1/ Puma Explosive Crop: R499

An elegant and smooth design: there’s a bowed contour seam on the chest, and an edgy high cut above the navel. Fine mesh straps contribute to a light feel and fit.

GET IT NOW: Puma Stores 021 551 0832

2/ Under Armour Speed Pocket Shorts: R799

The largest waistband of all those tested features a unique elasticated drawstring you can simply pull to tighten, without having to tie it like shoelaces. There’s also a pouch inside the front inner on the waistband, which is an ideal place to store gels.

GET IT NOW: underarmour.com/en-za

3/ Salomon Elevate Seamless Tee: R700

A low-cut neckline, small, narrow sleeves, and an extra-tightly stitched band on the sternum ensure this seamless, onepiece tee is both comfortable and fitslike a glove.

GET IT NOW: salomonsports.co.za

4/ Salomon Agile Shorts: R580

Simple, curved lines and an opening on the leg. Think classic style, without exposing the leg too high up. Includes a mesh panel with a zippered key pocket in the middle of the back.

GET IT NOW: salomonsports.co.za

5/ Under Armour Speed Stride Tank: R399

Thin shoulder straps that dive low at the back accentuate exposed shoulders and the upper back. Heatgear fabric on the back panel is perforated for temperature control, and there’s a flattering high cut on the hips.

GET IT NOW: underarmour.com/en-za

6/ Asics 3.5-inch Woven Shorts: R480

These are our favourite shorts of the lot, because of the attention to detail. The geometric design is functional, yet elegantly put together, from the unique back pocket to the striking angle of the leg opening.

GET IT NOW: asics.co.za

7/ New Balance Ice Mesh Tank: R550

NB Ice technology in the fabric is activated by sweat to assist with cooling. An ultrathin mesh without a seam makes for a stylish off-the-hip finish.

GET IT NOW: newbalance.co.za

8/ adidas Icon Shorts R449

A retro design. There are panel inserts on the side of the leg, and a bold adidas triple-stripe stitched from the waist to the leg, and over the large waistband for added support.

GET IT NOW: adidas.co.za

9/ adidas Response Light Speed Tank Top: R399

A slightly flared design, from top to bottom, combines with uncomplicated panels to create the simplest of cuts. The tank sitsloosely over a sports bra, and acts as a light and breezy second layer.

GET IT NOW: adidas.co.za

10/ New Balance Inner Tights Shorts: R650

Large waistbands are trending. These shorts offer ample support to those who enjoy the fashionable high-waisted fit. Inner tights extend beyond the shorts and offer compression and anti-chafe.

GET IT NOW: newbalance.co.za

11/ adidas adiZero Vest: R849

Testers praised the enchanced fit – the famous three stripes run from top to bottom, and along
the sides of the vest, which adds extra weight. Welded seams on the inside of the neck, and a fall-away armpit opening at the back, minimise chafe.

GET IT NOW: adidas.co.za

12/ Under Armour Launch 7-Inch Shorts: R699

The baggy cut is synonymous with traditional running shorts. A mesh strip, which runs from top to bottom on either side, adds width for those with thicker thighs. It even has familiar pockets in the leg.

GET IT NOW: underarmour.com/en-za

13/ New Balance Seasonless Tee: R700

Stretchy material skims the body, and feels light and soft to the touch, just like crushed cotton. The
seams are stitched, but very finely, so as not to cause rubbing or irritation.

GET IT NOW: newbalance.co.za

14/ adidas adiZero SPL Shorts: R560

The speedster option from adidas has a high split on the side of the leg; but it’s not as minimalist as the style usually worn by front-runners. That’sdue to an extra panel under the waistband on the buttocks, and a cut that extends a bit lower than usual in the crotch.

GET IT NOW: adidas.co.za

15/ Under Armour Threadborne Swyft Hoodie: R899

A hoodie, and pockets in the waist pouch, add a little extra ‘grunt’ and style to the classic tee. Keep the hoodie on to conserve energy in cold conditions.

GET IT NOW: underarmour.com/en-za

16/ Asics 2-in-1 5-inch Shorts: R850

Anti-chafe inners come in very handy for those who suffer from this affliction. It’s light – i.e. it doesn’t serve as compression – and includes a small, zippered pocket, which with some coercion will accommodate a smartphone.

GET IT NOW: asics.co.za

17/ Asics Training Tee: R550

The main seam is in an offset position; it runs from the base of the neck in the middle of the back to the waist. An extra slit at the waist flatters larger midriffs.

GET IT NOW: asics.co.za

18/ New Balance 5-Inch Shorts: R650

A relaxed fit around the waist, and more streamlined over the leg. These shorts include two pocket options: a deep, open one on the right leg for gels; and on the left leg, there’s a secure one with a zipper that’s ideal for a small key.

GET IT NOW: newbalance.co.za

19/ Puma Energy Laser Tee: R999

This T-shirt is made of pliable, two-way stretch material, which feels comfortable and unrestricted – it’s surprising, considering how much of a tight fit it has. The welded neck and sleeve openings, and laser-cut air vent perforations, are of the highest quality.

GET IT NOW: Puma Stores, 021 551 0832

20/ Salomon Pulse Shorts: R680

A strong drawstring and wide waistband secure these medium length shorts to the waist. The back pocket is big enough to hold a smartphone, and it zips closed.

GET IT NOW: salomonsports.co.za

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