HOW TO BUILD A RUNNING CAPSULE WARDROBE

Reflecting back on some of the clothes and gear I’ve bought over the last few years, there are few things that made a big difference to my capsule (and my running too):

Stick to 2/3 colour palette.

When I first started running my wardrobe was made up of a rainbow of colours. Exercise gear was a safe way for me to break free of my standard uniform, so I took full advantage of the neon pink, yellow, blue and every other colour I discovered on my trips to the sports shop. But I soon realised that neon green and pink don’t work well together, and inevitably the one top that went with my bright yellow shoes was almost always still in the wash. I had a growing pile of running clothes and none of them matched. Since then, I’ve learnt to stick to a palette of two-three colours. Pick a neutral base colour like black, grey or navy; then add one or two accent colours. So for example, now my base colour is grey and my two accent colours are a pale and bright pink. Every item can be worn alongside another, they all match each other (so it doesn’t matter what is or isn’t still in the laundry!). 

Remember: If you opt for a running capsule – your capsule won’t last more than a season or two. You’ll wear out your clothes fairly fast. Running pants tend to last the longest, so I try to buy these in my neutral base colour. That way when the tops and shoes are worn out, I can buy new ones in a different colour and create a new capsule, without replacing everything.

Don’t skimp on quality.

If you’ve ever run in a proper wicking top versus a cheap knock-off, you’ll know that quality counts. It’s hard enough as it is to run for 30-minutes, let alone to feel like you’re baking in an oven while you do it. Good quality brands like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas do last longer and will make you feel a lot more comfortable. And if you scour the factory shops of these brands you’ll pick up bargains for the same price as their cheaper ‘cousins’.

Remember: All these brands have their own line of running apparel – don’t overlook these items for their workout/gym active wear. Running tops and pants are more breathable and will wick the sweat away from your body better, which means a more comfortable run for you!

Layers are important.

Forget about seasons and rather build a running capsule wardrobe that encompasses a variety of layers. Winter or summer, in the middle of your run you’ll feel so hot you’ll want to be naked. Obviously you can’t be naked. Obviously?  Anyway, the idea is on colder days start your run with a light, long-sleeve running top over a tank or tee. As you warm up on the run, you can slide it off and wrap it around your waist (a zip up top makes this even easier). Have two of these kind of ‘cover-ups’: One that’s slightly warmer and one that’s lighter but waterproof – that way you’ll be  covered for any weather. These will also keep you warm as you cool down after your run. Another tip is to leave roll-up down jacket in the boot of your car, just in case you need something warmer.

Wireless gear is a game-changer.

The first time I listened to music on a run, I knew I’d never be able to go back to running without it. A good playlist can help you to maintain a good cadence, or even push you to go a little faster on the uphills. But headphone wires wrapping around your neck or trying to carry a phone with you while you run is uncomfortable. Rather, invest in a good sports watch or fitness tracker that plays music too and a pair of good quality wireless headphones. I went through a slew of cheap headphones and fitness bands before I eventually relented and bought an Apple watch and AirPods. I’d had them for nearly three years now and they’ve suffered tumbles, rainstorms and even a trip through the washing machine but they still work perfectly.

Your shoes matter (a lot).

When you first start running you’ll want to wear the shoes that look good. 30km later you’ll want shoes that are comfortable. The wrong shoe can hurt your knees or give you shin splints. It’s worth getting your feet checked out, so you know if you need a pair of neutral or stability shoes. You might not find the perfect shoe first time round, but eventually you’ll find and shoe that’s right for your foot and you’ll be devoted  for life.

Quick tip: One way to test if your running shoes are right for you, is to check the tread underneath. If it’s wearing evenly – you’ve found a good match. If it’s wearing more on the one side you may need more or less support.