The global fashion chain H&M rebranded sportswear as “movewear” with the launch of its H&M Move line in 2022. The brand employed celebrities, such as screen and fitness legend Jane Fonda and choreographer JaQuel Knight, with the aim of making exercise—sorry, movement—accessible to everyone.
Since then, the brand has released collections for all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities, from training and running to hiking, skiing and watersports. H&M Move’s gear is designed to be versatile (for use across multiple disciplines), as well as looking fashionable around town of course.
I tested H&M Move running and hiking gear: the DryMove Pocket Detail Running Tights, DryMove High Support Sports Bra, Mesh Running Vest and the StormMove 3L Shell Jacket, a waterproof-yet-breathable hiking jacket that H&M seems particularly proud of. I put the running gear through its paces with several runs, indoor and outdoor, and tested the waterproof jacket by wearing it in varying conditions, including torrential rain, high winds and warm, drizzly weather.
I was impressed with the gear and found all the pieces I tested useful, although they did have niggles. The running tights stood out for their excellent value, earning a place in my round-up of the best running leggings. I found them comfy and appreciated the secure high waist and the generous number of pockets.
These running tights (or leggings) were a hit with me. The fabric has a generous amount of stretch, and kept me warm when it was chilly out, but also cool when I was working hard. The waistband is nice and high, with an extra band of elastic at the top, and a drawstring tie for a good fit. They passed the test for running and the gym, and because they don’t have a high level of compression they’re suitable for wearing all day.
Small drop-in pockets are at the back of the waist, as well as two large pockets on the thighs, one of which has a zipper, offering extra security for your valuables. Available in a vivid violet or plain black in sizes XS-XXL, these leggings cost $39.99/£32.99, making them excellent value. There are plenty of leggings that are sleeker and perhaps more flattering around the waist, but these have great features—and they’re comfy and they stay up.
A useful bit of kit if you’re running longer distances or hitting the trails, this running vest is ideal for stashing extra layers, nutrition and soft flasks. It costs $64.99 in the US and £44.99 in the UK, and is cheaper than most alternatives. The sizing is unisex—I’m usually a small in women’s sizing, but the small was too big for me. The XS fit perfectly with nothing bouncing or flapping around, once I’d adjusted the three chest straps.
There are lots of pockets: Five at the front, including a vertical one with a zip that fits a phone, one more small pocket on each side and an envelope pocket at the back that also holds a phone. My only gripe was that when I downsized to an XS the front pockets downsized too, meaning it was then a struggle to get my 12oz (360ml) soft flask into one of the two long flask-shaped pockets. Once loaded, the vest was comfortable to run with, and more convenient than having items bouncing around in pockets or a waist pack. The mesh panels stopped me feeling too hot and the reflective strips were great for visibility.
I often find sports bras from high-street brands lacking in support, but this high-support bra means business. The fabrics look and feel high-quality, and I liked the raw-edge style at the back. The straps are wide and secure, and the underband had a surprisingly firm hold that enabled me to feel well-supported throughout my runs and gym workouts.
Rather than just using compression, this sports bra uses a combination of compression and encapsulation, with softly molded cups and paneling giving shape as well as support—no uniboob here. The fabric does a good job of wicking sweat, as well as feeling soft and comfortable.
The bra only comes in sizes XXS-XXL rather than proper bra sizes, but the size S fitted fine with the straps on the shortest setting. This meant that the plastic connectors on the back of the straps were a little uncomfortable at times, but it might not be an issue for others.
At $34.99 in the US and £27.99 in the UK this bra is great value, especially since it looks and feels like a more expensive sports bra. It won a place on Coach’s best running bras list.
With an RRP of $199 in the US and £139 in the UK, this jacket is edging out of the budget category, though it’s still cheaper than other breathable waterproof jackets. It has great features, too—technical ones like taped seams, but also a soft zip cover inside the collar—so it doesn’t rub your chin raw. The hood is roomy, comfortable, adjustable and, best of all, has a stiff peak to keep the rain from dripping down your face.
I liked the slightly oversized feel of the jacket, with its high collar. With the hood up and the collar zipped all the way up I felt protected. The sleeves are long and shaped to cover your hands, with a Velcro adjustable cuff.
H&M developed this waterproof-yet-breathable fabric hoping to rival those of the top outdoor clothing companies. The brand is also making sustainability promises, and this jacket is made with 86% recycled materials.
With a three-layer construction the jacket is waterproof (with a 15,000mm rating to ISO DS006 standard). I got caught in a torrential rainstorm in this jacket and it kept me dry. It’s also breathable. I used it on a brisk hike on a drizzly but mild day and stayed comfortable throughout. There are long zips under the armpits to allow for ventilation, which helps. The two pockets feel huge, and while that’s useful, it’s not that easy to open and close them one-handed. Also, the soft mesh lining of the pocket felt delicate, I was worried my keys would rip it.
Available in muted shades in sizes XS-4XL, this is a functional jacket that doesn’t look out of place in town, and I’ll be getting a lot of use out of it this winter.
