Running Skorts

[Aggie_Ama]

I am going to buy something to wear for my half marathon (I think I earned it). I recently discovered the wonders of body glide for my chunky thighs so I am thinking shorts or a skort. I really like the cute factor of skorts and they look airy. Anyone wear them? If not what shorts don't creep? My thighs are stubbornly chubby and my current shorts (Academy brand) are creeping up to an ugly look!

[yellow]

I wear the Atalanta skirts. They definitely take care of the "chub rub" problem. I love them. Super functional (pockets are accessible even with a waist pack on). I wrote a review here (http://gearmavens.blogspot.com/2009/05/atalanta-running-skirt-does-this-skirt.html).

[zoom-zoom]

I found that ALL compression shorts without leg grippers creep on me. And better than Body Glide is SportShield roll-on...it's a liquid silicone-based product. So I wear the RunningSkirts.com skirts with built-in briefs. I have found that they fit better than any other brand I've tried. Some women really like the Skirt Sports skirts, too.

Like you I gave up on shorts, since they crawl up my crotch and look and feel horrible. I either wear the running skirts or a pair of Pearl Izumi compression shorts with leg-grippers (just like their cycling shorts, sans chamois).

[Crankin]

I have an Athleta skort I wear for walking; it's a running skort. I love it. The shorts underneath don't creep very much. I also have that issue with boy shorts that don't have compression, but I am happy with the skort. It's snug fitting, though. You might want to go up a size.

[shootingstar]

Am wearing a Skirt Sports skort. The shorts without grippers underneath isn't a horrible thing if you're not doing a really long ride.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=31364

Of course, I didn't pay attention to that detail. But bought the skort anyway since it was discounted. :rolleyes:

The version I'm wearing is flared with side slit of course. I prefer a flared style for ease of movement on bike. Wonder how the tighter-styled skorts would be like on bike.

A flared skort with side slit would flatter many women of different sizes and shapes.

[OakLeaf]

Are you looking specifically for a compression short or liner? Because shorts with loose legs obviously don't ride up... either the kind with the built-in brief, or the Ibex wool briefs are wonderful for running (and definitely qualify as a treat ;)).

Heck, you could just wear one of the Sheila Moon ballet skirts over the Ibex briefs and run in those. :D

[KnottedYet]

Terry skorts made without the chamois are lovely for running. I just got an Avia skort ($9 from Costco) which might be a darn good runner with a pair of UnderArmour compression shorts underneath.

Loose leg shorts ride up on me horribly. Love me those Terry no-chamois skorts and compression shorts/capris!

[zoom-zoom]

Because shorts with loose legs obviously don't ride up...

Not obvious to my thighs. I think I've figured out that in my case the issue is narrow hips with large thighs. Even when I was a 110# 5'3" high schooler I had issues with shorts riding-up and my inner thigh area on jeans ending up with worn holes and destroyed crotch seams.

[OakLeaf]

Hm. Sorry. :o

I wear holes between the thighs of my jeans, too, have for decades, but the two pairs of shorts I'm thinking of don't ride up on me at all. They're both discontinued so I can't link to them - but one is a traditional nylon-ish V-notch short with a liner brief, maybe 4" inseam, and the other pair is a Brooks short with a wide waistband, flared legs on maybe a 5" inseam, and a sort of soft jersey synthetic fabric. Those need a brief underneath.

Anyway. sorry.

[zoom-zoom]

Don't be sorry...I don't mind my thighs so much. Cycling is nice, since leg-grippers solve the creep issue. And runners are no longer limited to running shorts. I love the skirts--even though I almost never wear skirts or dresses in regular life. They are so comfy for running (especially in hot weather). Definitely more flattering on my build than shorts, too.

[Aggie_Ama]

I want compression liner I think. I am at the heaviest I have ever been and carry a lot of weight in my thighs. I have always had this problem, when I was a size 4 I couldn't wear slim fit jeans because my thighs are bulky. :rolleyes:

[Aggie_Ama]

I went today to a local women's fitness store and found the motherload of running skorts. I ended up buying a Skirt Sports Gym Girl skirt and Nike one. Today I wore the Skirt Sports one for 3.5 miler and it was amazingly comfortable! If every run feels so comfortable I am a convert. :)

[GLC1968]

Not obvious to my thighs. I think I've figured out that in my case the issue is narrow hips with large thighs. Even when I was a 110# 5'3" high schooler I had issues with shorts riding-up and my inner thigh area on jeans ending up with worn holes and destroyed crotch seams.


Yep, me too. And now I'm off to shop for whatever skorts you recommended! :p Thanks!

[Aggie_Ama]

I ran in the Nike Skort last night and spent parts of the 50 minute run fighting the shorts. I loved the way it fit in the store but didn't work well in action. They crept to be like bunched up undies and then my thighs were rubbing - ugh!! Might be okay if I lost some weight but I am not sure.

So it looks like the Skirt Sports one is the winner. The "shorties" didn't ride up and the skirt fit well. It will be worn for my longer run this weekend to make sure it won't be driving me nutty during the half marathon. I will probably wear the Nike one when camping or doing outside things. It is cuter than shorts on my, just not a good running one.

[roadie gal]

I'm not a skort kinda gal, so I can't comment on them, but I do like the RaceReady compression shorts. They're made out of Dryline, so they're compressive without making you feel like you're wearing a sausage casing. They don't have grippers, but I haven't had a problem with them riding up.

[katluvr]

I, too, have the rubbing thigh issue, so I prefer any type of compression or "tights" but short. This year I found TONS of long tights or capri's, but hard time finding shorts (tight/compression). I ran my marathon in my favorite one...but they are falling apart between the thighs (all that friction!). I don't want a skort/running skirt. Just some good ole shorts that can handle the "rub".

K

[colby]

I, too, have the rubbing thigh issue, so I prefer any type of compression or "tights" but short. This year I found TONS of long tights or capri's, but hard time finding shorts (tight/compression). I ran my marathon in my favorite one...but they are falling apart between the thighs (all that friction!). I don't want a skort/running skirt. Just some good ole shorts that can handle the "rub".

K

I didn't think about this until recently with all the threads on it, but I had one pair of tri shorts that I wore for a few tris, maybe Ironman (don't remember), and they wore through the seams between the thighs. I have been training in another pair for 2 seasons, ran a marathon in them, and they are awesome. I am afraid of what happens when they wear out! I am afraid to try running shorts not just because of thigh rubbage but because I am not confident of my assets. ;)

The ones that have lasted a long time are from Zoot, but so are the ones that didn't last a long time. Go figure. The ones that have lasted do have a longer inseam.

I think they are probably replaced by these:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,2207G_Zoot-Sports-TRIfit-Shorts-For-Women.html
or these:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,2207F_Zoot-Sports-TRIfit-8-Shorts-For-Women.html

The stuff in the Zoot Ultra line have fabrics that are more technical, more compressive, but also seem to rub harsher against each other. That's probably what my first pair were. I have a newer pair of Ultras but I don't train in them until I get into longer distances and need to not deviate from race plan.

[zoom-zoom]

The stuff in the Zoot Ultra line have fabrics that are more technical, more compressive, but also seem to rub harsher against each other. That's probably what my first pair were. I have a newer pair of Ultras but I don't train in them until I get into longer distances and need to not deviate from race plan.

I have to REALLY watch seam placement in the crotch area of compression shorts and tights. I had two pair of Mizuno tights that I LOVED...comfiest things I've ever worn. But after about 2-3 months on one pair and only a month or two on the other I sent them back. Mizuno replaced them, but I ended up selling the new replacements on eBay, since I knew the new ones would fare no better. I have thighs that eat seams for breakfast.

I don't know why companies insist upon putting seams smack-dab dead-center between thighs. The friction tears stuff up unless a woman has wider hips and thinner thighs. I have the opposite combo.

[Bike Chick]

I suffered with the thigh burn last week for the first time ever......Oh my! By the time I noticed it, it was too late and there was nothing I could do. I relied on you ladies here at TE to figure out how to fix the problem and ordered a Atalanta running skirt. I ran 5 miles in it last night and absolutely love it! It weighs nothing, wicks perspiration, is very comfortable, and there is no thigh rub. I would recommend it to anyone.

[love 2run]

I love the Baja Short from Impact Fitness, because they are longer than traditional running shorts. Here is a link to their site.
http://www.impactfitnesswear.com/pants-bottoms/shorts-skorts/baja-short

[zoom-zoom]

"Their" site, huh? OK, person with 1 post...and that's not even relevant to the discussion. :rolleyes:

[Bike Chick]

They didn't respond to your post, did they Zoom??? Hmmm:cool:

[GLC1968]

Bike Chick - which Atalanta skirt did you get? I really want one, but it looks like they don't have a single one in my size. Of course, I'm guessing on size, too. Ugh.

[zoom-zoom]

Bike Chick - which Atalanta skirt did you get? I really want one, but it looks like they don't have a single one in my size. Of course, I'm guessing on size, too. Ugh.

Last I knew she was closing up shop, which is a bummer. I have a few friends who swear by her skirts. :(

[GLC1968]

Last I knew she was closing up shop, which is a bummer. I have a few friends who swear by her skirts. :(

What??? No way! Is that why I can't get to the site today? I was there earlier this week, too. :mad:

Figures.

Anyone else know of a running skort with a compression short underneath that is at least 6" long? I think that'll work for me whether the shorts have grippers or not. I could probably go as short as 4" if they have grippers.

Any ideas?

[zoom-zoom]

Anyone else know of a running skort with a compression short underneath that is at least 6" long? I think that'll work for me whether the shorts have grippers or not. I could probably go as short as 4" if they have grippers.

Any ideas?

I don't know of any, off-hand, though maybe there are some out there that I am not aware of. My solution is to wear skirts with built-in spankies and then apply some SportShield (FAR better and cheaper in the long-run than Body Glide, since it's so concentrated and lasts so long) to the problem chafe areas. I have not had a hint of chafing doing that, not even after running marathons in a skirt. I have more issues with chafing when I wear compression shorts.

[Veronica]

What??? No way! Is that why I can't get to the site today? I was there earlier this week, too. :mad:

Figures.

Anyone else know of a running skort with a compression short underneath that is at least 6" long? I think that'll work for me whether the shorts have grippers or not. I could probably go as short as 4" if they have grippers.

Any ideas?

I assume you have searched TE? How about Terry?

Veronica

[GLC1968]

Yep, checked TE first, of course. I haven't checked Terry - good idea.

I did find one option at REI - skirtsports brand...but I'm bummed that TE doesn't carry this style. I'll have to hint at Susan if it works for me for next season. ;)

[zoom-zoom]

I just looked at the RunningSkirt.com "Athletic" skirts (http://www.runningskirts.com/athletic-skirts.html) and the compression shorts under those are 5" inseam (or longer on larger sizes, it appears), so that might be worth looking into. Their traditional running skirts with the liner brief are my favorites, by far. I tried a couple of Skirt Sports skirts over the years, but they fit me weird. I think they work better for women who have relatively slim thighs relative to their hips, which is the reverse of my build.

[GLC1968]

I just looked at the RunningSkirt.com "Athletic" skirts (http://www.runningskirts.com/athletic-skirts.html) and the compression shorts under those are 5" inseam (or longer on larger sizes, it appears), so that might be worth looking into. Their traditional running skirts with the liner brief are my favorites, by far. I tried a couple of Skirt Sports skirts over the years, but they fit me weird. I think they work better for women who have relatively slim thighs relative to their hips, which is the reverse of my build.

I might have to try those. I have one of their regular running skirts and it's wayyyy too big in the waist relative to the butt/thighs for my build. It's also just generally too big all over now so I have it listed for sale here.

Terry has one non-chamois athletic type skort - but it's their flair skort and I fear it'll be too 'fluttery' when I run. I don't want to be wearing an iceskating type skirt!

Maybe what I need to do is make one. I could buy compression shorts that work for me and then just make a skirt to go over it. Or I could just suck it up and wear the stupid compression shorts alone. I just would *really* like to have a small pocket and none of my shorts have that.

I think I'm too demanding! :o

[Veronica]

How about some tri shorts? They are pricey, but I really like the Zoot Ultras. The pockets are big enough that I can put a flask and a couple of gels in one side and my cell phone and house key on the other side.

I finally killed a pair of the Zoots a couple of weeks ago with the dreaded thigh rub. But I wear mine to run, to ride and to work out with my trainer. So I probably got at least 100 wearings out of them.

Veronica

[Crankin]

I recently bought a Brooks running skort; it's shorter and has a shorter short underneath than the Athleta one I have, but it fits really well. It looked teeny when I took it out of the package, but it fits. It's cooler, as in good for hot weather.
Ugh, the Terry flare skort: I bought one for riding/errands and it just was wrong. I love the wide, low waist panel, but it just didn't fit right. And the skirt itself was huge on me, in an xsmall. I felt like it made me look huge, probably because it was too big in my normal size. I returned it.

[zoom-zoom]

I might have to try those. I have one of their regular running skirts and it's wayyyy too big in the waist relative to the butt/thighs for my build. It's also just generally too big all over now so I have it listed for sale here.

You know, a lot of people have had issue with that and they recently re-designed their skirts. I have several older ones and one new one. The new one comes up a hair higher and is snugger. There are 30+ of us running the Las Vegas Marathon/Half and we're all getting the plaid skirts for the race. Those who didn't like the fit of their earlier skirts have said the new ones are an improvement. I like both. :)

[GLC1968]

You know, a lot of people have had issue with that and they recently re-designed their skirts. I have several older ones and one new one. The new one comes up a hair higher and is snugger. There are 30+ of us running the Las Vegas Marathon/Half and we're all getting the plaid skirts for the race. Those who didn't like the fit of their earlier skirts have said the new ones are an improvement. I like both. :)

I'll give them another shot. The one I bought was on clearance since I didn't know if I'd like them or not, so it probably was an older model. I'll try a newer one!

And V - tri shorts? That wouldn't be a bad idea except that I haven't even found a single pair that doesn't give me super sausage thighs! I need to keep looking. Oh Susan! ;)

[Veronica]

And V - tri shorts? That wouldn't be a bad idea except that I haven't even found a single pair that doesn't give me super sausage thighs! I need to keep looking. Oh Susan! ;)

Honey... just deal with the sausage thighs. It's not a beauty pageant. Geez... have you seen my pictures. :D

Where is Susan anyway?

Veronica

[Bike Chick]

Last I knew she was closing up shop, which is a bummer. I have a few friends who swear by her skirts. :(

NO WAY!!! Say it isn't so!!! I love those skirts. I'm so bummed. GLC1968, please give us a report.

[GLC1968]

It's not a beauty pageant.


Wait, WHAT? It's not? Damn...learn something new every day! :p


Susan has been swamped with various things and I don't think she's had time for the forums lately. She's still running TE with grace and intelligence though! ;)


News flash on the skort front: I was looking for a cycling skort to wear for my ride after work today (since we will be stopping for dinner) and found a Terry Flare skort that I must have bought last year. It was too small for me then (and I thought I returned it!) and now it's too big...but it doesn't flare all that much on me. I think that if I buy it without the chamois in a smaller size that it might be just right for running. I'm going to try that and an 'athletic' skort from runningskirts.com and go from there.... I'll report back!

[Aggie_Ama]

Yep, checked TE first, of course. I haven't checked Terry - good idea.

I did find one option at REI - skirtsports brand...but I'm bummed that TE doesn't carry this style. I'll have to hint at Susan if it works for me for next season. ;)


I like the Skirt Sports Gym Girl with the shorts. They didn't budge when I ran the half marathon. The newer style has pockets on both side. I wear mine instead of shorts for the summer, I like them.

[katluvr]

Ok, it's not skort (just don't do the skirt thing at all). But I only have 3 pairs of running shorts (fit, tight, compression--whatever you want to call them), the are getting thin and I run 4 times a week now. So I found a web site that lists running shorts by lenght...they include fitted and non-fitted. So I ordered a pair of the longer ones (to get past the fat inner thigh part that rubs). Free shipping.
Its Runningwarehouse.com
They may have a variety of skorts, too.

I hope these new shorts work/fit, if so I am buying more pairs!

K

[GLC1968]

I just tried on the GymGirl Ultra from Skirtsports at the running store when I picked up my race packet for this weekend. I was in a big rush, but my quick appraisal seemed to indicate that the liner shorts won't move at all. They didn't seem to chaffe at all either.

I was going to order them from TE, but the store was giving a 15% apparel discount to registered triathletes, so I just bought it there. I'll give it a shot next week sometime and report back. It did look pretty cute on me in the store!


Oh, I also checked out the 'HappyHour' version (slightly longer), but on my short legs, it just seemed TOO long. It would probably be great on someone taller and it definitely has longer inner shorts to avoid rub.

[jessmarimba]

I'm a little late to hit this thread, but if you like a certain pair of compression shorts but don't like to be seen in spandex...I run in a Nuu-Muu dress. Super comfy, pretty modest, and you get a nice little draft up the front, too. Their print fabric is cooler than the solids. Plust they DON'T have the built-in bra tops so you can wear a sports bra that actually fits right.

I'm actually trying to make a pattern off of the one I have to modify it for pockets, so if any of you creative people know where to get technical fabric let me know! (Just a project to keep me occupied while I'm couch-ridden)

[socalgal59]

I'm not a skort kinda gal, so I can't comment on them, but I do like the RaceReady compression shorts. They're made out of Dryline, so they're compressive without making you feel like you're wearing a sausage casing. They don't have grippers, but I haven't had a problem with them riding up.

I run 5 - 6 days a week. I'm not a skort person either. I have well developed thighs and calves (read thick in the legs!!!) from years of cycling and other such activities that required lower body strength. I love compression wear. My brand of choice is Skins. Tight as heck, but once you get into them, you don't know you are in them. I go for the tights instead of the shorts--all I run in these days is Skins--oh, I do wear a top and shoes;)

[sjane]

I'm actually trying to make a pattern off of the one I have to modify it for pockets, so if any of you creative people know where to get technical fabric let me know! (Just a project to keep me occupied while I'm couch-ridden)

Try Seattle Fabrics (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/) and Rockywoods (http://www.rockywoods.com/).

ETA: I just realized you posted three weeks ago, so I'm way late.

[jessmarimba]

It's totally cool - I'm still trying to find ways to pass the time, and I had given up on finding fabric. Thanks for the links!!

[sjane]

If you make one, I'd love to see it. I have some wicking fabric that I've been hoarding for three years that really needs to get made into something!

[Bike Chick]

I've been looking for a replacement of the Athleta running skort and found one of these (http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/womens/apparel/bottoms/skirts/pid1220043-Women-s-Escape-Knit-Skort/1220043-002) made by Under Armour. I ran in it last night and it's really comfortable, lightweight, and didn't crawl up my legs. I don't like it as well as my Athletas but it's the first one I've found that comes close.

[Ambikes]

I have completely switched from shorts to skorts/skirts for running in warm conditions. Like a lot of you, I have larger thighs and chafing has always been a problem for me at longer distances with regular running shorts. So far, I love the skirts I have, but I will mention that I've only run in them in distances up to 7 miles so far.

I have skirts from two different manufacturers - Skirtsports and lululemon. All of them are very comfortable, and I've had no chafing and very little creeping or other monkey business going on. Like I said above, I'm a convert to the running skirt.

The Skirtsports skirt I have is (I think) the gym girl one. I love the iPod pocket it has. While I like the configuration of the pockets in general, I wish that there were a zippered pocket on it too, because I always worry about losing my keys while running. The length of the shorties is nice, but I still get a little sausage leg with them. The skirt covers it though.

I have 2 lululemon skirts, one is the pace setter model the other is the speed model. I absolutely LOVE the design and materials of these skirts (they are pretty girly and both have ruffles on the bum). Both have 2 little pockets in front where you can stash a gel and a small zipper pocket on the back. I wish the shorties were a bit longer on these skirts, but they do have grippers to keep them in place. Again, I get a little sausage leg that's completely covered by the skirt. I wish the skirt had a better way to stash an MP3 player. I am willing to forgive the little things I would change about the skirts because I just feel feminine and powerful and beautiful when I wear them.
(I know lululemon is a Canadian company, but they do have some stores in the US and they offer free shipping to US customers. Also, I do not work for nor am I affiliated with lululemon in any way!)

FYI, I wear a small from Skirtsports and a medium (size 8) from lululemon.

[KnottedYet]

I love my recently acquired Athleta "CYA" skirt.

Goes great over UnderArmour shorts, Saucony capris, or CWX tights.

Short. Cute. Hides my fat butt.

Absolutely no problem at all to run in.