Summer is finally here and in upstate New York we earn every single warm day. After months of cold weather running and indoor workouts the heat is genuinely welcome — but it changes what you wear, what you drink, and how you take care of your body during exercise.
As a heavy sweater who logs serious miles in the heat I have strong opinions about summer workout gear. Here is the best summer workout gear for women over 50 – everything I reach for when the temperature climbs.
Table of Contents
Best Summer Tank Tops
Ice Silk Quick Dry Muscle Tank Hot weather running calls for the lightest possible fabric and the ice silk tank delivers. It is so lightweight you barely feel it — it almost disappears on your body which is exactly what you want when the temperature climbs. Quick dry and moisture wicking with a relaxed muscle tank cut that allows for full range of motion. A hot weather essential that makes summer miles significantly more comfortable.
MAGCOMSEN Women’s UPF 50+ Quick Dry Running Shirt For outdoor workouts where sun exposure adds up a UPF 50+ shirt is one of the smartest summer investments you can make. The built in sun protection does not sweat off the way sunscreen does and the quick dry fabric handles moisture efficiently. Versatile enough to wear for running and as an everyday top. A practical and protective summer staple.
Mathcat Workout Tank A reliable everyday workout tank that is lightweight, breathable, and flattering. The kind of top you reach for automatically because it always feels right and always looks good. Stock up in multiple colors — you will wear these constantly through the summer months.
Best Summer Shorts
ODODOS Tummy Control Biker Shorts 2.0 Compression biker shorts are my go-to for summer running — they stay in place, do not ride up, and the slick smooth fabric feels great in the heat. The ODODOS comes in the most beautiful prints including a tropical floral that I wear to races specifically so my family can spot me in the crowd. Multiple inseam options including a shorter length for the hottest days and pockets on both legs. A summer running staple.
BMJL Women’s Athletic Shorts 2.5 Inch For post workout and casual summer wear these fun and comfortable shorts are perfect. Not a compression short so not ideal for running if your thighs rub — but for everything after the run they are cute, comfortable, and exactly what you want to change into when you get home.
Best Summer Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 For outdoor workouts a stick formula is the way to go — it stays put during sweaty runs and does not slide into your eyes. The Neutrogena Sheer Zinc stick goes on precisely and the mineral zinc oxide formula means it is less likely to migrate mid run. Apply right up to your hairline without worrying about drips.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 For body coverage during outdoor workouts this is hard to beat. SPF 70, water resistant, and goes on smoothly without leaving a heavy white cast. Reapply every two hours during extended outdoor activity.
Best Summer Sunglasses
Tifosi Swank Sport Sunglasses For outdoor summer workouts you need sunglasses that stay put, protect your eyes, and do not make you look like you are competing in the Tour de France. The Tifosi Swank is a classic and versatile sport sunglass that delivers on all fronts. Incredibly lightweight — you genuinely forget you are wearing them — with solid UV protection and a clean classic shape that works for most face shapes. The kind of sunglasses you reach for every single day without thinking about it. Perfect for running, cycling, hiking, and everything in between.
Best Summer Hydration
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier — Yuzu Pineapple Summer heat means serious sweat and serious sweat means you need more than plain water. Liquid IV is my current favorite hydration supplement and the Yuzu Pineapple flavor actually tastes good — which sounds like a low bar but most hydration products taste like dissolved vitamins. One packet in 16 oz of water delivers electrolytes and vitamins that plain water cannot match. I reach for it before long runs and on the hottest days.
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask Handheld water bottles have become hugely popular with runners and for good reason — having water in your hand means you are never waiting for a water station or a convenient stopping point. The Nathan SpeedDraw Plus has an insulated flask to keep your water cold longer, a comfortable hand strap that keeps it secure without gripping, and a storage pocket for your essentials. A great option for summer runs where hydration access matters most.
Best Sweat Wicking Headband
Halo Headband Bandit For heavy sweaters a good headband is non-negotiable in summer. The Halo Bandit headband is one of the most popular moisture wicking headbands in the running community — it pulls sweat away from your forehead before it reaches your eyes, stays in place during movement, and comes in a wide range of colors and fun patterns. Wide enough to actually keep sweat at bay without feeling bulky. A small accessory that makes a real difference on hot sweaty runs.
Best Anti Chafe Balm
Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm Summer heat plus sweat plus miles equals chafing — and chafing on a long run is genuinely miserable. Body Glide is the gold standard anti chafe balm in the running community and it belongs in every summer running kit. Apply it to any area prone to friction — thighs, underarms, sports bra lines — before your run and it creates an invisible barrier that prevents chafing completely. A small tube lasts a long time and fits easily in a FlipBelt or running vest pocket.
Best Cooling Towel
Chill Pal Cooling Towel A cooling towel is one of those summer workout accessories that feels like a luxury until you use it and then feels essential. Wet it, wring it out, and drape it around your neck for instant cooling relief during and after hot weather workouts. The Chill Pal stays cool for hours and is lightweight enough to carry in your FlipBelt or gym bag without any extra burden. A simple and effective way to manage heat during summer exercise.
The Bottom Line
Summer workouts require a little more preparation than cooler weather efforts — sun protection, hydration, breathable fabrics, and sweat management all demand more attention when the temperature climbs. But with the right gear summer running and outdoor workouts are genuinely wonderful.
Get outside. Stay hydrated. Wear your sunscreen. And enjoy every warm day — especially if you live somewhere that makes you earn them.
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