Running FAQ

Answers to the questions runners ask us most: what to wear in the cold, cotton, compression vs loose shorts, sports bras, carrying your phone, race day, chafing, care and sizing.

WHAT TO WEAR

What should I wear running in cold weather?

Dress like it's 15–20°F warmer than it is. You'll heat up within the first mile, and starting a little cold beats overheating by mile three. From 40–55°F, the Roam Long Sleeve is your go-to on its own. From 35–50°F, reach for the Core Long Sleeve (women's or men's), which is a bit warmer and more streamlined. Below that, wear it as your base layer. Under 30°F, add the Daybreak Beanie: fleece-lined, warm without the bulk, and it stays put. Both long sleeves have thumb holes and watch windows.

Can I run in cotton?

You can, but we don't like to. Cotton gets really heavy and hot once you start sweating. For our miles, we reach for the Go Together Training Tee, a quick-drying nylon-spandex blend with perforation along the sides and back. We still love cotton, just not on the run. The Off-Day Tee is heavyweight cotton for the coffee run, errands and warm-ups.

Should I run in compression shorts or loose shorts?

It comes down to what bugs you more: thigh rub or feeling fabric on your legs. If you chafe or carry a lot, go compression. The Flex Shorts have elastic leg openings that don't ride up, in a 3” or 4” inseam. If you want to feel nothing, go loose. The Breeze is a 3” short with a breathable liner and gel pockets in the waistband. For men, the All-Day 2-in-One pairs a liner that stays put with a light shell that won't bunch, and the Ribbed Half Tights give full compression.

What should I wear on race day?

Nothing new on race day. Wear what you've already taken on a long run, so the only surprise is how fast you go. Then go light and breathable, and give your fuel a home. Our PR and Tidal Fade singlets are made from our lightest fabric, with laser-cut air holes or super-fine mesh. The All Aboard Zip Crop goes over your sports bra. And if you'd rather race in sleeves, the Smooth Splits Short Sleeve is your shirt.

FIT, SUPPORT & COMFORT

How do I choose a running sports bra?

Start with how much support you need, then check the band: snug, no rolling, no riding up. Our bras go from least to most compression. The Tempo Crop is soft, second-skin support, with built-in pads or none. The Stash Bra sits in the middle and works best for A–C cups. The Pacer Bra is our highest support, with a high neckline and a wide band, tested across cup sizes and made for bigger busts. Between sizes in the Stash or Pacer? Size up.

How do I carry my phone while running without a belt?

Put it in your kit. The Tempo Crop has a back phone pocket that sits flat with no bounce, and the Pacer Bra has four pockets for your phone and gels. The Stash Bra holds your phone sideways in its back layer, with room for two to four gels up front. In shorts, the Flex Shorts have a zippered back pocket, and the men's All-Day 2-in-One has liner side pockets that hold a phone without bounce.

How do I stop chafing on long runs?

Chafing is friction plus sweat. The fix is fabric that dries fast, fewer seams and a fit that doesn't move, plus a little anti-chafe balm on your hot spots. We design around it. The Tempo Crop's smooth, soft construction stays chafe-free on long runs, our singlets have minimal or seamless construction, and the Flex Shorts' leg openings hold through long miles instead of riding up.

Do I wear underwear with running shorts that have a liner?

Nope. The liner is your underwear. Another layer just means more seams and more trapped sweat. The Breeze Shorts have a breathable knit liner built for coverage, the All-Day 2-in-One has a supportive liner that stays put, and the Men's Ribbed Half Tights have a thin, breathable liner.

CARE, SIZING & RETURNS

How do I wash running clothes so they don't smell?

Don't leave sweaty kit balled up in your bag. Hang it to air out, or wash it soon. For BOUND gear, wash with like colors and hang dry. Skip the fabric softener, since it coats technical fabric and holds onto odor.

How do BOUND's sizes run, and what if something doesn't fit?

Most of our styles are true to size, and every product page has fit notes. Size up in the Flex Shorts if you're between sizes or have a muscular build, and in the Stash Bra or Pacer Bra for a little more ease. Women usually size down in our unisex singlets. Still not right? You have 30 days from delivery. Exchanges and store credit are free, and refunds are $7 less to cover the return label. Sale items and gift cards are final sale. See how returns and exchanges work.

Didn't find your question? Drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you.