What Type of Track Uniforms Are the Fastest?

Track uniforms are specially tailored to specific running events. Sprinters are outfitted with tight-fitting speed suits, and distance runners don lightweight singlets and short shorts to reduce stress over many laps.

  1. Speed Suits

    • Speed suits are single piece uniforms made of elastic material. They are designed be more aerodynamic than loose clothing, but do not offer any physiological advantages. Under Armor has designed a specialty suit that is designed to be worn after a speed workout, according to Popular Science, but they come with a disclaimer that it offers no benefits during a competition.

    Long Distance

    • Distance runners have favored lightweight, moisture-wicking singlets for years. Since wind resistance is negligible for these thin runners, weight plays more of a role than aerodynamics over the course of a race. Coolrunning.com advocates running in a lightweight synthetic shirt instead of a traditional cotton shirt.

    Footwear

    • Track spikes are an integral part of a runner's uniform. These spikes are lightweight, thin-soled pieces, and the race distance surface dictates which spike to choose. Sprinters prefer shorter, lightweight spikes whereas longer distances require longer spikes to give a solid toe off.