I workout, stretch and run outdoors three to four times a week, it’s a routine I like.
It’s November already and it’s getting cold. I have a 100% merino wool mid layer long sleeved shirt I spent 130$ on I wear to the office but I don’t want to ruin it working out, stretching and running because it was expensive.
This piece of clothing is quite thick, like 2 layers put together. I don’t want to buy anything thinner for sport because I’ve read thinner undershirts/base layers break due to friction.
This is what I fear is going to happen with my merino mid/base layer if I workout with it, even if it’s on the thicker end of layers.
Another option would be to buy a regular polyester base layer to use with a synthetic mid layer or combine a synthetic base layer and a cotton mid layer. Would these be stupid ideas?
What should I use as an outer layer?
Overall, what brands would you recommend? I’m a skinny 5’6’’ woman.
I run outdoors year-round in weather down to 20°F in a climate with high humidity. Above 40°F I wear old beat-up tshirts, a thick hoodie, and leggings-style running pants. Below 40°F I replace the T-shirt with an REI house-brand light- or mid-weight base layer, and I toss a pair of cotton exercise pants over the running pants (I bought those years ago for less than $15) and wear a cheap woven hat and my junkiest gloves. If it’s raining I’ll replace the heavy hoodie with a water-repellant windbreaker + light weight hoodie.
In other words my running wardrobe is comprised almost entirely of my oldest, most beat-up clothes, most of which were originally just cotton or other cheap non-technical materials purchased years ago at a fast-fashion store at the mall or used from a sporting goods store. I do invest in decent socks (I highly recommend darn tough for their durability), but unless you’re braving truly cold temps, very long workouts, or cannot return indoors shortly after working out,* you really don’t need anything fancy for year-round exercise. For what it’s worth I’m also a woman and I get cold very easily.
*The main problem with cotton is that it will not keep you warm when wet, so if you like to take a long cool down walk or hang out on a park bench for thirty minutes post-workout you should go with wool or synthetic material so you don’t freeze in your sweat-soaked clothes. But as long as you’re returning to a warm indoor space before your exercise warmth dissipates, this shouldn’t be an issue.