Function vs. cotton jogging outfit in spring: Get out of the hoodie – into fun!
Jogging should, first and foremost, be fun. This factor can be increased even further if the outfit is tailored to the weather from head to toe. You can find out why cotton should be taboo when jogging in this article.
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Jogging polarizes. Some people can’t do without it, others have a complete mystery as to what’s so exciting about running for fun. Opinions also often differ when it comes to jogging outfits. Cotton vs. microsilk. An attempt at explanation.
You have to admit one thing to the millions of joggers in Germany: they are extremely creative. There is almost nothing that a man or woman wouldn’t wear on their Sunday run. The classic: a baggy cotton hoodie combined with no less baggy jogging pants. No matter what temperature. Plus a pair of casual sneakers rocked down. Others seem to see their training round as a kind of catwalk, wearing wool hats, floral leggings with a running skirt and matching shoes.
And then there are the athletes, covered from head to toe in functional underwear, who pull out the perfect running robe for any weather. Just don’t get us wrong: clothes don’t make runners. Everyone should first of all wear what they find comfortable and what they feel most comfortable in. But cotton, the material that beginners in particular like to wrap themselves in when running, has several disadvantages.
In this article you can read what these are, why you should try functional clothing for your jogging outfit in spring and autumn and what the so-called 3-layer principle is.
Problem material cotton: Wet, heavy, unhygienic
Doctors and running experts are critical of cotton shirts. In contrast to functional (and synthetic) running clothing, the fabric absorbs 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 fabric will eventually chafe the skin – for example under the arms. The nipples are particularly sensitive. To prevent your clothes from being ruined by blood stains, even beginners should choose running underwear made from microsilk, a synthetic material – especially when temperatures are around freezing point. This lightweight garment not only fits close to the body, it also ensures that sweat is transported away from the body and therefore cools down less quickly. You usually don’t have to spend a lot of money on this.
Running and functional underwear in a quick check
lies close to the body (directly on the skin) absorbs sweat and transports it away from the body processed fibers hardly store any moisture prevents the upper body from cooling down through evaporation skin stays dry and warm important base layer in cool weather
The insulation layer: stay away from cotton
While functional underwear usually remains hidden when running, fashion-conscious runners can definitely add color to their insulating layer. In spring-like temperatures, a good functional undershirt and a long-sleeved running or fleece shirt with a slightly brushed interior are enough to keep your body warm. In cooler temperatures, however, the so-called insulation layer is 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 underwear. It is intended to keep you warm and to direct the moisture “transferred” from the underwear to the outside instead of storing it. Cotton cannot meet these requirements and would disrupt the transport of sweat. In the transition period between winter and spring, light fleece shirts or jackets are the best choice.
Long-sleeved running shirts in a quick check
is pulled over the running underwear is intended to keep you warm and transport sweat further, a link between the underwear and the protective layer, must not retain moisture under any circumstances, can be worn as an outer layer in milder conditions, the more volume (e.g. fleece), the warmer
Which brings us to the third layer of the well-known 3-layer principle. The outer layer and its membranes are intended to protect the body from the outside against wind and water while running. At the same time, a functional running jacket like this women’s model from Odlo is intended to release the water vapor that has been transported through the inner layers “into freedom”. A remarkable achievement that only high-quality breathable membranes can achieve. And you’ll guess it: cotton jackets don’t cut it here either. They soak up the sweat from the inside and the moisture from the outside, become heavier with every kilometer and sooner or later start to drag uncomfortably around your upper body. The fabric cannot stop the wind either.
Running jackets in a quick check
acts as an outer protective layerFunctional fibers shield the body from wind and waterMembranes should be water vapor repellent (breathable)Sweat must escape through the jacket to the outside
Of course, a complete jogging outfit includes more than just the 2 or 3 layers for the upper body. At temperatures of ten degrees and below, you should wear long running pants if possible to prevent muscular tension. You can’t go wrong with slightly brushed and tight-fitting trousers. With slightly larger models there is a risk of chafing. They are also less likely to keep your legs warm.
When it comes to running socks, the topic of cotton comes into play again. Feet produce sweat, a lot of sweat. This is also why, regardless of the weather, it is not important how thick the socks are (or have you ever gotten cold feet while jogging?), but rather that they fit correctly. So treat your feet to a pair of breathable running socks with slightly reinforced fibers in the forefoot and heels. Many manufacturers rely on left and right socks and tailor their models to men’s and women’s feet.
We give off around a quarter of our total body heat through our heads. It makes sense why it should also be protected. And you guessed it: with a hat that is as breathable as possible. No matter how much you like your beanie or bobble hat, it’s best to leave your favorite hat at home when running. Hats with an integrated fleece layer, as well as practical functional scarves that can be transformed into a fashionable running hat in no time at all, are useful. If the temperatures rise, a hat can be counterproductive because the heat given off by the head should not accumulate.
Gloves are one of the rarest items of clothing when jogging. But in cool winds and temperatures of five degrees or colder, your fingers should also be protected. The body first draws blood from the hands and feet, so they quickly become cold. As a rule, thin gloves are enough to prevent you from cooling down. If in doubt, they can be taken off during training and stored in a jacket pocket. If you have chilblains among runners, it is best to choose the slightly thicker version. The running gloves from Reusch are windproof and reliably keep your fingers warm in the cold season.
Those: “The Running Bible”
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