Top Fashionable Running Hoodie Buying Guide 2020

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Fall and spring are ideal seasons for running. But they come with erratic weather. And as sudden winds and rains kick in, your running schedule may go off the rails.

Buying a decent running hoodie for such times will help you stay on track. Our guide will help with that.

Decide on the Style of Your Running Hoodie

Running hoodies come in various styles. And there’s a solid range of them to choose from.

The most common hoodie styles are:

Pullover This hoodie style is the most conventional. And simple. You pull it over your head, and it sits nice and tight on you from there on. This hoodie style suits those runners who hate zippers or lace and who like having their chest covered.
Zip-up Some runners don’t like pullover hoodies because they mess with hairstyle when you put them on and take them off. That’s where zip-up hoodies come in. Such hoodies allow you to wear them just like a jacket, without trespassing on your hairstyle.
Lace-up Despite their utility, zippers aren’t ideal for everyone. Most zippers jam and break at the least convenient time. If a pullover hoodie isn’t an option, and you detest zippers, opt for a lace-up hoodie. It’s less hassle than zip-up versions and keeps your hairstyle intact.
Split-neck You may dislike feeling restriction around your neck. Or you may simply want to wear a scarf under your hoodie when running. In both of these cases, a running hoodie that has a split-neck style will work like a charm.

There’s no significant difference between these styles when it comes to running. Just go with the one that you feel the most comfortable wearing.

Go with the Fabrics Well-Suited for the Job

There’s no shortage of fabrics to pick from when buying a hoodie for running. Most popular choices include:

Cotton This versatile fabric makes for a decent insulator and is extremely breathable. That’s why the running hoodies made of cotton are preferred by so many athletes. The only drawback of cotton hoodies is that they pile.
Wool Reflecting heat even when it gets wet, wool is an amazing insulator. It also has a high degree of breathability, being a natural fabric. Wool’s rough texture, though, calls for wearing something under it.
Polyester This durable synthetic fabric is a good insulator. It’s weather-resistant, elastic, and less prone to stains. Due to its poor breathability, however, polyester is usually combined with cotton and wool.
Nylon Being a synthetic fabric as well, nylon resembles polyester in many ways. Unlike polyester, though, nylon is stronger, has a softer feel, and resists stains better. Nylon doesn’t excel in breathability and is usually blended with other fabrics.
Viscose Elastic and water-absorbent, viscose is a partially synthetic fabric. When used along with cotton and wool, viscose makes running hoodies highly breathable. And well-suited for strenuous physical activities involving lots of sweating.
Spandex Also known as Lycra and elastane, spandex is a synthetic fiber with an amazing elasticity and form-fitting properties. This makes it a natural fit for athletic clothing, including running hoodies. Spandex isn’t breathable, though, and is often mixed with cotton.
Fleece Knit and brushed, fleece fabrics come from cotton, polyester, spandex, and other base materials. Preserving the properties of the original, fleece feels warmer and softer, making the hoodies made of it super comfortable.

Both natural and synthetic fabrics offer something special. That’s why the running hoodies using both types reign supreme for a range of weather conditions.

Don’t Ignore How Much Your Running Hoodie Weighs

When used exclusively, natural fabrics like cotton and wool can make a running hoodie feel bulky. This isn’t an issue if you wear a hoodie over other clothes. But wear it under your jacket, and a 100% cotton or wool hoodie will feel uncomfortable.

Likewise, synthetic materials such as polyester have a lighter feel. Especially if you want to wear a jacket over your running hoodie. Despite being lighter, synthetic materials have poor breathability and are inferior when used without natural fabrics.

Simply put, don’t worry about weight when using your running hoodie as an outerwear.

And go for a lighter mix of natural and synthetic fabrics if you wear a running hoodie as a layer.

Pick the Sleeve Length that Works for You

Most running hoodies have full-length sleeves. But there are running hoodies that offer 3-quarter sleeves, short sleeves, cap sleeves, and no sleeves at all. Go with the sleeve length that you find the most comfortable, given your likes and the time of the year.

Opt for Elastic Bands If You Need Them

If you’re not a fan of loose clothes, opt for the running hoodies with elastic bands around wrists and hips. But check their elasticity first to avoid buying a running hoodie that feels like a pair of handcuffs on you.

Check If You Also Get Any Extra Features

Some running hoodies have additional features, like pockets or thumb holes for keeping your hands warm. While these features aren’t must-have, they increase your overall comfort, making each running workout more pleasant.

Don’t Shy Away from the Design You Like

While some runners like their hoodies plain, others turn their running hoodies into a creative way of self-expression. In this day and age, running hoodies depict anything from quotes and mottos to favorite teams and bands.

What Brands Out There Make Decent Running Hoodies?

There’s no lack of running hoodie brands to select from. If you want some suggestions, though, we’ll list a few:

Russel Athletic.
Champion.
American Apparel.
Under Armour.
Hanes.

FAQs

Are Running Hoodies Good for Wearing Anywhere Else?

Since all high-quality running hoodies are specially designed for being active outdoors, they’re perfectly suitable for almost anything else outdoors.

Does the Fabric of a Running Hoodie Matter?

From insulation and breathability to weight and feel, fabric is the single most important factor when buying a running hoodie.