Women's running sweatshirts

The quarter zip, for running when it's cool

The quarter zip is the sweatshirt you keep on during your run. Its fine polyester fabric wicks away sweat, and its short neck zipper controls ventilation without stopping: unzipped on a hill, zipped back up at the top of a windy descent. The Reebok Running follows this principle with a feminine fit, which is narrower at the waist and shoulders, not flowing or rubbing under the arms.

The Joma, Erima Racing, and Rogelli Core sweatshirts, which are more understated, are worn alone during autumn jogs and interval training in cool weather.

Mid-layer and hoodie: before, during, after

The mid-layer, like the Newline Core, is an intermediate layer, warmer than a base layer and more breathable than an outer shell, which fits into the layering system on very cold days. The hoodie, like the Dare 2B Sprint City or New Balance Essentials, is mainly used before and after exercise: you keep it on in the start area, then put it back on at the finish to avoid cooling down.

The zippered model from IQ, the Iwero, can be taken off without going over the head, which is handy when your hair, headphones, or cap are already in place.

Materials and care

Technical sweatshirts made of polyester dry quickly and stay lightweight, while cotton sweatshirts, which are softer, retain moisture. Reflective elements make the runner visible at dusk. A technical sweatshirt washes at 30 degrees, without fabric softener, and air dries. Women's running clothing is extended with tops and t-shirts, shorts and tight shorts, pants and leggings, windbreakers and jackets, bras and socks, accessories, compression wear.

Be seen and stay warm at dusk

In winter, many runs happen before sunrise or after sunset. A light or bright coloured sweatshirt stands out from afar, and the reflective details on the sleeves or back reflect car headlights back to drivers. To stay warm, dress as if it will be about ten degrees warmer once you start: a thin quarter zip is enough up to around five degrees, while a thicker sweatshirt with a brushed interior takes over below that.

The thumb holes at the sleeve ends, present on many models, cover the back of the hand on chilly mornings.

New arrivals and good deals

The new arrivals showcase the latest releases, promotions feature discounted items, and the items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, sales, and Black Friday all have their running page.

Frequently asked questions

What size running sweatshirt should a woman choose?

For a sweatshirt worn during exercise, stick to your usual size: if it's too loose, it rubs and retains moisture. Make sure the sleeves cover your wrists when your arms are extended and that the hem doesn’t ride up above your hips.

How can you avoid odours in a technical sweatshirt?

Wash it as soon as you get back from your run, at thirty degrees and inside out, without fabric softener which traps odours in the fibres. Let it air dry, never rolled up in a ball at the bottom of a bag.

Can a running sweatshirt be worn every day?

Yes, a hoodie like the New Balance Essentials can be worn both after a run and in the city. Technical quarter zips, being finer, are designed for exercise and dry quickly after washing.

Cotton or polyester for a running sweatshirt?

Polyester dries quickly and remains lightweight even when wet, making it the preferred material for sweatshirts worn during exercise. Cotton, being softer, absorbs sweat and becomes heavy: it's more suitable for a post-run sweatshirt.

What sweatshirt should you wear for running in light rain?

A polyester quarter zip, which dries quickly, stays comfortable in a light drizzle. Avoid cotton hoodies, which soak up water and cool down quickly within the first few kilometres in the rain.