We've picked the best women's race day running kit

You certainly won't go unnoticed on the start line in this extremely bright top. The large ventilation holes (especially across the back) mean it’ll look particularly good with a boldly contrasting sports bra underneath. The cap sleeves give maximum freedom of movement for your arms and the rear hangs down further than the front to offer extra coverage.

This is part of Lululemon’s new Swiftly range of running kit, and it’s the little things that justify the price tag. The main body of the tee is entirely seamless, so there’s no rubbing or chafing; there’s engineered mesh with different-sized holes in key zones; and the feel of the nylon/ polyester/elastane mix is soft against the skin. A good slim-fit top for hot weather.

We love the generous neckline on this lightweight t-shirt (almost a scoop neck) and the body flares out slightly to fit properly over the hips. It has decent green creds, too, as it’s made from recycled polyester and lyocell, which is derived from pulped wood.

This vest is excellent value for money. It’s quite thick and a little on the warm side – but with that comes superb durability and it can be stretched, pulled and generally treated with contempt without losing its shape. It also offers flatlock seams, as well as a longer fit for greater coverage and to help it sit more naturally at the back.

Well ventilated, with a nice shape and excellent wicking capabilities, this tank is superb value for money. It comes with a built-in (non-adjustable) bra, though it won’t suit women with larger breasts. There are reflective designs on front and back for low-light running, and the lower section of the top is loose-fitting, so it won’t restrict your movement.

This is one for those club runners who want something for a fast race, but refuse to forgo style. It’s a featherlight tank with large cutaway sections around the shoulders and upper back, both for freedom of movement and to cut down on weight. There are minimal seams and those that are present are taped down to limit the chances of midrun irritation.

ASICS says the inspiration for the design of these shorts is Tokyo architecture, but they offer function as well as fashion: the ‘3.5-inch’ in the name refers not only to the length of the inseam, but also the width of the waistband (which has a pocket on the inside for small items). The inner brief is antibacterial and the outer section of the shorts has a barely-there feel.

When you first encounter these, they neither look nor feel like sportswear; they’re exceptionally soft (with even just a hint of fluffiness) and are a casual fit. But they’re superb for running, as the breathability and temperature regulation are excellent. The bamboo content makes them antimicrobial, they move well with the body and they offer a distraction-free experience.

These are about as short as shorts can get while remaining decent, and they mean business. The outsides of the legs have wide slashes in them for freedom of movement, the front and the back have reflective designs and there’s a surprisingly roomy zip pocket at the rear that will fit three gels or a normal-sized phone. Aside from that, these are frills-free speedsters.

The perfect companion for trail or mountain races, these have a looser fit, with wide leg holes, but the outer material is robust and anti-rip. The inner brief features Columbia’s Omni-Freeze treatment, which helps keep your skin cool when your sweat mixes with the weave. There are also three pockets at the back – one zipped and two netted, so you’re not short of storage space.

For the price, these are a supremely competent all-rounder. The moisture management and ventilation are impressive, as is the highly elasticated waistband, and there’s a zip pocket on the rear. The fit is a tad variable, so they can bag slightly around the knees, but the material is stretchy and comfortable. In short, they’re well worth checking out as a wardrobe staple.

Small British brand Zaazee always has a few eye-catching designs in each range it produces. These full-length Zena leggings might be a little pricey, but they’re long-lasting, durable and extremely comfortable. The weave is also highly breathable and, thanks to the mix of polyamide and elastane, very stretchy, so they won’t pinch anywhere.