Get fit, look fit: Look tip-top in a zip-top

Cold weather affecting your training regime? Zip it.

Because we live in Ireland and not Hawaii, wearing an extra layer or two is part and parcel of training until the traditional warm spell rolls around for a few hours days weeks in the summer. It’s particularly important at this time of year when it is almost essential to wear an outer layer of some sort. Thankfully, the options available these days won’t weigh you down, are very flexible and can be handy for carrying whatever extras you need on your person when you’re out working up a sweat. Because you're too busy training and can't possibly summon the energy to look at the best available zip-up training tops on the market today, we've gone and done it for you.

O’Neills Mens Pacific F-Zip Squad Jacket (€26)

Half the country are walking around in the really nice training tops that O’Neills have made for GAA clubs and counties, and you won’t have to break the bank for something similar. This particular number is very neat and tidy, has a pocket to slip your phone or iPod into if you’re out for a run, and can be yours with a bit of change left over from €30.

Puma Running Night Cat Jacket (€50)

On winter nights like these, a hi-vis vest is essential to ensure that you’re not run over while you’re out pounding the roads, but it’s not something you have to worry about with the Night Cat Jacket. It’s made with VisiCELL materials so you’ll stand out in the dark and it’s light as a feather too. Plus, it also has a zip pocket with an earphone loop on the inside so you can listen to some tunes while you run without any inconvenience. These things are important.

Under Armour Men's Pulse Warm-Up Jacket (€60)

Sometimes you have to pay a little bit extra for Under Armour products, but most of the time it’s worth it. This jacket is a little bit warmer than the options above, but the mesh lining makes sure that it’s not too stuffy and, like a lot of Under Armour gear, it’s suitable to wear casually as well as when you’re training.

adidas Infinite Series Daybreaker Hoodie (€75)

This adidas hoodie is nice-enough looking that you might not want to ruin it by wearing it while training, but it’s well fit for that purpose if you don't mind getting it a little dirty. The fabric will keep sweat away from the skin, the zip pocket on the left chest is an ideal place to keep a smartphone or an MP3 player and, as Dimitar Berbatov will testify, thumb holes are always a great feature.

The North Face Men Momentum Thermal 1/2 zip top (€80)

When you’re talking The North Face you’re talking really specialist stuff and this thermal top is perfect for cold weather training. Again, the thumb holes are a nice touch and while it comes in two colours, we think the blue option looks very sharp indeed.