Looking outside on to a frosty landscape might easily dissuade you from stepping foot outdoors for a run. But if we allowed the weather to stop us from running throughout the year, the chances are we would only pound the streets and trails a handful of times.

Whether it’s cold and wet, windy and rainy, sunny, just plain cold, or snowy and ice the key to safe and happy running is to make sure you’re dressed for the occasion.

It’s not about the weather, it’s about your running clothing

If it’s a hot, sunny day you’ll want to wear minimal running clothing. So if it’s a cold, winter’s day the opposite applies. But remember that whether it’s hot or cold outdoors, we still sweat.

The ideal clothing for running in winter is lots of layers. Wearing just one thick layer means you will become hot and you will not then have the ability to take off a layer to cool down. It’s the same with socks, gloves, hats, tops and leggings.

The ideal running clothing for winter

Start with a baselayer. For men this could be a vest made form a wicking material. For women, a good sports bra can also be followed by a vest baselayer.

Note about wicking materials: Some fabrics are designed to allow perspiration molecules to escape your skin and evaporate through the fabric so as to keep your skin dry. This means that the sweat isn’t allowed to stay on your skin where it could easily leave you feeling damp and chilly.

Depending on the temperatures outdoors, you may well want to add another couple of long-sleeved baselayers. Again, these should be made from a wicking material.

There is little point in wearing a couple of wicking baselayers only to add an outer layer that prevents the sweat from dissipating to the outside.

If it’s cold, wet or windy then the outer layer should ideally comprise a windproof and waterproof layer, but again it should offer wicking properties. If your outer layer also has reflective detailing then all the better for winter running. In winter, days are darker and nights come in far faster.

Long running tights also make sense on cold winter days. If it’s particularly cold, wear two pairs at once. Again, bright colours or reflective detailing helps other street users to see you while you’re running.

Add off-road running shoes with great grip for running on snowy trails.

The added extras for running clothing

A running beanie, head scarf and gloves make essential garments for running in winter. If you become too warm while running you can always remove the hat and gloves and then put them on again if you begin to feel chilly later on in your run.

The key to the perfect running clothing in winter is versatility: Taking layers on and off, carrying a small rucksack for layers and gloves or hats to put on or take off make a huge difference to your running experience and enjoyment in winter.

We hope you'll keep on running through winter.