I’m super fussy when it comes to running kit – but H&M Move has really surprised me
As someone who literally tests and critiques activewear for a living, my expectations are high when it comes to running apparel.
Tops need to be light and sweat-wicking, sports bras need to be ultra-supportive and comfortable and running shorts need to meet my strict pocket-quota. So, I'll hold my hands up and admit that high-street activewear – with the exception of M&S' GoodMove range – has previously failed to set my world alight. Until now.
Over the past few weeks, I've been testing several pieces from H&M Move's running range – and it really has surprised me.
With prices starting at just £8.99 and a full range of inclusive sizes available, the head-to-toe collection features running bras, vest tops, shorts, leggings and more, and is built with H&M Move’s DryMove™ technology – a lab-tested, breathable and sweat-wicking fabric that's designed to keep runners of all abilities comfortable on the move.
You can shop the full collection here or keep scrolling to read my and another fitness editor's thoughts on selected pieces.
H&M DryMove High Support Sports bra
'Bold claim incoming: this might just be one of the best high street options I've tested for larger busts (I'm a 30DD for reference). The DryMove fabric is smooth against the skin and extremely sweat wicking, with lightly padded, moulded cups giving you the level of support you need.
'But the true test of a good sports bra comes down to the underband – and this one is fantastic. Featuring a hook-and-eye closure, it's got enough tension to make you feel supported and snug, but enough give so that it's not a struggle to do up yourself. The clincher? I wore this for a recent trail marathon and had zero-breast chafe afterwards. Run, don't walk to the checkout, ladies. It runs true to size, too.' - Ali Ball, e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Running Shorts
'These 2-in-1 shorts are made from a functional fabric that helps to wick away moisture from your skin, keeping you comfortably dry. The underlayer is a pair of jersey cycling shorts, with a side pocket for your phone. On top, the shorts have an elasticated waistband and split hems. They run true to size, so size up if you prefer a baggier fit.' - Ali Ball, e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Mesh Sports T-shirt
'I've really enjoyed the looser, slouchier fit of this running top. With a narrow trim neckline, raglan sleeves and finishing just below the waist, it's a great option if you're after something with slightly more coverage that still has a flattering fit. The fabric feels almost silky smooth against the skin and wicks away moisture easily. My only criticism is that it's a little heavy — definitely one for easy training runs rather than race day. But, for £12.99, it's a worthy bargain. Oh, and it runs true to size — I'm a M/UK10 for reference.' - Ali Ball, e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Double-layered Running Shorts
'Unlike with the shorts above, you can see the undershort in these 2-in-1 numbers, so they’re ideal if you like a bit more coverage. Speaking of, that liner is fused with the shell shorts at the waistband, but otherwise separate, which gives nice freedom of movement and easy access to the huge pocket on the right thigh — which fits a large smartphone easily.
'Stretchy vented sections on each side aid mobility as well as help keep you cool, and these shorts dry fast too, so they’re great for sweaty summer runs. While they are high-waisted they don’t feel like they’re pulling you in — if you prefer that zipped-in feeling then I’d recommend the (confusingly same-named) Double-layered Running Shorts below. They do also rustle a bit when on the move and the liner short rode up a bit for me — although this might be remedied by sizing down. I\m usually between an XS-S and took a size small which was a tad loose.' - Hattie Parish, health and fitness e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove High Support Sports Bra
'Yes, another sports bra entry from H&M – bizarrely, with exactly the same name as the other high support bra I've reviewed. Just to be clear, though, these are two different products: the former breaks down sizing into underband and cup, whereas this one is grouped into S/M/L, and so on. I was impressed with the level of support this bra provided, but as someone with a sightly unusual underband-to-cup ratio (30/32DD), the underband didn't feel quite as snug as the other option I tested. That said, the slightly longer-line design of this bra makes it a good option for very warm days or treadmill sessions where you might not want to wear a top.' - Ali Ball, e-commerce editor.
'This structured longline bra felt chic and far more expensive than its £18.99 price tag. I’m not usually a huge fan of high-impact bras, finding they rarely marry form and function, but this H&M offering changed that for me. With a wide, comfortable underband, support without a squeezed-in feeling and enough coverage to wear alone, I was impressed — FYI, I wore this for HIIT, cycling and running and it performed well across the board.
'Niggle-wise, there’s not much room to adjust the straps — although they have decent flex to them so that’s not a huge issue — and the triple hook-and-eye closure is a bit difficult to do up as due to the crossover back you can’t swivel the bra round to the front to aid fastening.' - Hattie Parish, health and fitness e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Double-layered Running Shorts
'Another confusing name duplication here, and while these look similar to the shorts above, there are some key differences...
'Of all the H&M Sport pieces I’ve tried over the years, this is the item I reach for most. I love these shorts. They’re simple, but done so well. The undershort is comfortably compressive, the shape is actually flattering — something I personally find rare in running shorts — and they’re so easy to move in. The waistband veers on ultra high rise territory, which I love, and while the waist is sometimes a little loose on me, the undershorts keep everything in place, plus there’s a drawstring if you do want to tighten things up.
'The shorts are nice and lightweight, there are mesh panels on the side aid breathability and there’s a drop-in pocket on the right thigh for a phone. They’re comfortable, perform well and are such a bargain — snap them up while you can, as sizes often sell out.' - Hattie Parish, health and fitness e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Sports Vest Top
'It doesn’t really look like much, so I was surprised by how much I liked this top. Yes, it is essentially a basic vest, but it’s been done very well, with the cut and drape very flattering and breezy without leaving you with miles of fabric to contend with while you’re on the move.
'It’s stretchy and sweat-wicking too, with dropped arm holes for extra ventilation while retaining great sun protection on the shoulders — making it also ideal if you run with a backpack and need something to protect shoulders against chafe. The vest looks great as it is, tucked into shorts or paired with a running belt to hold it in place (my preferred way to wear).' - Hattie Parish, health and fitness e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Pocket-detail Sports Hotpants
'Full disclosure: these are short-short. So if you’re into that, good for you and you’ll probably love them. I personally prefer more coverage and for that reason wasn’t a huge fan. However, they do have features that either redeem them if you’re with me in team coverage, or elevate them if you’re team tiny shorts.
'Let’s start with the storage — there are deep pockets on each thigh so you can carry a lot in these, should you so wish. That wide waistband is double-lined for support, and they provide good moisture-wicking and chafe protection. While they did crease up a bit for me while running, it wasn’t to indecent exposure levels, but I would say they’re probably not cut for those blessed with a booty.' - Hattie Parish, health and fitness e-commerce editor.
H&M DryMove Seamless Sports Top
'Thankfully it’s not the weather for long sleeves now, but I urge you to buy this now before it sells out in the autumn. This stretchy top gives you full range of motion, with flexible honeycomb panels on the sides and sleeves that snap against the body for that second-skin feel — and because it sits close to the body you can tuck it easily into loose shorts or create a seamless silhouette with leggings.
'Thoughtful features include thumbholes, ribbed, stretchy cuffs to keep the sleeves in place (and hands warm when the temperature drops) and a light, breathable construction. It works great as a base-layer or on its own, and while I’ve certainly worn more expensive brands that fit a little better than this one, for the price it’s brilliant.' - Hattie Parish, health and fitness e-commerce editor.
More running kit from H&M Move
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