Running Meets Fashion: Using Activewear to Cross the Finish Line in Style
From relaxed tees to quarter socks, here are our favorite performance apparel pieces that will double as fashion staples in your closet.
From relaxed tees to quarter socks, here are our favorite performance apparel pieces that will double as fashion staples in your closet.
Who says running clothes are tacky?
Is it that one friend who has the same shirt in too many colors or the teenager in your neighborhood who wears all the new trendy clothes? Regardless of who says it, they’re miles away from the truth. As runners, we’re quick, confident and, of course, stylish. Now, we’re not saying every piece of performance gear is meant for the fashion runway, but there are so many running clothes that can redefine your wardrobe.
Wonderful brands like Vuori, Rabbit, Craft, Brooks Running, On and others achieve the balance of style and performance. From head to toe, these brands provide the best pieces with the finest fabrics to keep you feeling dry, comfortable and stylish, whether on the trails or out with friends.
From relaxed tees to quarter socks, here are just a couple of fashion trends bringing athleisure wear into style. These are our favorite performance apparel pieces that will double as fashion staples in your closet.
If you’re like us, then you’re always searching for a new classic, essential tee for those hot summer runs. You’re in luck–Vuori has the perfect tee for you.
The women’s Energy Tee has a relaxed fit structured with Vuori’s softest technical knit fabric. Designed with a crew neck and modern silhouette, you'll feel confident while wearing a classic look that never goes out of style. This essential tee can be worn with your favorite running shorts, jeans, or skirt. In colder seasons, this shirt is a perfect pairing with a thick, cozy hoodie, cropped jean jacket or colorful cardigan.
Vuori, well-known for their high-performance athletic clothing and lifestyle apparel, guarantees comfort for both active and casual wear. This tee provides four-way stretch for unrestricted movement and moisture wicking material to keep you dry and cool in the summer heat. Plus, it offers a UPF 30+ rating to protect you from the beaming sun, whether on a hike, a walk at the beach or a day on the town with friends. Look out for new seasonal colors, like Smoke Blue, this early fall season.
High Country to High Fashion.
Looking for an easy shirt to transition from your 9-to-5 to your post-work run? Well, we’ve got you covered with the Rabbit High Country Shirt.
The variety of patterns and colors available in the High Country makes it one of the best fashionable running shirts. It’s offered in short sleeves for humid summer days and long sleeves just in time for the holiday season. It’s available in a sharp plaid pattern; you can easily pair it with denim jeans, cargo shorts or carpenter pants.
Some people on the running course might ask you, “Why are you wearing that nice shirt for a run?” Well, once they find out the amazing features of this shirt, they’ll run in it too. It's super lightweight and quick-drying, with perforated back panels for endless breathability.
The semi-relaxed fit allows comfortability while running a 5K or filling up on appetizers at your favorite restaurant. It includes two convenient snap pockets on the front of the shirt to secure your valuables. This top is versatile, with the snap buttons traveling from top to bottom. You can button it all the way up for a more sophisticated look or let it loose with it unbuttoned for a more breezy, carefree style.
This is for those layer-on-layer outfits that are all the rave right now in fashion. Everyone is layering shirts on shirts and shorts on shorts. Don’t worry, it won’t make you feel like you're going to overheat, but it will make you feel super cool. You can pair the women’s Craft 2-in-1 shorts with anything, like that classic vintage band tee you've kept since your first concert.
Vintage is the type of vibe everyone is looking for right now. Band tees and layering are back, so don’t feel pressured to hide your real love for those bands. The teenagers are wearing these band tees, so why can’t you? Plus, you get fashion bonus points if you actually know a few songs from the band on the shirt.
For those breezy evening runs or get-togethers, you can wear a collared shirt layered under the cutest sweater or sweatshirt with the Essence shorts. Don’t forget about the accessories! You can pair it with mid-length socks, your favorite running or casual sneaker, and a black crossbody bag. If you want to add an extra detail, make sure the collared shirt matches the same color as any of your accessories. This will bring those important details together to make this fashionable outfit come to life.
There’s a reason why the Vuori designers call the men’s Kore Short “one short for every sport.”
You can wear the Kore Shorts for yoga, training, or just chilling at home, jumping and yelling at the TV screen as your favorite sports team beats their rivals. It pairs great with a sports jersey, crew neck or polo shirt. The options are endless for these Vuori shorts. Don’t stress over finding a color to match–with endless colors ranging from Charcoal Gray to Current Red; they have it all.
This short falls just above the knee with a classic athletic fit to keep the sporty casual look fresh. The shorts are available in either 5-inch or 7-inch length. A nice fit would include any shirt because the shorts are so versatile and go with anything.
Then pair it with a classic work jacket, sunglasses, or your go-to hat, and shoes that make everyone stare. You can tuck in your shirt to enhance the silhouette of the shorts or stick with the basics and have your shirt fully untucked for an easygoing look.
The Kore Short also has many efficient features, like drawcords, an elastic waistband, anti-odor properties and pockets on the front and back. There's enough storage for your phone, wallet, keys or whatever else you may need. What sets this short apart is the breathable boxer brief liner that adds comfort thanks to premium lightweight stretch.
A jacket that wins against all elements, the Brooks Canopy Jacket is made for summer showers, windy vacations or rainy hikes.
You can pair this semi-fitted item with any performance or lifestyle outfit. Wear with business slacks or khakis on the bottom and a nice business casual shirt on the top, leaving just enough space unzipped to allow your collared shirt to peep through. For a more casual scene, pair it with a cozy sweatshirt and sweatpant set.
This breathable jacket consists of two snap buttons that allow you to move freely during any activity. Plus, a breathable woven seal fabric offers water and wind protection to keep you dry.
Have you ever had to carry around your (or your child’s) jacket because of the ever-changing weather on vacation? I have, and it was pretty annoying. Next time you’re enjoying a scenic hike or a walk through town, you can stow the Canopy Jacket inside its very own built-in backpack. It’s one less item to worry about when packing for your next trip.
Most people might not pay attention to socks, but they're a fashionable accessory that adds to any outfit. First, no-show socks are a no-go.
This type of sock style is slowly fading away into the “not cool” category. There’s no need to hide socks when there are so many pairs that can elevate your outfit. Pull on a fresh pair and show people you know how to style them.
Quarter-length socks are the new no-show socks. Everyone is wearing them, so why not give them a try? This length ends just above the ankle and below the mid-calf, offering a sweet spot between no-show and crew socks.
It can be worn with low, mid or high-top shoes to prevent chafing, making them a great option for warmer weather or summer hiking. Elevating your look with just a pair of socks goes a long way, trust me. That pop of fresh color in your wardrobe will take it to the next level. It adds balance to the silhouette portions of an outfit that involves any kind of short. Plus, it helps highlight your fresh new running kicks even more.
The Balega Enduro Quarter Socks design comes in various colors, from bright to neutral tones, to fit any clothes or shoes you choose. Find the right pair of socks for any intense workout or long shifts at work. The durable and smooth fiber regulates temperature and provides stretch to fit your foot just right. These socks are made to reduce skin irritation and ban any blisters from entering the footwear premises. Make sure to keep an eye out for your specific size so you can experience all these features in the best way.
Do you know how to wear a hat? It might sound like a strange question, but it’s a serious one in terms of styling a hat. Sure, you can just throw on a hat on a bad hair day, but what about the fun of utilizing this accessory as a styling piece?
Hats can be used to add a pop of color or balance to an outfit. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. It can be the one detail someone spots in a whole outfit. Matching or contrasting the color of a hat with another piece on the body adds the symmetrical balance the human eye loves. Imagine ordering a delicious milkshake with just the right amount of whipped cream, and then adding that one perfect detail on top that sets it all up. This is what a hat can do to an outfit–the perfect, round, bright red cherry on top.
The On Lightweight Cap is one-size-fits-all, so anyone can hop on the cap trend. This cap is made from tear-proof woven fabric for consistent durability. It protects from the sun and rain with its quick drying abilities, feathery weight and breathability thanks to laser-cut ventilation holes. On thought of everything, from adding a soft sweat band to clip-pull sizing to change the fit as you please.
So, next time you’re looking at your hat collection, think about all the values and characteristics it has (color, graphics, patterns, shape) and see how those slight details can fit into your workout or everyday outfit.
The Amphipod R3 Express Pack is perfect for running, traveling or hanging out with friends. It’s made for people like us, not having enough hands to juggle our needs on a run. The practical bag allows your hands to be free to easily grab your gels or answer the phone when your mom calls because she forgot you’re in the middle of running a 5K.
There’s no better bag for every outfit than the sleek, sling style. It can add texture to your look while also being a useful accessory. It’s a blend of style, convenience and functionality. Crossbody bags continue to be a staple in the fashion world. Pair the Amphipod Pack with a cropped hoodie and your most baggy denim jeans. These kinds of bags add an utility-like aesthetic to an outfit which is a trendy look at the moment.
This convertible bag with 1.1L of storage room offers plenty of space, plus it can convert from a bounce-free waist pack to a crossbody pack. Within the convertible bag, there are large internal pockets with divided areas for your belongings. Yep, that means no more digging around inside your bag to find your keys. The breathable 3D air mesh back panel helps eliminate sweaty hot spots while on your run. The Amphipod R3 Express Pack is available in various colors to match your favorite running or resort outfit.
In the race for style, running apparel proves it’s more than just functional–it’s fashion-forward active wear, blending performance with trendsetting designs.