Admittedly, a solid summer wardrobe for running mainly consists of shorts and singlets, but since weather can be unpredictable, having other clothing options is beneficial. Here's a mini-guide to the benefits of various garments, so you can be fully ready for summer.
Tops
There are three sleeve lengths that might be relevant, depending on the weather and heat.
Singlet
Perhaps the garment that screams summer and sun the most! The singlet is the perfect partner for all your sunny runs, as it's typically made from very thin material and covers only the essentials to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Ideal for warm days or fast runs.
T-shirt (short-sleeve)
A t-shirt is obviously also a logical choice for summer runs. I personally wouldn't choose to run in a t-shirt on the hottest days, but for a manageable morning run below 20°C, a t-shirt is perfect. Note that t-shirts come in various thicknesses and materials with different functions. Pick something light and breathable for summer runs.
T-shirt (long-sleeve)
”What the heck!?!” you might think. But yes, it's actually nice to have long-sleeve t-shirts in your summer wardrobe. We might as well accept it; cold, windy days will come. And if you're just heading out for a calm run on one of those days, it's really nice to have a long-sleeve t-shirt on.
Bottoms
Shorts, splits, or short tights. All have a place in the summer wardrobe, but in different ways.
Shorts
Shorts is a broad term, so I'll only write about classic shorts here—not split shorts or short tights (those come in the next sections). Shorts and summer go together like strawberries and cream, so of course, shorts belong here. They're lightweight and breezy to run in, offering plenty of freedom. Available with many pockets and in 2-in-1 versions with an inner tight under the looser outer layer.
Split shorts
The obvious choice for races or fast runs. They're short, airy, and provide plenty of freedom. You might think they're too short. But trust me; once you've tried them, there's no going back. They're really comfortable to run in, especially on a hot summer day.
Short tights
On the rare occasion it rains in summer, it usually pours. And if you're heading out knowing you'll be soaked in 2 minutes, it's really nice to wear short tights instead of shorts. Shorts would cling awkwardly to the body, increasing chafing risk. Short tights, however, stay put as intended, offering a significantly better running experience.
Socks
Pick a thin and sweat-wicking running sock for summer runs. Some prefer running in thin wool socks for thermoregulation, but most choose thin synthetic socks to prevent them from bunching and causing blisters.
Accessories
The common denominator here is UV protection - for your head or eyes.
Cap
A cap is really nice to have in summer when the sun blazes. It has two functions: shading from the sun and keeping sweat out of your face. The brim is useful for avoiding sunburn and not squinting in the sun.
Sunglasses
It took me a while to embrace running with sunglasses. But I've found it's really nice. My eyes relax more, and they're shielded from wind and pollen, which are great side benefits. Plus, there's been more focus on eye protection from UV rays in recent years, and only sunglasses can offer that.
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