Running Clothes for Hot Weather: What to Wear in Singapore’s Heat

You step out at 6am for an easy run and the air already feels thick. Ten minutes in, your shirt is soaked. By the end it is heavy, clinging and rubbing in places you will feel in the shower.

No outfit makes Singapore's climate disappear, but the right kit makes a hot run far more comfortable. Here is what to wear, from fabric to fit to what goes on your head.

Singapore's Running Weather at a Glance

The early morning is cooler, but it is also when the air is most humid. Whatever time you run, expect to sweat a lot.

Fabric: Skip the Cotton

The American Academy of Dermatology advises avoiding cotton when you exercise, because it soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing. Moisture-wicking fabrics, as Cleveland Clinic explains, pull sweat away from your skin to the outer surface of the garment, where it can evaporate, and are less likely to stick to your skin.

Lighter is better. A soaked 50g singlet is far more pleasant than a soaked cotton tee. Our guide to moisture-wicking fabrics explains what to look for on the label.

Cut and Fit

• Singlets or Short Sleeves: Many runners in Singapore prefer a singlet for the extra airflow. If your arms rub against a singlet's armholes, a light short-sleeved tee may suit you better.
• Close, Not Tight: Cleveland Clinic notes that tighter-fitting clothes are less likely to move and rub against your skin. Aim for kit that sits close without digging in.
• Shorts with Support: A built-in liner or short tights can stop your inner thighs rubbing together on long runs.

In Singapore, your kit will get wet. Choose kit that stays light when it does.

Chafing: Plan for It

Sweat makes chafing more likely. Cleveland Clinic explains that moisture makes it easier for materials to slip and rub against your skin, and makes your skin easier to damage. On a long, humid run, put an anti-chafe balm or petroleum jelly on your inner thighs, underarms and anywhere a strap sits before you start. Our guide to preventing chafing covers the rest.

Head and Eyes

A Breathable Cap

A cap keeps the sun off your face and sweat out of your eyes. Look for one that is light and quick-drying. Nordic Tigon's Velocity Cap, for example, is a nylon and spandex blend described as lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, with reflective details for early starts.

Sunglasses

Glare off roads, water and the waterfront can be strong on a bright morning. Choose a light pair that does not bounce, with UV400 protection and a lens tint that suits the light you run in. Our lens tint guide explains how to choose.

A Hot-Weather Kit List

Gear Up for the Heat with Nordic Tigon on ATHLO+

Browse the full Nordic Tigon range on ATHLO+ for light running kit that lists its weight and fabric up front.

Ready to stop chafing before it starts? Read How to Prevent Chafing When Running next.