Winter Workout Gear That Will Keep You Stylish And Warm

Keeping the momentum up with your training can be tough over winter. Limited daylight, freezing temperatures and less-than-ideal weather all play their parts in sapping motivation. And if you don’t have the right kit at your disposal, exercising at this time of year becomes even more gruelling.

This is why it’s vital to invest in winter workout gear that shields you from the elements and makes you feel good. If you enjoy wearing your kit, you’re much more likely to get out of the door and be active. The good news is that a growing subgenre of brands is placing equal emphasis on performance and aesthetics. Keeping fit is en vogue, and that’s good news for your activewear wardrobe.

To help you build the perfect winter workout wardrobe, we’ve rounded up some key pieces below. These are the garments and accessories that will keep you showing up even on the darkest days.

Windbreaker

A good windbreaker blocks the freezing wind, reducing the sting of the winter air. This is especially important when you’re running, as the wind chill factor can make the temperature outside feel even colder.

These jackets are usually water resistant, but unlike an all-out waterproof, they’re highly breathable, meaning you should stay relatively dry once you begin to work up a sweat.

Look for one that fits close to the body, but not so much that it restricts your movements. Reflective details are a bonus, and a well-fitting hood is nice to have, too.

Insulated Running Jacket

Thankfully, it doesn’t usually take long to get up to a comfortable temperature when running. In fact, you might be surprised at how few layers you actually need once you get up to speed. That being said, if you’re training in extreme cold – the kind that freezes water on the ground and bites at your skin – you’ll need something more substantial than a flimsy windbreaker jacket.

Look for a lightweight fleece or synthetically insulated jacket that won’t lose its heating power when it gets wet or sweaty. Again, you’ll want it to fit snugly but not tight.

Fashion-forward running brand District Vision has some great options in this department.

Gilet

Sometimes, keeping your core warm is all it takes, which is why a gilet is a great tool to have at your disposal. It keeps the cold off your vital organs while freeing up your arms for uninhibited freedom of movement.

Gilets are great for layering on the coldest of days, too. Look for one that’s wind- and water-resistant and packable for stowing away on the fly, too.

Merino Base Layer

Merino is a natural wonder material perfectly designed for being active in cold weather. It wicks moisture away from the skin, dries quickly, and traps heat to keep the body warm.

It also has natural odour resistance, making it the best fabric for a base layer you could ever hope to find.

Check out Smartwool and Icebreaker – two of the biggest names in the merino baselayer game.

Technical T-Shirt

One of the most prominent fashion-running crossover brands, Satisfy Running, is a huge advocate of cotton T-shirts. Maybe there’s something to be said for that. But we think, where winter is concerned, you want something that will push any perspiration to the outside instead of soaking it up and trapping it between your layers. For this reason, a technical tee is a must.

These lightweight, quick-drying layers can be short or long-sleeve and are made of synthetic fabric that’s designed to avoid getting sweaty. You can pick them up relatively cheaply at somewhere like Uniqlo, or if you want something slightly more premium, take a look at Soar Running, Tracksmith and HOKA.

Tights

No, we’re not saying you should rock up to your next run-club meet in your finest sheer nylon hosiery. Running tights are slightly different. Thankfully, they’re fully opaque, thicker and end at the ankle.

These are what you should be wearing when it gets too cold for shorts. Whether you want to layer a pair of shorts over the top to protect your modesty or not, well, that’s up to you.

Merino Socks

All the qualities that make merino perfect as a base layer material also mean it’s the perfect choice for socks. Moisture-wicking, odour-preventing, sweat-discouraging, quick-drying brilliance.

It truly is wonderful stuff, and a pair of socks made from merino can make a big difference in terms of comfort during the winter.

Again, check out Smartwool and Icebreaker for some of the best options.

Balaclava

Keeping your neck and head warm is key, and a balaclava ticks both boxes. Go for one made from a technical, quick-drying fabric, and ensure it’s lightweight and breathable, too.

When you get up to temperature, you can remove it and stuff it in a pocket. In the meantime, try not to scare any old ladies.

Gloves

Your extremities will be the first body parts to feel the cold. While your feet have shoes and socks to protect them, your hands aren’t so lucky. This is why a good pair of gloves is a must.

Gloves for outdoor workouts need to be close-fitting and flexible to maintain dexterity. You might need to use zippers or press buttons on a smartwatch, so choosing gloves that enable you to do these things unencumbered is vital.

Polartec is great for this, and you can even find touch-screen-friendly options that allow you to upload to Strava immediately without even having to take them off. What a time to be alive.

Gore-Tex Running Shoes

If you’re going full David Goggins and running even in heavy rain, you’ll need shoes up to the task. Regular running sneakers will let water through in just a few short strides, but those equipped with a waterproof membrane will buy you more time before you wind up with wet feet.

Many brands, including HOKA, New Balance and Nike, offer Gore-Tex versions of some of their popular running shoes. Yes, they are more likely to make you sweat, but it might be worth the trade-off if you’re determined to run through torrential downpours.