12 Essential Gear Picks for Racing Ladies
By Jenny Willden
My Alibi Bloomers
My Alibi is bringing sexy back (to the bike) with bloomers designed to support you on rides without feeling bulky. Wear them under regular clothing or your favorite active wear. There’s no binding elastic to cause discomfort, and you’ll never see a panty line. We love them in Chocolate Brown. $70 myalibiclothing.com
Helly Hansen W 3/4 Pace Tights
The new Pace tight is better than ever with supportive stretch fabric, mesh behind the knees, and a waterproof rear pocket to keep your phone dry. Plus, the Helly Hansen logo down the leg makes you feel like a sponsored athlete. Go bold and opt for a pair with hot pink color pops instead of basic black. $70 hellyhansen.com
Helly Hansen Pace Singlet
Reimagined for 2013, the Pace singlet is forged from Helly’s cooling, wicking performance baselayer fabric that’s designed to keep you dry, even during intense sweat fests. $40 hellyhansen.com
Icebreaker Dart Shorts
Merino wool may seem like a strange choice for running, but these lightweight shorts are softer than synthetics and the fabric naturally wicks away odor and moisture to keep you fresh. The wide waistband prevents muffin topping with an inner drawcord to keep them secure. The fit is looser than expected, so consider ordering a size down. $75 icebreaker.com
Lucy Pack and Dash Ultimate Capri
Lucy thought of everything when designing this feminine capri. From the stretchy loops made to hold a running belt in place to the cute ruched hem trim, you’ll feel fabulous every time you run in them. $89 lucy.com
Smartwool Phd Run Compression Ultralight
Wool + compression = awesome. Smartwool made these fantastic socks for running and recovery, so try them when you run or slip them on post-race for refreshed legs and happy feet. $38 smartwool.com
Pearl Izumi W Ultra Short
Get the coverage you want in your running short with the Ultra. These 2-in-1 shorts have a 7” fitted inner liner topped with a loose 6” overshort with patented pockets for storing gels. $80 pearlizumi.com
New Balance Impact Tunic Tank
Chill out on hot summer runs with this longer-length tank constructed with NB Ice technology that provides a tingling, cooling effect when you sweat. $38 newbalance.com
New Balance Momentum Shorts
Spice up your run in these patterned shorts from New Balance. They feature a comfortable, wicking brief liner and Lighting Dry fabric to keep you dry when sweating. $34 newbalance.com
Skirt Sports Redemption Run Short
Never say never! The company that invented running skirts just created its first women’s-specific running short. The Redemptions have built-in spankies designed to fully cover your cheeks with bonded inseams to prevent chafing on long runs. A stretch tummy panel keeps you covered and confident. $50 skirtsports.com
Skirt Sports Adventure Girl Tank
Prevent sunburn on your run in this UPF 50 protected tank. There’s no built-in bra allowing you to pick your favorite, but we recommend Skirt Sports’ Kelly bra. $50 skirtsports.com
Moving Comfort Endurance Dress
This very flattering running dress is tailored with princess seams, an empire waist, and internal shelf bra. It features DriLayer Buzz mesh zones for breathability and pairs well with Moving Comfort’s compression shorts. You’ll turn heads whether wearing it to run or to run errands. $64 movingcomfort.com