Finding the perfect running outfit

Hey, and welcome back to another post on fitness apparel. The last time I posted about workout outfits was here when I spent a week working out with no need to flash my midriff (it felt like a nice change of pace compared to most of my Instagram feed). I also shared this post about basic running kits.

This week, I’m on a mission to find the perfect running outfit. I spoke on TikTok a while back how I don’t mind mixing brands in my fits but my boyfriend hates it. So I decided to find out if any one brand has the perfect running outfits; first, please know that I have brought all of this myself, and this post is evidence I spend way more than necessary on my workout wardrobe, but thankfully, my spending habits aren’t on trial today. Now, I may have had to reduce my mileage significantly, and I’m currently only running 3 times a week, but that still gave me a chance to test out complete running outfits from Sweaty Betty, Lululemon and Gymshark. I’ll break down the cost, value for money, product quality, comfort and durability.

Sweaty Betty:

I completely love Sweaty Betty’s new autumn range; the colours and designs are simple yet colourful and fun.

I own quite a lot of Sweaty Betty kit, but for the purpose of this post, the outfit I ran in the following:

Starting with the shorts

Pros: I find them the perfect length (they come in various sizes) and have side pockets and a back pocket (you can never have enough pockets when running). Can comfortably hold my phone without it pulling the shorts down, gels and house key and don’t ride up.

Cons: These are my second pair and the material is very different to the first pair I got in 2020; it’s not as luxurious and can feel a bit on the cheap side.

Cost: £60 (although these are a core item at Sweaty Betty, I suggest waiting until they are in the sale).

The top:

Pros: A lightweight, long-sleeve top is the perfect base layer for the colder months. It has a good length in the body and thumb holes in the arms, another product that doesn’t roll up as you’re running along.

Cons: No pockets (not even a little one for keys). It can hurt your eyes a little if you’re a little hungover.

Cost: £60

The Bra:

Pros: Very comfortable, thin bra that doesn’t cause any chaffing. The design is also very flattering and comes in a good range of colours to choose from.

Cons: Named after their best running leggings, I was really excited when this bra was announced; however, for someone who is a 32E, this bra is not practical for running and looking back at my TikTok videos of running in this, I’m really embarrassed about how much you can see my breasts moving.

Cost: £75 (although I got this as part of a deal with power leggings for £120).

Overall:

I love two-thirds of this outfit, but unfortunately, the bra will be going on eBay shortly as it’s just not suitable for me.

Total cost: £195

Value for money: I find that Sweaty Betty items tend to stand the test of time. All of these items have been washed a few times now, and there’s no change to the logo, colour or quality of the items. I have had a handful of items from Sweaty Betty that haven’t worn well (last year, I had a thermal running top that showed signs of wear after a couple of washes), but overall, I find their clothing value for money. That said, if you can stock up in their sales, I definitely would.

Top tip: if you sign up for their Insiders scheme, you’ll get access to one-off discounts and a 50% voucher for your birthday, which is good for one full-price item.

Also, if you shop with credit cards, it’s worth looking if your card offers an extra cashback; I got 5% back on my last order.

Extras that I swear by from Sweaty Betty:

Pack away Jacket:

This great lightweight waterproof jacket is perfect for more than just running. It has a hood zipped away in the collar and reflective strips for safety. Another product that comes in a range of colours so you’ll find something that suits you.

Cost: £100

Light Speed Running Gilet:

Does what it says; I lived in this last winter as it’s easy to throw over anything. Doesn’t move much, isn’t restrictive and comes with pockets.

Cost: £95

Lululemon:

I wanted to hate Lululemon; I wanted it to be overpriced and average quality, making me stay clear of their stores and keep my bank account safe. Unfortunately, this was not the case…

The testing outfit:

The Leggings:

These were not designed for running. In fact, they were designed for yoga, which has very different requirements for a pair of leggings, but I took a chance and got these anyway.

Pros: The fabric really is worth the hype; really soft and buttery. I love the camo design I got, and although a few of the reviews say they don’t last long and fall down, I’ve worn this pair for quite a few runs now and there are no obvious signs of wear and they still stay up. As they are not high compression, I suspect they will loosen eventually, but they are currently holding up very well and aren’t too restrictive when I’m bloated.

Cons: Mixed reviews online make me wonder how long they will last exactly, and given the price, if they start falling down soon, then they are not worth it. No pockets; although there is a waistband pocket for a card or your key, it’s not the easiest to access. I can’t be completely mad about the lack of pockets, given these were designed for yoga, and yogis don’t need to carry water and gels.

Cost: £88

The top:

I know I did a whole post on not getting your midriff out, but some days, I’m feeling confident enough to do exactly that and on those days, I love this top.

Pros: lightweight and very comfortable, even though this is a crop top. I’m 5″ 7 and paired with the high waist leggings, this doesn’t show that much skin. Another one with thumbholes which is always a pro for me, and its seamless design means no chaffing.

Cons: Basically see-through and very thin. Heading into the colder months, this will definitely need layering with something longer, and I’m not sure how long it will last.

Cost: £68

The bra:

I’m really picky about bras, but Lululemon seems to get it.

Pros: Very comfortable and the material is really soft. As this zips up at the front, there’s no clasp to mess around with at the back. In every half I did last year, I chaffed somewhere from my bra, whether it was the clasp at the back (my first half and I had no idea the clasp was against my skin, not the material, and it ripped my back apart), but when I wore this to run one race and running 21k+ in training, I’ve had no chaffing or any issues with this bra at all. Also, a front zip makes it easy to put on and take off and doesn’t leave you dislocating a shoulder trying to get out of a sweaty bra.

Cons: As much as I love the front zip, there’s been a few issues. It can be difficult to get the zip together, and it has come undone a few times (thankfully never while running). Also, the colour is a con for me, but I did pick this up in the sale, whereas they currently only have black or dark olive available.

Cost: £88 (I paid £64 in the sale).

Cap:

I love a running cap, but it takes a lot for me to love something as much as my Ciele Athletics cap.

Pros: Lightweight with ventilation means your head never gets too sweaty.

Cons: This came off a few times to begin with, which meant I ran back on myself running after it; thankfully, it never ended up in the canal.

Cost: £35 (although you can pick up other colours cheaper).

Overview:

I always feel really comfy in Lululemon and feel like I look good, which (in my head at least) makes me feel like I’m running better. I also look forward to wearing this outfit and the other bits I have from Lulu, which can help get me out the door on cold days or when I’m not very motivated.

It’s definitely the most expensive brand on my list, but it’s easy to see why, although I’m not sure it’s 100% worth its value.

Total cost: £278

Value for money: As I said I was hoping Lulu wouldn’t be worth the hype but I have to say it really is. I’ve had a few things for over a year now that I’ve worn time and time again and everything has stood the test of time. There will always be a few things like my jacket that age quicker than others but overall the research that goes into their materials and the quality is clear to see and it does really make a difference to your workout both in regards to comfort and style. Again, try and shop in the sales if you can just to save money where possible.

Tip: it’s hard to come by a deal at Lulu, but they offer 10% off your first order, so I’d splash out if you’re going to try them and buy it all in all the sizes. Alternatively, raid their sale.

Extras from Lulu that I love:

Define Jacket: I thought this might hug too tight and leave me feeling ‘on show,’ but after the reviews, I thought I’d try it and love it. It’s very flattering comfy, doesn’t ride up when you run and has thumbholes. I will say I bought this in white and the colour hasn’t lasted very well, it is more cream now, and it is showing some signs of wear, there is some bobbling in the material.

Cost: £98.

Long-Sleeve shirt: I don’t think they have this anymore, but it’s very similar to the Rulu Run Long-Sleeve Shirt. There’s a small pocket for your keys, but the real highlight of this top is the cuffs that I fold over my hands when it’s cold out but not cold enough for gloves. This helps keep my hands warm until I get going as I struggle with the circulation in my hands. I’ve had this a while now, and it’s also been great in races, although the material has started to bobble.

Cost: £78

Gymshark:

The OG of stylish workout kit, and as my boyfriend likes to say, ‘it supports local business.’

The kit:

The Leggings:

I don’t have high expectations for these, as the last pair I brought went see-through after a handful of wears.

Pros: Good fit and very flattering; I like that the logo isn’t in your face. Comfy and true to size, these also stayed put during my run.

Cons: No pockets, although I don’t believe these are designed for running, more so for strength training where people don’t need pockets. The material is very shiny and you either need to go pantless or wear a thong as it shows pantie lines.

Cost: £45

Vital seamless Crop:

Pros: Simple, comfy, fits well and has my favourite… thumb holes. This stylish top works well for running, gym or yoga; it’ll definitely be a go-to in my wardrobe.

Cons: it does ride up when running, not massively, but enough to make me self-conscious, and I did spend some of the run trying to pull it down.

Cost: £24.50

Open Back Sports Bra:

The bra saga continues; although I highly rate the Lulu bra, the cost is a huge con for me, and when you’re running 4-5 times a week in training, you need quite a few clean bras, and that’s where Gymshark comes in.

Pros: Very supportive; I don’t feel like I’m moving around loads in this bra and feel supported.

Cons: I do find that these bras wear quickly and the claps bend easily.

Cost: £35

Overview:

I find the quality at Gymshark hit and miss, but it’s spot on when they get it right. I’m also impressed with their running range, given that they started as a predominantly strength-focused clothing brand. At the cheapest place to shop on this list, there’s definitely a place for them in my wardrobe, and I’m planning to bulk buy a load of bras before I move because, for me, that’s definitely where they excel.

Total cost: £110

Top tip: there’s always a sale or a discount code available, so you never need to pay full price. Look out for influencers with a code for 10% off, such as Holly Brooks or What Em Wears.

Extras that I swear by from Gymshark:

Speed T-Shirt:

I’m gutted that this is no longer available. I bought it last year, and it’s probably my most worn running item. This is a great all-round running t-shirt, and I can’t tell you how many times this has been washed, but it’s still in perfect condition.

Cost: £30

I recently ordered a similar t-shirt from the Vital Collection and will update you on whether I think it’s as good.

Final overview:

All three brands have a strong offering regarding running gear and show that you don’t need to splash out loads just to go for a run.

Running kits are always going to be subjective, but these really are some of my favourite things to go out for a run in, and when I feel good heading out for a run, I enjoy that run twice as much.

That said none of these outfits were enough to convince to only wear one brand at a time, I might some days depending on what’s clean and the weather but I think I will always mix and match.

I hope you found this useful; let me know your favourite brands for workout wear, and if you have any recommendations for running bras (especially for bigger-chested women) please let me know in the comments!

Love tee, xo