Women's running clothing for the French Days

T-shirt, tank top or long sleeves: dressing according to the temperature

A simple rule guides the runner: dress as if it were about ten degrees warmer, as the body warms up quickly. Above twenty degrees, the tank top, like the adidas Adizero, or a short-sleeved t-shirt is enough. Between ten and fifteen degrees, a short-sleeved technical t-shirt and arm warmers Odlo, which can be rolled down over the wrists during the run, offer a good compromise. Below ten degrees, the long-sleeve top, like the Dynafit Ultra or the Elite Lab Core with a zip collar, keeps warmth without excessive bulk. All these items are made from synthetic fibres that dry quickly.

The rest of the equipment

The French Days running also includes:

• Women's Shoes.
• Men's Shoes.
• Men's Clothing.
• Juniors.
• Equipment, watches and water bottles.

All the offers are gathered on the running page.

Leggings, shorts or competition briefs

The lower part of the outfit is chosen according to the distance and the season. The long leggings, like the adidas Climacool or the winter Elite Lab leggings, protect the muscles from the cold; the three-quarter version, like the adidas Adi365, leaves the ankle exposed when the weather is milder. The running shorts, often lined with a brief, provide ventilation in hot weather. The competition briefs, like the Joma Olimpia, are very high-cut and are worn by athletes on the track and road when every gram counts. On the leggings, a small zipped pocket at the back holds keys or an energy gel.

Technical and compression socks: comfort from foot to calf

Running socks primarily protect against blisters. The ankle socks BV Sport, designed in Saint-Étienne, reinforce the pressure points, and the Sums in merino regulate temperature and limit odours during long outings. Compression socks, like the Falke Stabilizing, apply a gradient pressure from the ankle to the calf to support the muscles during exercise and promote venous return during recovery. A running sock should be chosen in the exact size: too big, it wrinkles and rubs, too small, it compresses the toes in the shoe.

Running in the rain and at dusk

Autumn and winter impose two priorities: stay dry and be seen. The waterproof jacket, like the Elite Lab Shell or the Joma London, stops the rain while allowing steam to escape; the sleeveless Elite Lab jacket protects the torso from the wind while leaving the arms free. The reflective elements become essential as night falls: the Endurance Rumey Light The Night jacket reflects headlights back to drivers. The sleeveless down jacket adidas Adizero keeps the torso warm during warm-ups. The French Days of autumn conveniently coincide with the shortening of days.

Frequently asked questions

What running clothes for larger sizes?

Technical brands often offer sizes up to XXL, with looser cuts at the hips. Look for stretch fabrics without thick seams and a top that is slightly longer to cover the lower back well.

Why avoid cotton for running?

Cotton absorbs sweat and holds onto it: the t-shirt gets heavy, sticks to the skin, and cools the body as soon as you slow down. Synthetic fibres and merino wool wick moisture away and limit irritations.

How to avoid chafing when running?

Fitted clothing without prominent seams under the arms and in the crotch reduce irritations. Over long distances, an anti-chafing cream applied to sensitive areas complements the outfit.

How to wash running clothes?

Wash them at thirty degrees, inside out, without fabric softener that clogs technical fibres and reduces breathability. Air drying preserves the elasticity of leggings and reflective strips.

Visor or cap for running in the sun?

The Avento visor shades the face and allows heat to escape from the top of the head, which is beneficial in extreme heat. The cap also protects the scalp from sunburn and absorbs sweat, but it retains a bit more heat.