Matching running gear

TheRoadRunner

I was heading out for a run yesterday and threw on a new running jacket I bought a couple of weeks back.

It was lashing rain and quite cold so I had a pair of leggings on. On my drive to the local park I was horrified to notice the jacket and top matched, same brand same colours etc. I normally go out of my way to make sure I don't wear matching running gear. Can't explain my reasoning but I think it's a bit pretentious (absolute mad I know :rolleyes:)

I was just wondering what other boardsies do ? Do you like wearing matching running gear or do you go out of your way to clash like me ?

PS on second thoughts my irrational dislike of matching gear may come from a guy I use to play football with. He use to arrive to training wearing the complete kit of certain soccer teams, shorts, jersey, socks, training top etc. But he was the worst player in the northern hemisphere. I think I associate matching gear with a poser with no substance. And now I think about it further don't get me started on running eye wear

RacoonQueen

I'd associate matching gear with a poser aswell to be honest(purely based on experience from friends who decided to take up 'jogging'). I even wear navy and black together when I'm running...and sometimes a black bra under a white top :eek: I usually just throw on what ever I pick up first, a friend of mine decided before christmas that she was going to do the great south run next year(she lives in Porsmouth) and she was very particular about the running gear she was buying, it had to look nice and had to match, no matter how many times I told her it wasn't a fashion show. Most of my running tops are ones I got at races which are usually mens sizes and usually too big for me. Do I care? Nah! :pac:

SUNGOD

cant beleive you wore matching gear ya big blouse:D

i am the same i would usually go out of my way to not match, i just assosiate matching gear to be a poser with no substance or an elite and as i feel im neither i dont match.


what colour was it RR ?
a lovely lemon two peice or a sassy pink number:D

Woddle

I needed more shorts so when I was buying the boards singlet, I bought the matching shorts. I went to wear them to a race but after putting them on, I quickly took the shorts off, not too sure why I felt the need to change the shorts, I wonder if I was a much better runner would I have left them on.

robinph

I'd consider matching gear a major no, no.

Unless you are being spnsored by that kit manufacturer. You can get away with matching gear if wearing club colours in a race though, but not during training.

RacoonQueen

Not sure if what's worse, we all go out of our way not to match just to show that we're real runners...or the people who go out of their way to match so they can show how hawt they are.

robinph

We are all confident enough with our hawtness levels already so have nothing more to prove.

Running Bing

What do you mean by "matching gear"?

I mean are you saying that you go out of your way to wear things that dont go together because your not fast enough to wear things that go together?


Personally I either wear:

Black shirt with grey shorts
Red top with navy(or grey) shorts
White top with navy shorts


Am I not at the level yet to wear such colour combinations? Should I stick with black shirt/navy shorts until Im popping out 6 minute miles on my easy days?

You've given me something to think about now:P

TheRoadRunner

SUNGOD wrote: »

what colour was it RR ?
a lovely lemon two peice or a sassy pink number:D

It as navy with lovely yellow stripes. Very fashionable indeed

Woddle

Running Bing wrote: »

Am I not at the level yet to wear such colour combinations? Should I stick with black shirt/navy shorts until Im popping out 6 minute miles on my easy days?

You've given me something to think about now:P

The blue singlet and matching blue shorts just didn't seem right, maybe I just didn't want to draw attention to myself

If I was you I would stick with black and navy till you start throwing 5 min miles together for fun, once your doing this, your allowed to wear what you like.

sean_d

My running gear is mostly a higgeldy-piggeldy mash of black and blue stuff, chosen to suit the elements more than the colour, though none of it looks particularly out of place when paired with another item. Have to say matching gear always looks well though...

Cycling gear, however, is ALWAYS matching club gear, and must be Euro-approved. When preparing for a training spin, I put as much thought into looking Euro as I do to planning the session itself. Its about time a similar set of rules was made for running I think - none of this intentional mismatching malarky...

smcgui

I know I'll get shot for this but I generally do like wearing nice gear and I won't go out of my way to not wear matching gear. Personally if I feel I look well then I feel more confident and end up having a better run. Its a psychological thing for me rather than trying to be a poser or caring what anyone else thinks. It's the same when I'm sick and feeling miserable I will slap on the makeup in the belief that if I don't look so bad then I won't feel so bad!

Therefore I think its unfair when people automatically call others posers, because if anything my reasons for wearing nice gear proves I'm not a poser as I don't care what pther people think of what I wear as I know majority of runners think its a nono to match.

...bit of rant there but hopefully you get what I mean!;)

rainbow kirby

Meh, I just wear whatever's there and clean. Today it was a green t-shirt and dark grey capris. T-shirt was a size too big.

I tend to get a lot of stuff in fairly neutral colours though, so nothing looks particularly bad together (apart from putting a navy jacket with black capris).

TheRoadRunner

smcgui wrote: »

Therefore I think its unfair when people automatically call others posers, because if anything my reasons for wearing nice gear proves I'm not a poser as I don't care what pther people think of what I wear as I know majority of runners think its a nono to match.

...bit of rant there but hopefully you get what I mean!;)

apologies I didn't mean to imply that all people wearing matching gear are posers and like you, I do also have some running gear that I like to wear as it does boost my confidence (jesus in text I sound like Gok Won). But for me matching gear personally adds pressure to run quicker etc.

colblimp

I wear matching colours occasionally and I'm certainly no elite! I don't see the problem really, I have a petrol blue Saucony 'kit' - shorts, singlet and long sleeved top which I reckon looks smart - and when I'm wearing my black club singlet, I always wear black shorts. However, sometimes I go out looking like a right state and I don't give a damn! Does it really matter what we wear?

TheRoadRunner

colblimp wrote: »

Does it really matter what we wear?

Ff course not. I was just wondering if other boardsies have weird perceptions about matching gear similar to myself.

theFinishLine

I am a frequent lurker on these boards but this thread has caused me to go one step further and sign up and do some posting. There are hundreds of interesting and engaging threads on running, training, marathons, racing tactics, preparation etc. But a thread about "matching gear" Pardon the pun but have we lost the 'run' of ourselves?

In my training and racing I wear gear that (1) is comfortable, (2) fit-for-purpose - ie rain gear for a wet day, (3) looks OK. I remember a running friend of mine telling me - "if you want to be a runner dress like one". In saying that some of the toughest and best runners on the roads of Ireland today wear what fashion gurus would consider "fashion crimes" - baggy worn out t-shirts, torn shorts, etc. Personally I have often looked at older runners who are wearing t-shirts from races which are now extinct and felt a tinge of jealously going through me. The Lakeland 15 miler, The Dunboyne Half Marathon, Dublin Marathon finishers T-shirt from 1988.

I read a thread here a few weeks ago about "ghost runners" creeping up behind people :eek:

This gets better :-)

WithCheesePlease

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

...on second thoughts my irrational dislike of matching gear may come from a guy I use to play football with. He use to arrive to training wearing the complete kit of certain soccer teams, shorts, jersey, socks, training top etc. But he was the worst player in the northern hemisphere.

I'm what you'd look down your noses at as a "jogger" but that said I still like to get out 2 or 3 times a week for anything between 5 and 12 K and enter a half dozen or so race meets a year ranging from 4 miles to half marathons but I'd in no way consider myself a runner. I do it merely to keep fit and because I enjoy it.

But having said that I wear nice comfortable running gear (breathable materials that is) but always avoid my gear matching. It even bothers me having addidas shorts and tshirt, regardless of colour! I don't want to look the part cos I know I'm not!

TheRoadRunner

theFinishLine wrote: »

I am a frequent lurker on these boards but this thread has caused me to go one step further and sign up and do some posting. There are hundreds of interesting and engaging threads on running, training, marathons, racing tactics, preparation etc. But a thread about "matching gear" Pardon the pun but have we lost the 'run' of ourselves?

Nope just the musings of a fashion conscious runner Now you are out the closet (I'm cracking myself up) posting wise I hope you can also contribute to the more interesting posts you have mentioned.

HardyEustace

I don't see anything wrong with matching gear.

I like wearing nice gear, but I do think that a good appearance is important - at least at the start before you turn purple and your gear is covered in a medley of bodily fluids.

But I have to admit that I think that men in gear that's "over-matching" look a bit wimpy. I think that women can get away with it more than men.

TheRoadRunner

gearoid_healy wrote: »

I'm what you'd look down your noses at as a "jogger" but that said I still like to get out 2 or 3 times a week for anything between 5 and 12 K and enter a half dozen or so race meets a year ranging from 4 miles to half marathons but I'd in no way consider myself a runner. I do it merely to keep fit and because I enjoy it.

God I think I may have come across as being a running snob . I was trying to be light hearted. I definitely don't look down my nose at anyone so again apologies if thats the way it came across. I was trying to make the point that I personally think if I wear flash running gear then I would would feel under pressure to run faster, just me personally, I never really pay attention to what others wear. In a similar vein I played golf last weekend for the first time in a while. My Dad has lots of really nice matching golf gear but again because of my irrational perceptions on matching gear I mixed and matched instead as turning up in an immaculate golf get up would put personal pressure on me to play better that I could.

--amadeus--

I think I know where RR was coming from. We went out and bought footie boots for Jnr a couple of weeks ago and he insisted on a pair of white ones. When I was playing only the flash harry's wore white boots so I said to him "if you're wearing those you better be good!"

Some people think that kitting themselves out in all the gear is the same as saying "look at me, I'm really good!" which then puts them under pressure to live up to that.

HardyEustace

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

God I think I may have come across as being a running snob . I was trying to be light hearted. I definitely don't look down my nose at anyone so again apologies if thats the way it came across. I

It didn't come across that way at all.

TBH, I think that there's a bit of perverted snobbery going on. I mean, if you can afford nice gear then why not treat yourself? (within reason of course). There's nothing wrong with splashing out on nice stuff. It can make training a lot easier.

When I changed my training gear from t-shirts and shorts from dunnes to proper technical gear I couldn't believe the difference. I wish that I'd changed earlier.

WithCheesePlease

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

God I think I may have come across as being a running snob :confused

Ha, don't worry, I wasn't getting snotty - was only giving a bit of background is all! I wouldn't consider myself a serious runner so I wouldn't like to try to pass myself off as one is all I was trying to say.

TheRoadRunner

HardyEustace wrote: »

When I changed my training gear from t-shirts and shorts from dunnes to proper technical gear I couldn't believe the difference. I wish that I'd changed earlier.

Yep I wear the technical gear myself and it makes a huge difference all right.

WithCheesePlease

But just to add to this, the same goes for a lot of stuff. When I was starting off surfing and it was coming into winter I felt very self conscious suiting up in my rash vest and gloves, booties, hood etc cos I didn't want to look like a fella that woke up Christmas morning to find all the new gear and was going to give this surfing lark a try. But you just get used to not thinking about it and being glad to be warm!

Same goes for rugby training, always have the lads that turn up in all the spotless matching gear with the matching tracksuits to wear going home, usually the worst lads there. It's the fellas that wear the ancient torn jerseys for the second time in a week having not washed it in between and seemingly not giving a sh!te are usually the handy ones.

Stupid_Private

I can't say that I'd actively try to match. All my shorts are either plain navy or black - that means they go with almost every top I've got. I'd say it'd be more effort for me to try and not match when going out than just throwing on the nearest top that goes best with the weather.

smcgui

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

apologies I didn't mean to imply that all people wearing matching gear are posers and like you, I do also have some running gear that I like to wear as it does boost my confidence (jesus in text I sound like Gok Won). But for me matching gear personally adds pressure to run quicker etc.

Oh no worries, no offence taken, I was speaking in general not directly to you!:)

messed_up

What about wearing items from the same manufacturer? 95% of my running stuff is nike kit - I just really like it and you can always pick up some of their shorts and tops in TK Maxx pretty cheapish. The other 5% is made up of Crane Sports tops and socks from Aldi!

Krusty_Clown

I was in TKMaxx the other day, and they had a nice looking pair of puma lycra-ish shorts in my size for 10 euro. Thankfully took them to the changing rooms and tried them on (I normally wouldn't be arsed (intentional pun!)). They looked fine from the front, but holy jeebus, wasn't much left to the imagination on the rear.
Reminded me of stupid sexy flanders! Don't think I'm quite ready for that look yet!

HardyEustace

messed_up wrote: »

What about wearing items from the same manufacturer? 95% of my running stuff is nike kit - I just really like it and you can always pick up some of their shorts and tops in TK Maxx pretty cheapish. The other 5% is made up of Crane Sports tops and socks from Aldi!

I think it depends on what suits the most. I love nike running tights as they're cut low on the waist and are very comfortable.

I bought addidas ones recently becuase they were in a sale. I HATE THEM. They're high-waisted so the waist is up around boob level, the waist is really tightly elasticated (not good when you're an apple shape) and the legs are just an odd shape.

I love nike tops as well so would regularly go out with my "matching" top and tights. It's just because they're very comfortable.

plodder

messed_up wrote: »

What about wearing items from the same manufacturer? 95% of my running stuff is nike kit - I just really like it and you can always pick up some of their shorts and tops in TK Maxx pretty cheapish. The other 5% is made up of Crane Sports tops and socks from Aldi!

Speaking of Nike, I'm not particularly a fan, but I noticed a while ago, everything I was wearing one day was Nike, including a sweatband, and socks, and the logos all seemed to neatly line up. Figured I must've looked a bit of a plonker tbh.

I have some Crane sports tops as well. They're much better for the street-cred

hunnymonster

I've run in a dress-shirt and shorts with flowers painted on so I obviously have no dignity left :-)

ManFromAtlantis

matching runners. if i'm lucky.

Alicano

Going out of your way to make it look like you didnt put any
thought to what your wearing seems a bit mad to me?.
Prob solved..your all mad.:)

If your putting in serious miles and pushin yourself every once in a while
then it all comes down to quality and comfort levels of your gear.
Hate to see the football sock/gaa or soccer jersey brigade..my god what are you doing!!?:D.

TheRoadRunner

Alicano wrote: »

Going out of your way to make it look like you didnt put any
thought to what your wearing seems a bit mad to me?.
Prob solved..your all mad.:)

If your putting in serious miles and pushin yourself every once in a while
then it all comes down to quality and comfort levels of your gear.
Hate to see the football sock/gaa or soccer jersey brigade..my god what are you doing!!?:D.

It's a scientific fact that 97.235% of all runners are mad

goofygirl

there was a fella running the calgary half marathon in a Clare GAA jersey. irish people are few and limited around these parts so i did a double take.

tippspur

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

matching runners. if i'm lucky.

Same here,whatever is clean and ready to throw on.usually an old T shirt,football togs and and white socks.when i see people running with dark coloured socks on i do think that looks a bit stupid,..;)

aburke

I check whether the gear I wear is clean... sometimes...

emerald007

matching gear - no, but matching hat and gloves combo is a big yes IMO. its all about the accessories

Matt1

Happily I don't think I have yet seen this in runners but often with tourists and walkers. SO are there any couples out there who will admit to BOTH wearing matching full kits? Be it Nike or whatever. I would laugh all week!

Personally I can admit to always buying Nike but sometimes combining with tops given in race packs. Black shorts as standard plus varying tops (blue / red / black). I do feel that the right gear makes you feel better and more confident.

shels4ever

I've just noticed most my gear does match didn't plan it that way just have lots of blue and red stuff...

--amadeus--

I kind of get teh right gear = more confident thing. I tend to race in my Rotterdam t-shirt. Its a good addidas technical t that's fairly subtle in terms of marathon branding. But wearing it reminds me of a race I ran fairly well in, which is why I pick it out. Not that I ever think about that once I've gone past the point of sticking it into the kit bag but the comforter is there if I need it...

LambDave

Hate to see the football sock/gaa or soccer jersey brigade..my god what are you doing!!?.

I disagree here. Dont go running head to toe in GAA gear but I find GAA jerseys to be very comfortable when going for a long run.

All the rest of my gear is proper running kit but usually go for my Limerick jersey when Im looking for a top.

--amadeus--

If I see a football or GAA jersey ahead of me in a race I make it my mission to get past them Even more so if its Man Utd...

ntlbell

--amadeus-- wrote: »

If I see a football or GAA jersey ahead of me in a race I make it my mission to get past them Even more so if its Man Utd...

You must do some work around the north canal, everyone seems to feel the need to try out pace me (not very hard) when I wear a united jersey

I like the jersey's as they seem to be a lot kinder to my nipples

ManFromAtlantis

are you in doubt as to whether you're a fancy dan or danielle?

any pics of matching gear ? post here and we'll give our 'honest' opinion and comment .........tee hee ...

(might be a bit like the two lads at the end of the muppet show tho)

uglyjohn

matching socks is as far as i'll go.

ntlbell

uglyjohn wrote: »

matching socks is as far as i'll go.

Slave to fashion!:rolleyes:

shels4ever

--amadeus-- wrote: »

If I see a football or GAA jersey ahead of me in a race I make it my mission to get past them Even more so if its Man Utd...

I was passed by a guy during a cross country race, head to toe in GAA gear.. Football boots too, nearly killed myself to finish in front of him..

TheRoadRunner

shels4ever wrote: »

I was passed by a guy during a cross country race, head to toe in GAA gear.. Football boots too, nearly killed myself to finish in front of him..

2003 Belfast I was passed by a guy wearing matching Ferrari gear ! Yes the sports car. Bermuda type shorts, a top that was basically a shirt and a baseball cap. I think he may have had some accessories as well. At first I thought he must have jumped in or be running the relay but my friends who were spectating noticed him early on. Like you bust a gut to finish ahead of him !