Editor’s Note, September 4, 2026: End of summer sale! Our favorite bottoms—New Balance RC Short and Smartwool Active Lined Short—are currently on discount for up to 30% off.
Sun’s out, runs out. Summer’s not quite over; right now we’re in the humid easing into balmy season—just in time for fall racing. Now’s the ideal time for heading out the door carefree as you anticipate your workout. And who doesn’t like cannonballing into a pool or lake after a workout? But alas, there are some considerations before having your run in the sun.
Unlike running in the cold when you can de-layer, running in the heat isn’t as straightforward. By prepping with the right apparel, accessories, and sunscreen, you can make those balmy days less of a slog. The right shorts can prevent thigh chafing, and an ergonomic handheld water bottle will ensure you get plenty of hydration. Running gear can optimize your run and make heat waves less miserable and actually enjoyable.
Quick Glance: Best Summer Running Gear
Best Kit for High Humidity
🎽 Top
- Bandit Vanisher Reverso Scoop Neck Run Bra
- Rabbit Ice Perf Tank (Men’s | Women’s)
🩳 Bottom
- Bandit Women’s Vanisher 5” High Waist Compression Short
- Bandit Men’s Vanisher Half Tights
- LSKD Accelerate 3” High-Rise Running Short
Best Anti-Chafing Kit
🎽 Top
- Lululemon Women’s Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0
- Lululemon Men’s Mile Maker Mesh Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
🩳 Bottom
Best Summer Racing Kit
🎽 Top
🩳 Bottom
How We Selected
In Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, we are subjected to frosty winters and sweltering summers that can rise above 100 degrees with 80 percent humidity. Over the years, I’ve learned to take workouts down a few notches when the heat rises, to scorn cotton-made running apparel, and to protect my corneas with polarized shades. Fellow Runner’s World staff also provided their recommendations. Allow us to make your sweaty runs more tolerable and chafe-free.
We divided apparel into three summer kits: high humidity, anti-chafing, and racing. However, all apparel works across these categories (yes, I’m that runner on the rail trail sporting briefs during a slow workout). A summer essentials accessory section is also included, because like I always say no matter the season before heading out: Wear your sunscreen!
High Humidity Heavy Hitters
Senior Features Editor Pavlína Černá loved how lightweight the Vanisher Reverso was, and how it didn’t show her sweat stains. The bra has three pockets; the back phone pocket is also waterproof so your screen doesn’t get slick and your phone doesn’t get sweat-logged. It also didn’t cause underarm chafing, an issue Černá ran into testing the Bandit’s other no-sweat-stain bra, the Vanisher V-Neck Race Crop, due to the side pockets.
The “Perf” stands for perforated, but this tank is light and airy for sweltering summer runs, making it close to perfection. The racerback cut allows for full-range mobility and provides even more ventilation during a hot workout.
The armholes are quite large, so you may want to swipe some anti-chafing balm under your arms just in case.
Shop Men’s at rei.com | Shop Women’s at rei.com
Černá also tested the Vanisher Shorts after she ended a hot run with a gigantic crotch sweat mark wearing her favorite bottoms. The Vanisher endured long miles in 80-degree heat. Černá was pleased no crotch stain showed postrun. However, the shorts do retain sweat; a heart-shaped sweat stain was left on the asphalt where she sat.
A men’s version, the Vanisher Half Tights, is also available.
Bandit Vanisher Collection Review
These shorts are so feathery light and flowy. The material, which is polyester and elastane, doesn’t cling to your skin. The leg openings have a high-split cut, making them billow out like a basset hound’s ears when they run. The woven waistband sits right above my belly button, but you can get these shorts in a low-cut as well. Deputy Editor Mallory Creveling, CPT, loves wearing the low-rise shorts with a lightweight T-shirt.
Anti-Chafing Champions
How I wish I had worn this T-shirt at the 2025 Boston Marathon. The scorching race had me dumping aid station water on my head and shoulders, resulting in this ugly rash on my armpits during the run and the week that followed.
The Swiftly, which I also own as a long-sleeve, is made of feathery, lightweight material and has a tailored fit that isn’t too tight or too flowy on the torso. The short length doesn’t bunch around my waist on my short frame (I’m 5 feet). Silver threads also fight odor.
The Mile Maker is made for sweaty runs with its lightweight woven construction made of quick-drying, mostly polyester material. The relaxed fit allows you to run without constriction or distraction.
Senior Gear Editor Cat Bowen’s husband wears these often, and loves how well they wick away moisture, saying “I don’t feel like I’m drowning after a workout.” According to Bowen, that’s an impressive feat.
A four-inch inseam on flowy shorts sounds like Chafe City, but Bowen promises these shorts won’t cause the skin are your thighs to peel. A breathable merino wool liner makes the interior not swampy—or stinky—and the split legs and relaxed fit provide ultimate air flow.
Another major plus is the amount of storage. Bowen praised the pockets for their girth and functionality.
Smartwool Active Lined Short Review
Tracksmith’s Twilight Half Shorts are the ideal no-riding-up inseam length (8 inches for men, 5 inches for women) and are made of an über-soft textured material that I can’t stop brushing my hands against when I’m sitting or stretching.
The three pockets provide generous space for storage. Deep side pockets and a zippered rear give options if you’re a phone-on-the-thigh or phone-in-the-back (hi!) runner.
An interior drawstring allows you to tighten the waistband, but I found tying it is unnecessary because the fit is comfortably snug. The fabric is thick but it dries fast on hot runs so you’re not sopped with sweat. Eight inches of leg coverage also prevents friction between your thighs on a run.
Shop Men’s at tracksmith.com | Shop Women’s at tracksmith.com
Tracksmith Twilight Half Shorts Review
Race-Day Ready Summer Gear
I own multiple colors in this tank top. The fitted crop feels like silk on my skin. It’s my favorite singlet on hot days when I’m not sure about running in only my bra. It’s easy to tuck under my sports bra’s straps and doesn’t distract as it trails behind my back. The Crop Tank does show sweat but I kind of like how that makes my hard effort all the more evident.
Also available as a regular tank top and men’s tank.
Tracksmith Twilight Crop Tank Review
The RC Short is made of New Balance’s NB Dry, a fast-drying material that’s great when you’re sweating from trying to snag a PR in high heat. The shorts have a seven-inch inseam with a split leg for mobility. A seamless interior brief provides comfort and support, and two drop-in pockets provide storage for gels. There’s also a back zipper pocket for storing discards—because littering while racing was never cool.
These shorts are also available as the RC Essential Short for women, which has a three-inch inseam.
Must-Have Hot Weather Accessories
Our Best Overall running hat is the Ciele FSTCap—but the Rnnr is more affordable and just as abundant with features. The hat is lightweight and breathable thanks to the perforated construction airing out your noggin. Besides the flexible brim, which provides coverage from the sun, the hat is UPF-protected as well. There’s also the run-for-fun, party theme you get wearing Rnnr hats. The hi-viz Party Pace color is our favorite.
These affordable sunglasses don’t slip on my low-bridge nose thanks to an adjustable nosepiece. The polarized lens provides protection against UVB and UVA rays. I also love Goodr’s funny names for its models. Among its several choices, you can opt for the purple-framed Tentacle Tag Champion or orange-tinted Dante’s Shin Splint Inferno.
I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to Amphipod for their ergonomic grip-free handheld. Cramps in your stomach are one thing but carpal tunnel from holding a water bottle should be a crime. The thoughtful design also features an expandable zipper pocket for holding gels or keys, and a leak-free Jett-Lock cap with easy-squeeze water flow. It’s dishwasher safe, too.
This non-greasy, non-offensively smelling SPF 50 sunscreen doesn’t leave a white residue on my very tan skin. My only gripe is the requirement to reapply every 40 minutes for reliable protection. Fortunately, it’s available in small tubes so you can drop it in a pocket and reapply midrun.
BodyGlide is the go-to anti-chafing balm for preventing friction under arms, between the thighs, you name it, glide it on. You can get an under-one-ounce version of the stick, which is perfect for pocketing in your shorts.
I forget my drink isn’t originally fruit juice when I sip water that’s mixed with Liquid I.V. The flavors make water less boring. The powder’s mix of vitamins, sodium, and glucose settle in my sensitive stomach, instead of giving me agita on my run.
What to Consider
Friction
Besides arming yourself with anti-chafing balm, covering up can also spare you from constant skin-to-skin contact on a run. Consider longer inseam lengths when choosing shorts and wear short sleeves if you’re prone to underarm rubbing. Storing too many items in your shorts (or a too heavy phone) can also cause friction.
Moisture-Wicking
Stay away from cotton. If you want to talk about Chafe City, cotton absorbs moisture, making its fabric weigh you down and potentially cause friction in certain areas. Look for apparel made of quick-drying, lightweight polyester or nylon. Mesh panels on clothing and hats, and even the split leg cut on your shorts will help with ventilation and airflow.
Heat Management
Ideally, you should be hydrating all day with at least 16 to 20 ounces of water, one to two hours before you exercise. But don’t chug! It’s also recommended that you drink four to five ounces of water every 15 minutes during exercise. But this can vary depending on the individual. Find more hydration information here.
Sun Protection
Wearing UPF-protective apparel, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat is a smart way to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. But slathering on sunscreen—periodically if your run is long—is your best line of defense against sunburn and skin cancer. A UPF hat loses its effectiveness, for example, if it has perforated mesh panels.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.