At the same time, it’s effective that the clothes fit well if you have to wear several layers with for example a lightweight windproof jacket as the outer layer.
As moisture-wicking base layers, you should look for tops and leggings made from fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or a blend that wicks moisture away from the body. This will help regulate body temperature and keep sweat acceptable during training.
Compression tops and leggings apparel offer support and comfort, making them great for runs or training in cooler autumn weather (see later).
Sports Apparel – Long Tights
Long training tights for running outdoors are a type of apparel that is suitable for many different types of running training during the seasons. You can get training tights with high waist or low waist, long or short leg lengths, different lining materials, resilience, and strength in many different patterns and colors.
Some tights also have reflective patterns on the side to increase your visibility in traffic if you train outdoors at night or in bad weather. Therefore, it’s important to consider what kind of running training and functionality they should be used for.
When we want to use them for autumn runs, it’s e.g. best to choose a pair of tights in a quick-drying material such as polyester or nylon. They will ensure that you do not get sweaty and too hot during the run, and at the same time, they will keep you dry.
When you have to choose the right style and color for your training tights, the most important thing will be that you find a pair of training tights that suit your body. This means that they must not be too tight or too loose. So in general you should consider…
Performance and Style
- Flexible and functional materials
- Flat seams
- requirements to ensure good comfort on the runs
- Be made in a soft and flexible material
- Be made in a functional material that ensures high sweat transport
- Breathable
- Adjustable lacing and practical pocket
- how warm they need to be for your autumn runs
A soft and stretchy material e.g. polyester/elastane mix, will ensure a comfortable feeling against the skin and ensure a tight fit with plenty of freedom of movement. The fact that the material is quick-drying and sweat-wicking means that you are kept dry and comfortable on even hard, high-intensity runs.
In addition, the design is of course crucial for a comfortable fit. Things like lace adjustment at the waist or contoured knees can give you extra comfort and freedom of movement.
Running tights are often also equipped with practical details such as a zip pocket on the lower back for your keys, flat seams to ensure a minimum of discomfort and smart reflective linings that give you increased visibility in the dark. Long running tights are often also equipped with zips at the ankles, so they are easier to put on and take off.
Warm models for colder runs
If it’s already quite cold, windy, and rainy outside, you can choose models made with a scratched inside, which ensures a soft and warming comfort.
In addition, some of the warm running tights are equipped with a windproof material around the knees and thighs. This type of running tights is perfect when the cold starts to become more challenging with windy days and a high chill factor.
Lightweight Jackets
When choosing your running jacket as the outer layer, go for a windproof material. This is important because the wind will remove the excess heat around the body and cool it down. However, it should not be too thick either, because it is not yet cold enough in autumn.
So a breathable lightweight jacket that insulates you from the wind is almost a must in autumn conditions. But the vest is also a popular choice because it provides the necessary wind insulation across the stomach, while the excess heat dissipates through the free arms.
For autumn runs in rainy weather it’s best to choose a water-repellent or completely waterproof jacket. Depending on the type you are, a water-resistant jacket is typically enough as a personal choice.
But for those who want to stay as dry as possible (perhaps if you’re going somewhere without the possibility of changing clothes), it’s worth looking into a fully waterproof jacket.
Running jackets have become so good today that you can get rid of the heat and not get drenched in sweat under your wet jacket. The jackets are all breathable and good at ventilating. It could be Windbreakers or shell jackets: A lightweight, water-resistant jacket is excellent for autumn outdoor runs.
As mentioned look for options that are breathable but provide wind protection. Softshell jackets are also good: They provide extra warmth but are still breathable, making them great for outdoor training in the colder weather.
Mid-Layer Apparel
Mid-layers for running in colder weather as a cold autumn day are usually made from moisture-wicking material that keeps you warm and comfortable without causing overheating. Fleece jackets, insulated vests, Fusion Mid-layer, or lightweight thermal tops are preferable choices in these conditions.
We usually call it the 3-layer principle when discussing apparel for runners. But in general, you can put together your mid-layer of four different materials in many designs. Most often these are wool, fleece, down, or fiber lining. The activity and the outdoor temperature will be decisive for your choice.
Great choices could be Half-zip pullovers or hoodies. Mid-layers made from fleece or lightweight materials help regulate warmth very effectively. Go for breathable materials that don’t restrict your movements. Consider Sweatshirts with thumbholes – These are ideal for running or outdoor training as they help keep the sleeves in place and your hands warm.
Leggings or Joggers – Choose Your Style
Thermal or fleece-lined leggings: These are excellent for cooler autumn days to keep your legs warm while offering flexibility. But In general, there are countless types of leggings to choose from like:
- Classic Leggings
- High-Waisted Leggings
- Compression Leggings
- Printed Leggings
- Work out leggings
- Mesh leggings
So, there are many new trends and opportunities for the right pair of leggings to your needs, that also fits with the outdoor temperature.
What to look for when choosing the right leggings for you could be:
Apparel designs
Today you can get a lot of apparel designs of leggings from Leggings collections – leggings made from soft fabric so you can train in ultimate comfort such as:
- Floral
- Patterned
- Solid color
- Elastic band
- With Jersey
- Wideband
- Quilted seam/edge
- Unlined
- Color patterns
- Label Print / animal prints
Fit and size
such as:
- Length: 7/8-long
- Fit: Skinny
- Material selection could be
- 92% Polyester – PES, 8% Elastane
Functionality and sport type
For:
- Running
- Lifestyle
- Breathable
- Reflective
- Moisture regulating
- Quick drying
- Adaptable/Stretch
And many others
Joggers are a popular choice
Joggers are a type of casual pants that are typically made from lightweight materials such as cotton or polyester. They are designed with comfort and freedom of movement in mind and usually have elastic waistbands at the waist and ankles. These features make them suitable for activities such as jogging, exercise, yoga or just relaxing at home.
When buying joggers, it is important to pay attention to the fit. They should fit comfortably around the waist and hips without being too tight or too loose. Joggers with stretch: Gives a more relaxed fit, stretchy joggers that allow movement are great for low-impact sports or warm-up sessions. There are also many types to choose from today.
Joggers are almost a must when lounging around the house or running easy and shorter runs in the early autumn.
Accessories In Sport Apparel
There are countless opportunities to express identity and personality with accessories in sports, which come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
Running accessories are often crucial when we have to overcome the challenges of running in different conditions. Most of the running accessories are optimized for improving your performance and managing your training better (Running watches). gloves, hydration belts, and hats will support your training and help you run more efficiently to make small improvements and reach your goals. Most common are
Gloves: Lightweight running gloves or ones with touchscreen compatibility are a great addition for cool mornings or evenings.
Headbands or beanies: To keep your ears warm without overheating during outdoor activities.
Compression socks: Thicker compression socks help support circulation and provide a bit of extra warmth.
AI is also starting to appear in the sports industry. Today, AI can e.g. predict the best exercise equipment for you based on data such as your body type and activity level. And the new AR (Augmented reality) allows you to visualize how clothes look on your body without trying them on physically.
Footwear Apparel for Autumn Runs
Today, making waterproof running shoes with new materials is also possible. Often there is a membrane between the outer fabric and the lining, similar to a 3-layer rain jacket. Gore-Tex has already been on the market for a long time, and today, the shoe type shows up as “GTX” in many model names as a very popular waterproofing material.
This material has microscopic pores large enough for water vapor to evaporate through, while small enough to keep liquid droplets out. This membrane technology is widely used and preferred today.
The membrane is technically both waterproof and breathable and although it is not a perfect system and the shoes get sweaty when you warm up or the temperature rises too much. For this reason, it is best to wear non-waterproof models on warmer wet days and use these shoes for colder or rainy runs.
They are a great choice for autumn trail running and other outdoor activities like hiking. You should look for shoes with added grip and support, ideal for slick or wet terrain during autumn – shoes such as Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex.
Trendings In Colors and Patterns
Colors, patterns, and gradients play a great role in establishing brand identity and recognition. Successful sportswear brands use colors and patterns to convey their unique values, capture people’s attention, and convey energy and visual presence.
We can just look at, the bold use of black and white by Nike, coupled with the iconic swoosh, which communicates a sense of performance and athleticism.
Autumn tones that trend this year: Earthy colors like olive green, maroon, burnt orange, and deep navy are most probably trending this season. You can have fun by mixing and matching to create a stylish look that feels cozy and season-appropriate and expresses your personal style.
Light And Reflective Elements In Sport Apparel
When autumn comes and later, there will be fewer daylight hours, so we have to make sure to be visible when we run. It must be easy to spot you when you, for example, run on the side of the road with low lighting, and of course also when it’s completely dark without road lighting.
This way we avoid creating dangerous situations for ourselves and other road users. You cannot count on other road users to see you in traffic. Therefore You should make yourself as visible as possible.
The vast majority of running clothes for autumn and winter runs are equipped with reflective panels that ensure 360-degree visibility. Look for clothes with many large reflective panels – and use lamps to see your next move better as in the image above.
Choose clothes in visible neon colors, which are significantly better visible in the twilight, when it’s not quite dark enough and the reflexes are not really strong and visible.
It might also be a good idea with a headlamp if you still want to run your favorite trails in the forest. Look for models with a good, wide, and clear cone of light so you can see very clearly in front of you.
If you primarily run on the larger trails, 150-200 lumens (lumens is a unit of measurement for brightness) can be fine. but if you want to have a little more pace and also run outside the trails, you should look for a more powerful lamp of 500-1000 lumens.
Final Thoughts
So, when autumn comes and both the climate and light hours change, it’s time to get some long tights and replace the thin running t-shirt with a base layer. Many runners think that it’s great to run in autumn, because the temperature becomes more suitable for running, as it is no longer scorching hot, or frozen yet.
Getting the best running experience out of it requires an apparel check in the running wardrobe.
I hope you have gained inspiration for how this can be done with this article. If you have any questions about the topic or want to leave your review, please leave a comment below.
