Wear the race shirt that is…
Today on Tuesdays on the Run, we are discussing that hugely controversial topic:
Should you run a race in the shirt you get at a race?
I know, we take on the serious topics around here.
Personally, I don’t care what other runners do. If you want to wear the race shirt, knock yourself out.
But, I’ve already confessed to not liking race shirts. I made some into a quilt and I give Jones the cotton ones to wear, but I still have a huge stack of brand new race technical shirts. So, maybe you should take my not wearing race shirts with a grain of salt.
- Many race shirts are cotton. No, just no. Don’t race in cotton.
- Even if it’s a tech tee and it’s a brand I’ve worn before, it could still chafe. OK, I admit, I’ve occasionally run a race in a new shirt. I’ve also screamed in the shower afterwards. I’m just not going to go there.
- I’ve become a “matchy matchy” runner – I plan my outfits and usually the shirt does not go with my planned skirt. God forbid I make a change to accommodate it. ;o)
- Most race shirts don’t look good on me. Hello, unisex? That’s just manufacturer speak for “gonna look like crap on anyone with curves”. Just sayin’
- My preferred top is a colorful tank. I have never run a race that gave out a tank top. I just might make an exception for that… nah, it still might chafe.
Do you wear the race shirt to race in? If you do, I’d love to hear your reasons!
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I had an outfit planned this wkend in Dallas for a tank and shorts and a cold front came in. I am glad I had brought a pair of capris and arm sleeves but I ended up wearing the race shirt. I didn’t really care. I was warm and comfortable and that’s all that mattered.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…Hey Runner’s, Why we’re breaking your rules!
I don’t like to wear a race shirt until I’ve finished the race, for purely superstitious reasons. But I agree with all of your reasons for not racing in the race shirt too!! Just wear it when you’re done! It’s always nice to put on a clean, dry top after a race!
Jenn @ Run with Sole recently posted…Old West Trails 50K Race Recap
I feel the same as you! I don’t care what other runners wear, but I hate how race shirts fit and I’d much rather wear a tank top. I plan to make my shirts into a quilt too! Where did you get yours done?
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…The Race Shirt Controversy
I just got an email yesterday from a marathon that lets your choose your shirt and a tank is an option. That got my attention!
Marcia recently posted…Race Shirt Conundrum
I usually don’t love the race shirt either. There are a few that I have gotten lucky with, but I tend to run in tank tops most of the time anyway. I have worn the race shirt to the race before back when I didnt know any better, but now I would definitely not wear anything new on race day!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Scheduling Weekly Workouts Without a Training Plan
I agree-most race tops are not flattering, especially since a lot of race tops are still unisex. Most of my race tops end up going to Goodwill and I keep a couple of the long sleeve ones for throwaway tops the morning of a chilly race.
Stacey recently posted…Race Report: Newport News One City Marathon Relay
I won’t race in a shirt made for that day’s race. I feel like you shouldn’t wear the shirt until you’ve finished the race and have earned it! However, I am a fan of race shirts. I don’t often race in them, but they’re good enough for me for training runs. I hate spending money on long-sleeved shirts for the winter when I have tons from races. I’m lucky and don’t deal with a lot of upper body chafing, but I can imagine how that can be an issue for some!
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…To Race Shirt or Not to Race Shirt & 13.1 Recovery
I don’t care what other runners wear to a race either, but I feel like I need to earn that race shirt before I wear it. And, yes, that’s basically all I wear on the weekends and on vacation. Because otherwise, how would I meet other runners. 😉
We’ve been very lucky to have received some great race shirts from the races we’ve done. I guess it helps that a majority have been disney races and rock n roll races which tend to give nicer shirts. You make some valid points. I don’t like cotton race shirts and would never wear them either.
I agree. Most race shirts are ugly. I’ve done three races that gave out tanks and I love them. Why don’t more races catch on??
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom recently posted…Race Shirt Controversy: On Race DAY?! and a #Miles+Pace #GIVEAWAY!
I wore my race shirt *once*, because I forgot half of my outfit for a race and I was cold. I took it off half way trough the race, and have not worn it again since, like all the other race shirts I have.
I agree, all the races are unisex, and look awful, so no way I’m going to let a shirt make me feel bad, especially not at a race!
Ana recently posted…Gettysburg Marathon Training Week #11
I do not want to go through my 4-letter vocab after a race, so no no no and race shirts. I’ve done quite a few races that offer women’s cut, but that still doesn’t mean it would be a good shirt to race in.
Lesley recently posted…To Wear the Race Shirts… or Not
Definitely agree with you! I stick to the rule of nothing new on race day, so wearing the race shirt is not an option. I like to plan out my race outfits too and do at least one long run in the outfit before race day.
Michelle @ LivelyChicken recently posted…Rest Days for Runners
When I ran RNR DC I wore my race shirt from the RNR Philly 5K for good luck! I never wear the exact race shirt on race day, except on my very first race when I was told it was a major faux pas!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Best Things About Rock N Roll Races
My running group did tanks the last couple of years. Unfortunately it looks like there will be no group this year.
Anything can chafe on me at any random time for no reason I seem to be able to figure out. It’s just not fair.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…10 Ways to Clean Up & Race Tees
I feel the same way! I don’t like race shirts–the fabric, the fit, all the logos–and would much rather wear my cute clothes instead. I’ve sometimes slept in race shirts and have worn them a few times on training runs, but usually they just go in my Goodwill pile.
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style recently posted…JASR Half Marathon Race Plan
I do not run in the race shirt on race day. I might run in it to train but not on race day.
shalama recently posted…3 reasons to run a Reebok Spartan Race
I don’t wear them until I finish but I would love to see races start giving out tanks or at least the option! I wouldn’t mind picking up a race shirt after the race either. Thanks Erika for the link up! Glad I could join in.
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…Bad Juju??
All of your 5 fit me!!
Darlene recently posted…TOTR: When To Wear Your Race Shirt
I’m an earn it before you wear it girl. Plus, for some of the reasons you listed, I never bother to wear my shirts – hello no to cotton or unisex sizing!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Earn that Shirt!
Chafing is a real threat with a race shirt! I got a chafed spot from the zipper on a half zip race shirt that I wasn’t expecting. I’m really glad I found that out on a training run at home rather than on race day.
Jessica S recently posted…Weekly Wrap-Up: An active rest week
Tank race shirts are hard to come by! But I’m a tank fan as well- and that’s why I never run in the race shirts either!
Patty recently posted…Wearing the Race Shirt To the Race | Tuesdays on the Run
I never wear race shirts either. TO a race ? Never, because of the chafing issue. AFTER ? Not usually because they just don’t fit right. Now, I will have a marathon finisher tshirt in less than 2 weeks, so as me the question again then !
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Fitted, flattering and feminine
Why are so many shirts unisex?! It’s such a race swag ruiner!!! I have so many awesome unisex shirts that I will never wear. Whomp whomp.
Rachel recently posted…Half Marathon Training: Week 6
I agree, most race shirts don’t even look good on a mannequin. Some have women’s cut shirts, but even those are not too flattering. I also prefer tanks…and have made a few of the not-so-flattering race shirts (tech fabric ones) into tanks. Some races are gong to 1/4-zip jackets, and those I like (even if they’re not as fitted as I prefer). And cotton? #gag Those shirts often get “forgotten” at the check-in table.
Kim Hatting recently posted…A Festive Week of Pi, Color, and Running
I hate that so many race shirts are unisex. Is it really that difficult for race organizers to offer both genders an appropriate shirt?!?
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2016 Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
Agree! One race I’ve done gave out a tank top. But they were out of my size! I don’t like to run in sleeves! Ever. My kids get a lot of my shirts too.