WHAT TO WEAR JOGGING IN WINTER

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 8 December 2025

So you’ve not yet come to terms with the darker mornings, earlier evenings and inevitable gust of frost the moment you step outside? If you’re still set on morning runs, winter may feel like whiplash – especially if your wardrobe hasn’t caught up. But determining what to wear jogging in winter isn’t half as hard as you may think, especially with our definitive guide to winter jogging clothes below.

HOW COLD IS TOO COLD TO GO JOGGING OUTSIDE?

There’s no cut-and-dry answer to this, but it’s universally agreed that once the temps hit sub-zero status or the conditions are too extreme, you’re better off hitting the treadmill. That being said, if you’re gritty enough to brace serious weather or just loyal to your schedule, you’ll need to gear up more than usual. Think thermal base layers, puffer jackets and layering tights underneath running joggers.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MATERIALS FOR WINTER JOGGING CLOTHES?

Prioritise moisture-wicking, breathable materials like polyester when you run in the winter, but steer clear of anything too thick – your body temperature will rise as you progress through your run. And because you’re likely to encounter rain, the best running clothes for winter come with some built-in protection – think lightweight nylon and other weatherproof technical blends.

LONG-SLEEVE TOPS

The most important cold-weather jogging clothes are your base layers. As your primary form of protection, pick long-sleeve, moisture-wicking pieces that will pull sweat away from your skin. Cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t still get hot and sweaty, so invest in quick-dry fabrics like Nike’s Dri-FIT. Details like quarter-zips and thumbholes allow you to fine-tune your level of comfort during your run.

GET THE LOOK:
4505 slim fit 1/4 zip base layer long sleeve running top in deep navy, £26
adidas Training Own The Run 1/4 zip top in black, £38
Nike Running Pacer Dri-FIT half zip longsleeve top in green, £44.99
Nike Running Miler Dri-FIT long sleeve top in green, £37.99

RUNNING TROUSERS

No winter jogging outfit would be complete without good bottoms. When winter hits, it’s often tempting to reach for jersey joggers, but the added weight and potential to chafe means they're more of a liability than an asset. If you really want to wear joggers, pick performance styles with slimmer, sportier silhouettes. Running tights are engineered to stay put no matter your miles, minimise friction, and are lightweight. To further lean into runner aesthetics (and double up on warmth), layer wide, breathable running shorts over your tights.

GET THE LOOK:
4505 reflective quick dry base layer running tights, £25
adidas Training tech fit leggings in black, £38
Nike Running Challenger Dri-FIT joggers in black, £64.99
4505 5" running short with elastic waist and zip phone pocket in charcoal, £24

WINDBREAKERS

Windbreakers are a must when you're thinking about what to wear when running in the cold. And while they’ve transitioned into a streetwear staple, their roots are undeniably athletic – it's in the name. The best windbreakers are made from water-repellent fabrics like nylon, and their featherweight construction means you can easily stuff them into a bag – although in this weather, we doubt you’ll need to. Plus, their thin, slightly oversized proportions deliver full protection without any bulk – so you need not worry about layering one over your long-sleeve and feeling constricted.

GET THE LOOK:
Nike Running Miler Winterised jacket in black, £94.99
Puma Run Velocity full-zip jacket in black, £50
Nike Running Miler Therma-Fit Winterised jacket in burgundy, £94.99
Nike Running Stride Energy jacket in black, £99.99

ACCESSORIES

We’ve covered the core mens winter jogging clothes, but there are notable add-ons that can amp up your comfort even more. First, gloves. Running with your hands in your pockets is impractical and will ruin your flow. Second, headwear. A sporty cap adds style points and utility, but if you’ve got more hair than most, a sweat-wicking headband can warm you up without the possibility of overheating. Lastly, don’t forget good socks. Performance running socks are designed to stay put, and slightly thicker pairs further insulate your feet while you find your stride.

GET LOOK:
The North Face Etip™ gloves in tnf black/tnf white, £40
Nike therma-fit fleece neck warmer in black, £20
adidas Running essentials crew socks in black and grey 3 pack, £10
adidas performance Terrex climacool 5-panel graphic cap, £25

RUNNING TRAINERS

Pictures: ASOS

If you haven’t already built a rotation of reliable running trainers, consider this your sign to cop a winter-ready pair. What sets winter running trainers apart from regular ones? Extra traction, grip and even water-repellent uppers. You’ll likely be on slippery, frosty terrain – meaning your shoes need to rise to the challenge. Many of the best winter running trainers also feature cutting-edge technology to further insulate your feet and encourage maximum propulsion.

GET THE LOOK:
ON Cloudsurfer Next running trainers in triple black, £140
adidas Running RunFalcon trainers in black and white, £50
Puma Electrify Nitro 4 trainers in white, £85
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 running trainers in black and white, £180

HOW CAN I STAY WARM WITHOUT OVERHEATING WHILE RUNNING?

Don’t pile on as many layers as possible. We know it may be tempting – after all, you’re bound to shiver when you initially step out and set up – but your increasing body heat will compensate. Down jackets, gilets and anything padded tend to trap too much heat while running and could even restrict airflow. So as a rule of thumb, opt for well-ventilated, lightweight and easily adjustable gear.

SHOULD I COVER MY FACE WHEN RUNNING IN COLD WEATHER?

Your skin becomes more vulnerable in winter, and inhaling cold, dry air can irritate your airways and lead to shortness of breath – not great for running. A face mask can further restrict your breathing, but some sort of protection can be beneficial. You can experiment by pulling a lightweight scarf over your mouth area, or wearing a neck warmer.