Using technical fabrics to keep dry and comfortable can make all the difference to your run - whether running your first 5k or 10th marathon. That's why you must invest in technical clothing that is both sweat-wicking and breathable. Instead of trapping the moisture next to your skin, these fabrics move it away, moving it to the outside of the fabric to evaporate, minimising chafing and maximising your comfort.
What Fabrics Are Best For Running?
| Fabric | Key Benefits | Ideal For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Sweat-wicking, breathable, stretchy | Tops, tights, shorts | Can retain odours |
| Polyester | Durable, lightweight, quick-drying | Jackets, base layers | Less anti-bacterial |
| Polypropylene | Water-resistant, temperature regulating | Base layers | Less common, can feel plasticky |
| Spandex (Lycra) | Super stretchy, shape retention | Leggings, bras, socks | Not very breathable alone |
| Bamboo | Eco-friendly, soft, anti-bacterial | Tees, socks, underwear | Can be less durable |
| Merino Wool | Breathable, temp-regulating, anti-bacterial | Base/mid layers | Pricier, needs gentle care |
What Fabrics Should I Avoid When Running?
Be aware of wearing cotton. It is not the optimum fabric for running. It absorbs moisture, traps it against your skin, and leaves you feeling damp and hot as you sweat.
- Nylon → Nylon is one of the most popular fabrics in running tops and running legwear as it's sweat-wicking, breathable, and super stretchy, so it’ll move with you for a comfortable ride.
- Polyester → Polyester is a plastic-based fabric, making it durable, lightweight, breathable, and non-absorbent. It also repels UV rays and keeps you warm when wet, ideal for running jackets. On the downside, it does not hold the anti-bacterial qualities of natural fibres.
- Polypropylene → Popular in running gear, this fabric is water-resistant and temperature regulating - able to stay dry and cool, no matter how sweaty you get on the road. It's ideal for running base layers.
- Spandex → Also known as LYCRA, spandex is super stretchy and flexible, able to expand for unrestricted movement before snapping back and retaining its shape. It's ideal for running socks, sports bras, and running leggings. Shop Hilly to discover more.
Most Popular Fabrics for a Comfortable Run
Ronhill's high performance Vapourlite fabric is a lightweight polyester fabric which transports sweat, heat, and moisture away from the skin to the outside of the clothing, where it can evaporate to keep you dry and comfortable.
Lightweight, breathable, and lovely and soft aginst the skin, it has Ronhill quality stitched in. Ideal for long runs and trail running, Vapourlite is the reliable fabric that will be there for you run after run.
New Balance ICE keeps you cool and dry while running. The fabric is 'sweat-activated' and has moisture-wicking properties, meaning sweat will be wicked away from the skin, ensuring you don't get cold during your run or workout.
New Balance DRY is a quick-drying recycled polyester and spandex technology that actively wicks away moisture, allowing you to stay dry and focused on dominating your workout.
Icebreaker's Cool-Lite™ fabric uses incredible soft, comfortable, and versatile Merino Wool to create the perfect all-rounder tops and tees for warm weather adventures.
Inspired by nature, Icebreaker harnesses the performance qualities of Merino Wool to offer an alternative to petrochemical synthetics. Merino Wool is an annually renewable fiber that naturally resists odour, keeps you cool and warm, and lets your skin breathe for comfort all day, every day.
Adidas AEROREADY absorbs sweat to keep you dry and help you cool down to focus on the extra miles ahead. No matter the conditions, Explore Adidas' HEAT.RDY, COOL.RDY, RAIN.RDY, and WIND.DRY collections to discover the incredible performance techology of AEROREADY in their tees, leggings, shorts, jackets, and more.
Seasonal Guide: Best Fabrics for Every Weather
Summer Running
- Best fabrics → Polyester, nylon, bamboo, Merino wool
- Why → These fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and wick sweat away to keep you cool and dry
Winter Running
- Best fabrics → Merino wool, polypropylene, polyester blends
- Why → These materials insulate while remaining breathable and dry, helping regulate body temperature even in cold, damp conditions
Rainy Weather
- Best fabrics → Polypropylene, polyester with water-resistant treatments
- Why → These fabrics repel water and keep you dry without sacrificing breathability
How to Layer Running Clothes for Maximum Comfort
Layering is key to comfort in changing weather. Here’s how to do it with the right fabrics:
- Base layer → Sweat-wicking (polyester, nylon, Merino wool)
- Mid layer → Insulating (Merino wool, fleece)
- Outer layer → Weather-resistant (polyester with DWR, nylon shells)
Each layer should work together to move moisture out and keep you dry and comfortable.
Find all the gear you need for your next run all in one place here at Runners Need. Click below to shop our incredible men's and women's runwear collections...
FAQs
The best fabrics for running are technical materials like nylon, polyester, polypropylene, spandex, bamboo, and Merino wool. These fabrics are sweat-wicking, breathable, and designed to keep you comfortable by moving moisture away from your skin and drying quickly.
Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against your skin, which can lead to chafing, discomfort, and feeling cold or clammy as you sweat. It dries slowly and can make you feel heavy on the run, so it’s best avoided for running gear.
Sweat-wicking fabrics pull moisture away from your skin and move it to the outer surface of the garment, where it can evaporate. This keeps you dry, reduces chafing, and helps regulate your temperature during exercise.
Eco-friendly options like bamboo and recycled polyester offer many of the same benefits as synthetic fabrics—breathability, sweat-wicking, and comfort—while being kinder to the environment. They’re a great choice if you want sustainable activewear.
Polyester and polypropylene are among the fastest-drying fabrics, making them ideal for intense workouts or wet weather.
- Wash in cold water with mild detergent
- Avoid fabric softeners (they can block moisture-wicking properties)
- Air dry or tumble dry on low
- Wash soon after use to prevent odours
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