Running shorts...

[GLC1968]

I run in capri length tights all year. I have thinner, ventilated ones for summer that worked well, so that might be something to consider. I happen to have narrow hips and big legs, so any fabric between my thighs will always rub unless it's at least 5" in length and tight to my legs. I have a couple of skirts from www.runningskirts.com that used to work well enough when I was not in the mood for capris, too. These had the short liner underneath that was long enough to protect against rub and they had little pockets in the skirt. I will say, that I never wore them for runs longer than a hour though. Chafing is too big of a problem for me. I see all those runner types in those flowy, super short, shorts and it just screams pain to me. Of course, most of those people have thighs that don't touch when they run, so I can see how they'd work great for them. They would certainly be nice and cool!

[Catrin]

I stopped by my closest LRS - I get a discount there because of my gym, which is nice. I bought a pair of compressive DriFit running "shorts" that at least fall not too far above my knee. They fit better than the capris & longer shorts I wear to the gym and will be less likely to cause chaffing. I will need to get more, but they were on sale so I snagged them.

I DID try on several pair of loose men's 7-inch shorts and I liked the length/fit of them. They told me the 7-inch women's shorts are the most popular and fly off the shelves very quickly when they arrive in March. I will have to keep my eyes out.

Trying on the men's shorts led to a question. Does one wear underwear with loose fitting running shorts? They appeared to have, not padding or anything, but basically something built in for that purpose.

[ny biker]

I stopped by my closest LRS - I get a discount there because of my gym, which is nice. I bought a pair of compressive DriFit running "shorts" that at least fall not too far above my knee. They fit better than the capris & longer shorts I wear to the gym and will be less likely to cause chaffing. I will need to get more, but they were on sale so I snagged them.

I DID try on several pair of loose men's 7-inch shorts and I liked the length/fit of them. They told me the 7-inch women's shorts are the most popular and fly off the shelves very quickly when they arrive in March. I will have to keep my eyes out.

Trying on the men's shorts led to a question. Does one wear underwear with loose fitting running shorts? They appeared to have, not padding or anything, but basically something built in for that purpose.

You mean they have a liner? I have several pairs of loose gym shorts that have liners. No underwear needed.

[Owlie]

I stopped by my closest LRS - I get a discount there because of my gym, which is nice. I bought a pair of compressive DriFit running "shorts" that at least fall not too far above my knee. They fit better than the capris & longer shorts I wear to the gym and will be less likely to cause chaffing. I will need to get more, but they were on sale so I snagged them.

I DID try on several pair of loose men's 7-inch shorts and I liked the length/fit of them. They told me the 7-inch women's shorts are the most popular and fly off the shelves very quickly when they arrive in March. I will have to keep my eyes out.

Trying on the men's shorts led to a question. Does one wear underwear with loose fitting running shorts? They appeared to have, not padding or anything, but basically something built in for that purpose.

I've been wondering the same thing. Wearing underwear on long runs in hot weather seems...uncomfortable to me.

Now, what about compression shorts? I need a pair.

[Catrin]

I also took the opportunity of having a little extra cash and went to our local Athleta...and I will need to immediately forget where they are located I DID walk out with a lovely pair of capris that fits perfectly and won't ride up when running, and also two tops for running/gym work. None of which were on sale...but they are good quality and will certainly last. I NEVER thought, however, that I would be in a "small" or even "EXTRA-small" of anything! Guess things have changed for me a bit

In the end I like capris over loose shorts, though when the heat of summer arrives I may change my mind. I bought these knickers today, they look MUCH better in person. They have a green version I wanted but they didn't have my size. This is probably good, or I would have wound up spending even more. This was one of the running tanks I got, and they promised me neither would shrink. I've heard many good things regarding the quality of their athletic clothing, so I decided to go ahead and invest a little. Now I've all I need for the season I think

Apparently all three garments have some "unstinkable" quality that means they don't have to be washed as often as normal athletic gear. I've several team-mates who swear by it...we will see. Even then, the cost of the knickers and tops were individually lower than many of the DriFit offerings at both of my LRS.

[OakLeaf]

In hot weather it's strictly short tights for me, no underwear.

In cold weather I'll wear Ibex briefs under wool or thermal tights, so I can wear the tights more than once without washing. The briefs aren't very flattering, but they stay put even on long runs, and that counts for a LOT.

[Catrin]

I've worn the new running knickers at my gym and LOVE them! No riding at all, while they fit like my skin, they aren't uncomfortable at all and the material is light enough that I should be able to wear them in the warmest of weather. Three pockets, two on the side of the legs and one in the back. Also tried out my two new running tank tops at my gym and that was also a win for me. I may have spent more than I planned, but these will work well for me and should last much better than my Fila fitness clothing from Kohls. THOSE are fine for the gym, but everything rides up, both tops and bottoms

[jusdooit]

Glad you found some you like. It is my understanding that running shorts & tights are intended to be worn commando. However there are undergarments designed for use while running (wicking). I can't remember the brand right now, but a Google search should yield results.