Chapter 1: The Quest for the Ideal Running Gear

Over a year ago, I was given an intriguing assignment by the Wall Street Journal: with summer on the horizon, my task was to test various running shirts for their fit, style, and, most importantly, their ability to wick sweat and keep me dry. For someone like me—who sweats profusely—this is a crucial concern. I will go to great lengths to ensure my clothing remains dry, my body stays cool, and my sensitive areas remain chafe-free.

I reached out to various gear companies for samples to evaluate. During several weeks in May, when the temperatures soared into the mid-70s and higher, I embarked on numerous runs, typically ranging from 5 to 7 miles. Most shirts excelled in the first three miles, but sweat began to accumulate after that. Post-run, I meticulously noted how far down my chest the sweat had traveled. If it made it to my solar plexus, I considered that a success; in fact, one shirt was merely damp around the collar—impressive! However, the majority of the dozen shirts I tried ended up drenched, with sweat reaching my belly button or completely saturating the fabric. I deemed these failures.

In the end, I selected a few standout options from brands like Tracksmith, Under Armour, and North Face. However, to be candid, I wasn't overly impressed with any of them. This sentiment deepened as I continued to wear the so-called winners; they too became soaked, with sweat traveling farther than during my initial tests.

For a time, I questioned whether the concept of wicking was merely a myth. In my research for the article, I gained insights into the science behind fabric materials and how engineers have modified the fiber structures at microscopic levels to direct moisture away from the body and, importantly, inhibit microbial growth. While I found the scientific explanations fascinating during my interviews, the reality of dripping sweat onto my kitchen floor after a long run in one of my favorite shirts made me skeptical. I couldn't imagine resorting to cotton shirts—heaven forbid! But was this all just another sports apparel gimmick?

Then, I began to reflect on my running experiences and recognized a critical oversight. On some days, I wore a running hat—specifically, a New Balance model—while on other days, I did not. This inconsistency meant I had failed to control a significant variable. The reason my shirt hadn’t become soaked to my belly button was that the hat absorbed the sweat before it could trickle down my torso. Additionally, due to its own wicking properties, the hat effectively distributed moisture across its fabric, allowing for evaporation into the air.

Of course, some shirts performed poorly even while wearing a hat, and it’s possible that my sweating patterns varied from day to day. However, my experiences since then have confirmed this: wearing a quality running hat significantly delays the saturation of my clothing. Since that realization, I’ve made it a point to wear a hat on nearly every run.

It's important to note that I said "delays," as even with a hat, my clothes still become drenched. Just this morning, I ran 5 miles in intense heat and humidity, and by the end, every inch of my outfit was soaked. According to a 2015 article in Time, this level of perspiration is indicative of good fitness:

A study from 2010 in Japan examined the sweating responses of fit men and women compared to those who were unfit. The findings revealed that fit individuals sweat more and begin to perspire sooner during exercise. Crandall explains that the differences stem from each person's capacity for heat generation. “A high fitness level allows you to exercise at a higher workload, which generates more heat, leading to increased sweating,” he notes.

While that’s encouraging and clearly highlights my athletic prowess, my primary goal remains to stay dry. This brings me back to the science of wicking fabrics. Yes, these materials outperform cotton, but do they genuinely meet the needs of excessively sweaty runners like me? Are they tested on individuals with my level of perspiration? Are any companies innovating fabrics that can effectively channel sweat away from my body and enhance evaporation? If such advancements exist, I want to be among the first to know—I’m ready to be your test subject, just provide me with a shirt, a treadmill, and a large bottle of water.

If you found this discussion insightful, you might enjoy these related articles:

• Why Pyramid Fartleks Are the Best Workouts.
• I Started Running 20 Years Ago — Here’s What I Wish I Knew Back Then.
• A Runner’s Guide to Traveling and Running.

Chapter 2: The Role of Running Hats

Wearing a running hat can be a game changer for runners, helping to manage sweat and enhance comfort during workouts.

In this video, explore the best running caps for 2023 that offer technical solutions for sunny and rainy conditions.

This video features four runners sharing their top hat choices to effectively protect their heads during runs.