2026's best women’s running gear:

What You Need to Feel Your Best.

(8-minute read)

If ever there was a time to level up your running kit, it’s now. Women are showing up on the roads, tracks and trails like never before. Just look at the numbers: nearly 25,000 women took part in the Marathon last year, setting a new record for female participation and finishers in a mass marathon.

And, according to a recent Year In Sport report by Strava, there has been an 89% increase in the number of women joining a run club. Aside from the physical, psychological and emotional benefits of running, community is now a fundamental part of running culture. Running is a movement, a connection point. And we love to see it.

Finding a group of like-minded people was why London-based lululemon run Ambassador Steffi Alexander decided to lace up her trainers. “I moved here from South Africa six years ago, so it's been important for me to be surrounded by people who are motivating and inspiring,” she says. Steffi then turned passion into purpose. What started as a few runners meeting in her local park has grown into a booming weekly run club in Richmond. 

“It's an environment for people to come in, share an experience, reach their limits together, and contribute to a collective sense of support. It’s a space where you’re free to reach your goals at your own pace,” she says. Not only that, under Steffi’s leadership, it’s also one of the best-dressed clubs in London. As more of her members discover lululemon’s run collection, they’re proving you don’t have to choose between performance and style.

Shop lululemon’s 2026 edit of the best women’s running gear.

Let’s be honest – gone are the days of settling for baggy T-shirts and tired jogging bottoms for a post-work park loop. Today’s women runners want kit that works and looks good. You deserve pieces that move with you, and still have you feeling like you.

Think elevated essentials worn by the likes of Dakota Johnson and Olivia Rodrigo, but made for everyday women doing everyday miles. If you’re investing your time, energy and social life into running, you need to know your kit won’t hold you back. Discover the elite run essentials that are breathable, hard-wearing and stylish, as tested by Steffi and lululemon’s top ambassadors. Let’s find your new favourite running fit.  

Race Day Essentials

Fast and Free High-Rise Tight

These leggings are all about next-level comfort, with seam-free inner thighs and a streamlined waistband to provide that smooth, weightless feeling. 

For Steffi, fit and feel aren’t just a nice-to-have, they’re a non-negotiable, and small details like a drawcord that actually works makes all the difference between a great run and a dud one.

“If we’re wearing leggings that keep sliding down, we’re spending half our run pulling them up,” Steffi explains. “We want to focus on our stride and feel really confident. The Fast and Free High-Rise Tights are the answer.”  

We couldn’t agree more. Built to move with you and stay put, these leggings do the work, no matter how tough the run gets.  

• •  Our sleek Nulux fabric wicks sweat and dries quickly to keep you comfortabe
• •  Six integrated pockets mean that extra snack bar can come too
• •  Our newly updated waistband reduces bulkiness

Why We Made This – Fast And Free

Fast and Free


‘Much like the name implies, Fast and Free was created to help our runners feel both fast and free. The Nulux fabric was specifically engineered to feel incredibly light on the body—almost like nothing—while providing coverage and performance. Its smooth, slick feel evokes the sensation of a frictionless stride.
 
– Kateline Schiller, Senior Manager of Product Education at lululemon

Running Must-Haves

Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0

Seams are a runner’s worst enemy—chafe city. This seamless knit takes irritation off the table so you can focus on the run, not the rub. 
Every runner wants to be able to run their best, without having to worry about the forecast.

For the South Africa-born runner, Steffi was forced to adapt to the UK’s changeable (read: ‘sun, wind, rain, repeat’ cycle) weather, particularly once she transitioned out of the gym and onto the pavements or track. “When it’s cold or you’re running in the morning, you need a layer you can rely on. I swear by the Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve top,” she says.  

‘‘When lululemon designed this piece, they had runners in mind. It’s lightweight, breathable, seamless, and smooth. It doesn't ride up, it doesn't cling, it doesn't stick…it's just there. You can throw it on, get moving, and you’re away and running.”

• •  The lightweight fabric is quick-drying so you don’t have to worry about how much you sweat

• •  Silverescent™ technology, powered by X-STATIC®, prevents the build-up of sweat smell struggles  

• •  Slim fit, hip length and thumbholes provide added warmth. 

First Steps

lululemon Ambassador Steffi Alexander shares her three key pieces of advice for starting your new running habit and making it stick.

Better Together

“A lot of people are hesitant to start because they aren’t sure what to do. There have never been more running clubs that always welcome newbies. But there are some great apps out there if you’re going it alone and want the security of a plan.”

Tortoise vs Hare

“A lot of people think running is all about distance or speed; that you need to reach a target pace and absolutely max out. But that’s the fastest way to build resentment towards running or pick up an injury. Take it slowly and build up over months. You want to enjoy running for life.”

Stick It Out

“Be consistent. Set out how many runs you’re going to run and commit to getting them done. Always err on scheduling fewer runs. It’s much better for your mindset if you say you’ll run twice and do it, versus setting yourself the target of five runs and feeling that you’ve let yourself down.”

Whether you’re sprinting on a treadmill or plodding around the park, the last thing you want is to be worrying about uncomfortable ‘fits, annoying chafing, or constant adjustments. Invest in kit that feels like a second skin, and lets you focus on what really matters: feeling strong, confident, and totally in the zone.  Prepare, train, and race like the powerhouse you are—and enjoy every stride along the way.