Can someone explain

[Ice Cream]

why do some runners wear black (leggings, shirts, etc.) in the midst of a heat wave when they run?

I get wanting sun protection, but black?

[merigayle]

They probably do not know better?

[Richard21142]

I will wear my black shorts or tank tops in the summer (not at the same time); but I doubt they make me warmer since they don't weigh much and there is a lot of shade where I run.  I also run slower to compensate for the heat/humidity.

Leggings? 

[Chasing Amy]

I wear black shorts to hide the sweat stains. I look like I've wet myself otherwise.

Regarding leggings, I suppose these are people (women) whose desire to appear slimmer overrules their desire not to overheat.

[Suesquatch]

I weat capri leggings because otherwise everything rides up my thighs to my crotch and becomes uncomfortable. I wear black because I just buy black pants. Sometimes I wear a navy blue or heather grey. That's only if I get very wild.

[Belgian Lace]

I usually race in black.

I don't wear leggings, but I do wear a lot of black to train, too. It's mostly because I sweat A Lot and my eight miler can easily turn into a wet tshirt contest.

[radial]

I wonder if anyone has really tested whether wearing black while running has a significant impact on your ability to cool off.  I guess it might depend on the degree of exposure to direct sunshine.  But still, I have the (untested) impression that evaporative cooling trumps most everything else.  That works regardless of color if the fabric wicks.

[Ice Cream]

BTW: I also prefer to wear bright clothes for visibility. 

[merigayle]

BTW: I also prefer to wear bright clothes for visibility.

Yep, I just went to Kohls and bought some neon running shirts and I kept doing laundry too often. Does not seem to help too much, though.

[mango]

maybe they were on sale.

[witchypoo]

most of my gear is dark because it's going to end up covered with mud.

the white/light shirts i do have are really gross, even after many, many washings in bleach.  not that i particularly care about being or looking filthy while working out, but dark colors are just easier.

[witchypoo]

that said, i do not wear leggings unless the temps drop below 40°F.  wearing leggings in the heat is silly.

[nadra24]

Regular leggings or capris? I have one pair of not black capris and they always make me look like I peed my pants. I bought them on sale and only wear them when I run on the treadmill (in my house, not at the gym). Black bottoms only.

[Ice Cream]

that said, i do not wear leggings unless the temps drop below 40°F.  wearing leggings in the heat is silly.

that's what I think.  Black leggings and it's 85 degrees???
When it's 30 degrees, absolutely.

[Mom of Scooby]

that's what I think.  Black leggings and it's 85 degrees???
When it's 30 degrees, absolutely.

I wonder the same thing.. and ear warmers when it's 55 out!

[junette]

I wonder the same thing.. and ear warmers when it's 55 out!

55 is just about when I need ear warmers! I can be comfortable in capris and a short sleeve t-shirt but for some reason my ears get really cold and start to ache!

[merigayle]

I wear mittens when it is not too cold out, my hands are always frigid, at least at the onset of a run.

AND no one mentioned BLACK IS SLIMMING

[Ice Cream]

Well, when I go to Europe and it's 45 degrees out there in the winter, people wear leggings and long sleeve jackets and hats and gloves.  Like all of them.  My mother used to point out to me that I had to be cold because nobody else wore shorts and short sleeves.

[Ileneforward]

I saw runners from Japan race in Maui, in the heat and humidity, in full leggings, long sleeve shirts, with gloves and scarfs, hats and all.  Almost every portion of skin was covered.   I figured it was to protect from any sunlight or they were crazy.   

[fancypants]

I weat capri leggings because otherwise everything rides up my thighs to my crotch and becomes uncomfortable.

My stomach looks like Octomom's, so no way could I run without all that secured, and I doubt Capri leggings are really hotter than compression shorts or whatever.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chasing Amy]

Regarding leggings, I suppose these are people (women) whose desire to appear slimmer overrules their desire not to overheat.

AND no one mentioned BLACK IS SLIMMING

Ahem.

[merigayle]

Ahem.