Start! E-Newsletter April 2010Proper Clothing for Walking


Raindrops, wind or beating sun can affect your walking experience. Don’t let the weather keep you indoors and derail your commitment to regular exercise. Proper clothing can help you exercise comfortably and maintain an ideal body temperature. Make sure you’ve got the right items in your closet to keep you walking all year long.

  • Hot/Cold Weather Wear: When exercising in hot weather, protect your skin by wearing sunscreen (a minimum of 15 SPF), sunglasses or a breathable hat or sun visor. During colder days, dressing in layers keeps you warm and allows you to remove one or more layers as you warm up.
  • Wear Breathable Fabrics: Cotton absorbs moisture and dries slowly. This means wet material against your skin. Synthetic “wicking” fabrics are better choices for shirts and socks. These are found in specialty stores that sell athletic clothing and running shoes. Wicking fabrics come under many trade names. Thin, double-layered socks can also prevent friction blisters. Chafing can happen in areas where the skin rubs against itself such as on the inner thighs and under the armpit. To reduce this, wear clothes that are thin (with flat seams) and snug, but not tight. If chafing becomes a problem, use petroleum jelly or products like Body Glide® on these areas to reduce the friction. This can be found in athletic stores or bike shops.
  • Be visible: Wearing lighter colors can help you be more visible to cars during hours like dawn and dusk. If you’re out at those times, it’s a good idea to wear reflective clothing. Many brands of jackets and running shoes have reflective stripes to keep the wearer safe. Reflective tape or vests (such as the orange reflective vests worn by many motorcyclists) are also a good idea if you want to make sure you’re seen. You can also carry a glow stick or flashlight.