Enhanced cardiovascular fitness, stress relief, mood enhancement — there are myriad benefits to taking up running. But a new advantage is now coming to the fore: high-performing gear is hot. Ever since “gorpcore” made functional clothing covetable, high-spec running trainers (On, Hoka, Nike, Asics, pick your fighter) and visor-style sunglasses that wouldn’t look out of place at fashion week have started to feel like status symbols. And there are plenty of people looking to buy into the elite athletic mood; just ask any of Strava’s 180 million worldwide users, or one of the record-breaking 1.1 million people who applied for a place in the 2026 London Marathon (nearly double the number for the 2024 race).
Runners express themselves through considered outfits
“Running gear has really evolved from being practical to something that sits at the intersection of performance, lifestyle and fashion,” says British elite marathon runner and lululemon ambassador Anya Culling. “When I started running it felt like the clothing was technical but with less attention on how pieces looked together. But now, I am able to show up in fully styled outfits with the items also being geared towards performance.”
Amid the overall shift, certain moods, tribes and cult pieces have emerged. Whether you’re in the final stages of marathon prep, considering a couch to 5K or simply looking for a new piece to pose in on the weekend coffee run (no judgment here), here’s a snapshot of the names to know and places to go if you want to look chic while pounding the pavements.
Statement strides
One of the easiest ways to look stylish on a run is to add a statement piece or accent to an otherwise simple, neutral outfit. “This season especially, we are seeing runners express themselves through considered, styled outfits — co-ords, bold colour palettes, animal print designs, statement sunglasses and accessories like bandannas that bring personality,” says Culling.
“At the same time, we’re seeing more layering as styling, not just function. Accessories like arm sleeves, running vests or headwear aren’t just practical, they look cool. I’m seeing more pieces that are inspired by trail running or have a utilitarian edge.”
Harry Styles is the unofficial poster boy for this sartorial school of thought, especially after he clocked a sub-three-hour marathon in Berlin last year. Running under the pseudonym Sted Sarandos, Styles paired an all-black look (including mesh shorts from Boston-based brand Tracksmith) with fluorescent Nike Alphafly 3 trainers and wraparound shades from LA eyewear label, District Vision.
It wasn’t long before Styles was gracing the cover of Runner’s World and launching his own running gear through his lifestyle brand, Pleasing. His hot pink micro-shorts and retro track jacket are long sold out but the mood can be emulated. See lululemon’s cheetah-print shorts, layered over dashes of cherry red, or Vuori’s fresh shades of riviera and regatta blue. Or raid your local vintage store for a 1980s-inspired track jacket to pair with your favourite black shorts and you’re good to go.
Tonal types
For every statement strider out there, there is a tonal devotee matching them pace for pace. You might have seen them around, camouflaged in a palette of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley neutrals, adorned in minimal branding and propelled forward by the confidence that Alo needn’t be reserved solely for yoga. Other names to know in this world of whispered luxury are Varley and Now You Live, both of which toe the line between California-flavoured athleisure and high-performing pieces.
This is also a balance that On, a brand known for the most hi-tech trainers out there, is also exploring with a recently launched collaboration with Zendaya (and her high-profile stylist Law Roach). This collection is more rest day than run club ready — think sneakerina-inspired trainers, two-tone ribbed tanks and parachute pants — but there is a great cropped tank fit for “light runs”.
Off the beaten track
If you’re aiming for peak style kudos, you’re going to need something from niche brands that haven’t quite made it to the mainstream yet. Try Satisfy, which brings a touch of heavy metal and vintage Americana to running gear, or Soar, which recently collaborated with Cubitts on a range of performance eyewear.
If straying too far from the unknown seems daunting, look to unexpected launches from more familiar brands — notably a recent influx of trail shoes. First, there was the Condor 3 Off-Road from Veja, the Portuguese-made trainer brand. With enhanced grip (and a “gravel-specific outsole”), these are just as good on country lanes as they are on London pavements. Then there are Alo’s just-launched trail shoes, which feature oversized traction soles to similarly suit off-grid escapes as well as urban commutes.
Some would say that with great gear comes great responsibility, but if you end up wearing your functional chic fit to the pub, don’t fear. Who’s to know you haven’t just run a marathon?
