Winter running is a whole other ball game when compared to warm weather running.
Learning how to dress to feel good takes a little experimentation. The hardest part of this experimentation process was the amount of money it cost me. My hope with this recent series of “How to find the ___________ for Winter Running” is that you don’t waste money on buying the wrong gear.
In case you missed it the first post in the series is How to Find the Perfect Running Shirt for Winter, Spring and Fall. Today were tackling how to find the perfect winter running tight.
- Be wary of zippers and seams. Neither should feel itchy. Chaffing from a zipper is never fun.
- Zippers are essential for ventilation and for adding another degree of cooling for if you get warm.
- Look for tights that have a flat comfortable waistband.
- Fit should be snug, but not so snug that they won’t allow you to tuck your shirt or base layer into.
- Choose tights according to your tolerance for cold and for the area you live in. There are lightweight tights, mid-weight tights and even wind resistance thermal tights.
- They are an investment piece. They cost as much as a pair of shoes but last much longer.
What do you look for when shopping for running tights?
Next up in this series: How to Find the Perfect Socks for Cold Weather Running
I’m loving this information. This is my first year running in the Chicago cold and I have no idea how to dress for it.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Great tips! For me it’s all about the comfort. I don’t want to have to mess with my running clothes as I go along.
I haven’t gone down the tights route yet, so this is super helpful!
Thanks for the good information, this is my first year attempting to run in the cold, and I hate wasting money, so hopefully I can use this info to purchase the right pair the first time!
I look for just what you wrote! It is all about comfort & yes, the waistband thing! I had some that tied one year.. I hated them. Now, I make sure they fit & no drawstring!
Great tips! Being comfy is EVERYTHING for me!
Yup – done my fair share of experimenting with tights. I wish they weren’t so darn expensive!! What brand is your fave?
For below 30 degrees, craft tights are my favorite.
So much to remember!! My problem when I run outside in the cold is that I start off freezing, but then end up sweating to death. I need a jacket that can come off and tie around my waste nicely. It’s hard to find a jacket that is warn but not too big and bulky!
This is great stuff! I take more time picking out workout clothing than I do “real” clothes. It’s THAT important.
totally agree with zipper advice. I have a great patagonia vest (a good option I find as I tend to get very warm) but the zipper has been note to chafe/cut my neck which isn’t ideal.
What running hats do you like?
Hmm… I like my trailheads one because it has a place for my ponytail. However, it’s too warm a lot of the time.
ooh, great post! I was just thinking updating my cold weather running wardrobe. I really want a pair of CW-X compression tights – they’re pricy but everyone that has ’em says they’re worth it!
Great advice. But I might just stay in instead 😉