The running equivalent of the 'bike short' question!

[Kimmyt]

So, running shorts.

They come with those mesh liner things.

Do you wear undies under there, or not? I'm used to going commando with bike shorts, so just seeing what others do here.

K.

[Veronica]

That's funny. As I was riding to work this morning I was wondering why running shorts are so short.

And on those rare occasions when I run, I wear compression shorts (bike shorts w/o the chamois.)

So runners, tell us all about the ins and outs of running shorts.

V.

[KnottedYet]

I don't wear underwear in my liner-equipped running shorts.

[yellow]

Less is more.

'Nuf said.

I personally prefer the compression shorts because they keep me from getting thigh chafe. But I also LOVE my Race Ready shorts for very long runs, though. The pockets are awesome.

[Wahine]

Commando is the way to go and I second the compression short advice for long runs, prevents chafing up high if you're built with bigger thighs. If you're not using compression shorts use body glide if chafing is an issue.

I have a pair of Lulu Lemon shorts I love because they are snug enough to stay in place and prevent chafing but they are also loose at the leg hole opening making them more like a regular short. That makes me feel a little less "revealing".

[colby]

I really like compression shorts/tights, and it seems weird to wear underwear under them if they fit right. I guess I am just too modest to wear 1-3" inseam shorts. Maybe OVER my compression shorts...

[Veronica]

Oh good! I'm glad to know I'm not a running dork with my compression shorts au natural.

V.

[roadie gal]

When I wear compression shorts, I don't wear anything underneath.

Usually I wear the looser running shorts with a liner. I get the ones from Roadrunner with the 4 inch inseam so I get a bit more coverage. They do ride up a little when my chunky thighs rub, but they're not as bad as the shorter ones.

[rocknrollgirl]

RUN NAKED!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh, sorry , did I say that out loud? Just kidding Kimmy. I do go commando if they have a liner.

[alpinerabbit]

Commando. All my undies are cotton (I would not wear artificial fibers down there everyday for the life of me) and it absorbs sweat and you get chilled around your lower back. Particularly when it is still rather cool out. Not good.

[kelownagirl]

Good timing for this topic. As a new runner, I don't even OWN a single pair of shorts that aren't for biking. I am off to buy some this weekend. Do I want loose fitting ones or compressions shorts or are there others? I am a complete novice in this topic. I like the idea of no undies. Wouldn't have even thought of it.

[KnottedYet]

I have both compression shorts and longer-inseamed running shorts with liner. I like them both, but would never wear the compression shorts by themselves, even though I'll cheerfully wear bike shorts by themselves!

[kelownagirl]

So am I to understand that compression shorts are tighter like bike shorts? Are there certain times or situations when one of the other are worn?

[Pika]

sounds like I'm the only underwear girl here ...I wear'm under all my running shorts- guess they are redundant in the one's with liners but I am tooo lazy to wash my shorts very time I wear them ( of course the same is NOT true for my unders! )- this way I get a couple of runs outta them before they go to the wash- hmm never thought that was weird until now... the things I learn on this forum

[KnottedYet]

Compression vs. Loose running shorts: Depends on how shy you are!

I wear compression shorts under my sweats, and if I want to run with bare legs I wear my Brooks long-ish inseam shorts with liners.