Up Your Style Game With These Good-Looking Gear Basics
Ready to shed that cotton shirt and get into something a little better at wicking sweat? Here's our favorite basic clothes and gear for summer.
Sure, all you really need to start running is a good pair of shoes. But few runners go too long before deciding that maybe a sweat-wicking shirt would be nice. And perhaps a watch that does a little more than tell time. And maybe something for rolling out those sore muscles.
You don’t need to go high-end to get great stuff, however. Men’s Health editors Christina Sgobba and Michael Easter show off some of their favorite stylish summer gear to help you up your running game without breaking the bank.
FOR EVERYONE: Mountain Hardwear Chiller Ball Cap
Broad mesh panels release heat, and little blue circles in the sweatband’s material are embedded with a cooling agent that accelerates sweat evaporation. The brim proved handy in sun and storms, when it kept rain off testers’ faces. $30, amazon.com.
FOR EVERYONE: Outdoor Research Tantrum Hooded Jacket
When rain clouds threaten, take this convertible jacket: Packed, it’s like a fanny pouch with an integrated waist belt that keeps the fabric stowed tidily on your sacrum. When showers erupt, you can deploy the wind-and water-resistant nylon, which features a stretchy weave that doesn’t bind. $110, amazon.com.
FOR HER: Under Armour CoolSwitch Tank
The crossback design kept this tank’s straps from slipping off testers’ shoulders, and UA’s proprietary CoolSwitch technology (using a crystal pattern woven into the fabric) pulled heat from the skin. $35, amazon.com.
FOR HER: Adidas Energy Bra
The Energy is sized for comfort: One model is engineered for A, B, and C cups, while another gives D and DD cups the benefit of additional support. Both feature a flattering V-neck and quick-dry fabric. $55, amazon.com.
FOR HER: Stonewear Crush Skort
Flattering and comfortable, the Crush combines a 13.75-inch-long outer skirt with stretchy, body-hugging inner shorts that reduce leg chafing. Car keys fit into the zippered back pocket. Bonus: The polyester fabric is made with recycled plastic bottles. $72, amazon.com.
FOR EVERYONE: Trigger Point MB1 Massage Ball
Firmer than a tennis ball—but softer and less punishing than a golf ball—this EVA foam self-massager helps alleviate the aches that often result as muscles adapt to a new sport. Roll it underfoot (along your arches) to relax tired plantar muscles, or knead it into your calves to feel instant relief. $15, amazon.com.
FOR EVERYONE: Timex Ironman Sleek 50
Integrating walk breaks into your running routine helps you avoid injury. Keep track of what to do by programming the interval timer built into the Sleek 50 to beep whenever it’s time to switch between walking and running. Bonus: it’s water-resistant to 100 meters. $70, amazon.com.
FOR EVERYONE: Stance Fusion Run Tab
Breathable mesh panels across the instep prevent sweat buildup, and the anatomical shaping (there’s a left and a right sock) eliminates bunching and sagging—so testers ran blister-free. Plus, the crazy patterns make them easy to locate in the predawn hours. $15, amazon.com.
FOR HIM: Helly Hansen VTR Tech SS
The silky, quick-dry polyester felt weightless, and mesh panels across the back kept testers from steaming up during warm-weather runs and treadmill workouts. $55, hellyhansen.com.
FOR HIM: Saucony Interval 2-1 Short
Itsy-bitsy split shorts are an acquired taste. Beginners might prefer the coverage of the Saucony interval 2-1 Short. The eight-inch inseam proved comfortable while running and transitioned easily to the basketball court. The compressive, boxer-brief liner eliminated chafing and jiggling. And on the back, a generous zippered pocket with waterpoof lining secured a phone. $55, amazon.com.
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