Successful exercise and competition is possible only with the correct choice of comfortable and durable running/cycling apparel.

Running Clothes: What's Best?

Of course, those who run are like most other people who want certain clothing, tools and accessories for their recreation or work. Nearly every person who engages in running, as exercise or in competition, has "running shorts" that are worn only during an exercise session, training or a race. Whether their activity involves a 10-minute jog, an intense dash in amateur competition or a gruelling, world-class mile, joggers and runners insist on having well-made, comfortable running shorts and other clothes. Personal preference enters into the equation, as every individual settles in with a comfortable, colourful style that suits the activity and the fashion sense. All of these factors figure into the choice of exercise and competition clothing and accessories, from casual jogging and competitive running to cycling jerseys specially made for team competition.

Running Shorts: What Are They?

A few essential details set running shorts apart from shorts worn for other reasons. Shorts chosen for this activity, by amateurs and professionals, must be lightweight and must also help take moisture away from the body during a run. Experienced runners know that an injury can stop activity and must be dealt with. Irritation from ill-fitting running clothes may be just devastating to the runner. That's why, in recent years, top designers and manufacturers have offered running shorts with an inner lining that simulates underwear. Comfortable is key.

In all kinds of exercise and competition clothing, leg length and sleeve length play a crucial role in making the item function well. As with arm length in cycling jerseys, the leg length of running shorts must be taken into consideration. If the leg fabric is too long and loose, it will impede progress due to air resistance, in addition to being uncomfortable for the runner. If the shorts are too "short" the individual may not be relaxed and may experienced chafing in the upper leg and groin area. Some have chosen running tights to eliminate wind resistance and the nuisance of loose material around the legs. This is a trend toward the tighter fitting cycling shorts and cycling jerseys.

Material

As mentioned earlier, exercise clothing must be lightweight yet sturdy. In addition, the material used in running clothing, cycling jerseys and other exercise apparel must dry during activity and be simple to maintain during the laundry cycle. Running shorts have been made from all types of material: heavy, light, medium, soft, slick etc. But in all of the cases, runners have insisted that the clothing items last. New technology and fabric mixtures have yielded durable and comfortable clothing for all sorts of exercise and competition.