Why Custom Running Kit Matters
Custom running kit is more than just a uniform — it plays a key role in performance, safety, identity, and motivation. When you’re running in gear tailored for you (or your club), several things improve: You can buy custom running club kit here.

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Performance & Comfort
The right fabrics (moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight) help manage sweat, reduce irritation, chafing, overheating and generally make long runs more comfortable. -
Safety & Visibility
Custom kits allow you to build in reflective elements or bright contrast colours so runners are seen in low light (dawn, dusk, or evening training) -
Team Identity & Unity
Wearing matching kit with club logos and colours fosters a sense of team belonging, pride, and professionalism. It helps members feel part of something. -
Branding & Exposure
For clubs, sponsors, events — branded kit becomes walking (or running) promotion. When people wear your kit in races, training, or even casually, it raises awareness. -
Longevity & Durability
Custom running kit — when done properly — tends to use higher quality materials, better stitching, and appropriate construction. Though the upfront cost may be higher, over time the kit lasts better under repeated wash, runs and wear.
Key Components of Good Custom Running Kit
When designing or ordering custom kit, there are certain features and decisions you should pay careful attention to. These affect comfort, performance, cost and appeal.
Fabric & Material Choices
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Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Fabrics that move sweat away from the skin to the surface, where it can evaporate, help reduce discomfort and risk of rubbing or blisters. Common materials are polyester blends, technical synthetics
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Breathability / Ventilation Zones: Mesh panels, underarm venting, perforations or back panels help air flow and cooling. Especially useful for long runs or hot climates.
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Stretch & Fit: Good fit matters. Incorporating stretch (e.g. elastane/spandex) allows freedom of movement. Use of flat or low bulk seams helps avoid irritation.
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Reflective Elements: For safety, reflective tape or print in key positions (back, shoulders, arms) enhances visibility.
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Odour Control / Antimicrobial Treatments: Fabrics treated or embedded with antimicrobial agents help reduce smell buildup, especially if the kit is used frequently.
Fit, Cut & Sizing
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Ensure options for different body shapes (men’s, women’s, unisex, juniors).
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The cut should suit the running discipline: tighter fits for racing, more relaxed or slightly looser for training.
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Consider the length of sleeves, overall body length, side seams, where hems or cuffs fall — these affect chafing, comfort.
Design & Customisation
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Color & Contrast: Bold colours, contrast panels, bright trim can help both with visibility and aesthetics. Avoid designs that look dull or fade quickly
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Logo placement: Logos or club/sponsor names should be placed where they are clearly visible: chest, back upper, sleeves. But avoid interfering with ventilation panels or stretch zones.
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Print method: Sublimation, heat transfer, screen print, or combinations. Sublimation is good for full-colour designs and photo prints, screen printing can be durable for bold blocks of colour.
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Graphics & Patterns: Stripes, gradient fades, dynamic lines often work well. But simpler designs often translate better in fabric, particularly when viewed at speed or from a distance.
Accessories & Kit Components
A full kit often includes more than just a top:
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Running vests or singlets
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Technical t-shirts or long sleeve tops
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Running jackets / windbreakers / rain shells
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Shorts / tights / leggings
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Headwear (caps, visors, buffs)
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Accessories like arm sleeves, gloves, reflective gear
Trends & Sustainable Choices
As with much athletic apparel, running kit is increasingly following trends toward eco-friendly, ethical, and performance-enhancing features.
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Use of recycled polyester or other post-consumer materials. It’s now possible for kit to perform just as well while being more sustainable.
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Made-to-order or smaller batch production to reduce waste and overstock.
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Incorporating UV protection fabrics, durable finishes, eco packaging.
How Clubs & Individuals Should Procure Custom Running Kit
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting good results if you’re ordering custom kit for a running club, charity, or event.
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Define your Needs & Purpose
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Is the kit for racing, training, casual fun runs?
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How many items do you need? (Start small if budget constrained.)
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What climate or conditions will runners use them in? (Hot/humid, cold, rainy, night etc.)
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Set a Budget
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Include cost of materials, printing/embroidery, accessories, shipping, addons like reflective trim, special fabrics.
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Account for future reorders or additions (new members, extra sizes, replacements).
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Design & Mockups
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Work with a designer or supplier that can provide digital mockups of the kit so you can see how it will look.
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Consider feedback from your club or team on design, comfort, favourite colours.
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Choose Printing / Branding Methods
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Sublimation for full-colour, seamless designs.
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Screen printing or heat transfers for logos & simpler graphics.
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Embroidery rarely used for high-sweat areas but good for hats or jackets.
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Select the Right Fabric & Finish
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Technical/active fabrics with moisture management.
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Reinforced stitching in stress areas.
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Proper finishing (hem, seams) to prevent discomfort.
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Sizing, Fit & Samples
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Order samples if possible to test fit and feel.
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Make sure size range fits all members (women, men, juniors etc.).
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Delivery & Timing
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Allow enough lead time: design approval, production, delivery.
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Be aware of wash-tests: kit should retain print colour and structure after washes.
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Care Instructions & Longevity
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Provide guidance to club members on how to wash (cold wash, gentle cycles, avoid tumble drying) to preserve performance and look.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-designing: Too many colours, small text, logos in awkward places reduce visibility and increase cost.
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Choosing fabric purely on looks: A shirt that looks good may be uncomfortable if fabric doesn’t wick or allow stretch.
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Neglecting safety features: Low light runs need reflectivity; ignoring this can be dangerous.
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Poor quality printing or logos that crack/peel: moves, washes degrade poorly made prints.
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Incomplete size range: Not having enough sizes or accommodating different body types leads to waste or members feeling excluded.
Examples & Use Cases
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Running clubs ordering full seasonal kits (vest + training top + shorts) to build identity and uniform appearance at races.
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Charity runs using bespoke shirts for event participants: often used as part of registration packs.
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Corporate teams wearing custom running kit in charity runs or fun runs.
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Individuals wanting personal custom gear (e.g. name, quote, special graphic) for marathons or personal milestones.
Choosing a Trusted Supplier
When you pick a supplier, here are qualities and services worth looking for:
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Strong portfolio of running kits and good reviews from clubs or events.
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Flexible design service — mockups, unlimited revisions until you approve.
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Good quality control: consistent colour, accurate print, durable material, strong seams.
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Clear lead times, transparent pricing, no hidden costs.
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Options for both small and larger orders; good size range.
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Extras: reflective prints, optional tech fabrics, eco fabric options.
Where to Order Custom Running Kit
One UK-based supplier specialising in running club kit is Custom Sports Clothing, which offers a dedicated range for running clubs. You can see their running kit offering here:
Custom running club kit & clothing
They provide customisation for running vests, shirts, full club kits, offering design support, good fabric options, and should be able to meet many of the points above.
Summary
Custom running kit is a smart investment — it enhances comfort and performance, increases safety and visibility, fosters team unity and identity, and can serve as a branding tool. Designing with care (good materials, fit, design, print method) makes a big difference in how long your kit looks good and performs well.