So you've decided to take up running. But what outfit should you wear - Leggings or shorts for running? One of the things to consider when selecting a running outfit is comfort - you do not want clothing that is too bulky or restrictive, regardless of whether you are training for a marathon or cardiovascular fitness. Despite the perceived superiority of leggings over shorts regarding athleticism and coverage, many runners also prefer to wear shorts because they are more comfortable. Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of leggings and shorts as running apparel and how you can choose which option is right for your body type.
Running Wear: How To Choose One?
While running, the most important part of your outfit is comfort and flexibility. So any pair of leggings or shorts or tights for running will do—but there are factors you should consider before making your choice:
Material:
Shorts, leggings and tights are made from cotton or synthetic materials.
Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fabrics and won't retain as much moisture in hot weather (even though it may be heavier). However, it can also absorb sweat if you're not wearing a liner underneath—so make sure that if you opt for cotton running shorts or leggings, they have built-in liners so that sweat doesn't get absorbed into them.
Synthetic fabrics like nylon are more durable than cotton and dry faster when wet; however, they tend to be less breathable than their natural counterpart. If you go for synthetic materials, ensure they are lined with a moisture-wicking material like lycra or spandex. These fabrics will help to keep sweat from being absorbed into your shorts or leggings, which can cause chafing and irritation when moving around—especially if you're running in hot weather!
Weather:
In a warm climate, shorts with liners are ideal because they allow your skin to breathe while protecting you from the sun's harmful rays. If running in cooler temperatures, leggings are a great option because they provide warmth while allowing air to circulate.
Fit:
When it comes to fit, there are many different styles of shorts and leggings available today. You can choose athletic styles with built-in underwear or performance styles without internal lining.
If you have just started running, we recommend wearing shorts with built-in underwear to prevent chafing and irritation while moving around.
If you're an experienced runner who likes to wear shorts without anything underneath them, you may consider buying performance leggings instead of shorts. They keep your legs well-supported and improve your posture. With high elasticated panels at your thighs and knees, they also cushion joints to cut down muscle fatigue—all while providing a smooth movement that can help you run faster.
Are Shorts or Leggings Better for Running?
The answer to this question depends on what you want from a running outfit. Let's look at the pros and cons of each style:
Leggings for Running
Once you get used to wearing leggings as exercise clothing (especially if you're accustomed to shorts), then you'll find that they have many practical advantages over shorts:
Pros: Leggings are better than shorts because they're more comfortable and flexible.
In cold weather, leggings will keep your legs warm without the bulkiness of tights or joggers. In hot weather, you can wear shorts over leggings if you still want to look sporty, or go bare-legged in your leggings since they're more breathable than shorts.
They won't chafe or cause blisters—you'll be able to wear them for long periods without discomfort.
Cons: Runners often wear leggings, but they should make sure that the fabric is smooth and good quality or else it might rub uncomfortably against your legs.
We recommend using hummel leggings, which are made of a high-quality material that is soft and smooth against the skin. This keeps runners dry and comfortable during their workout.
Shorts for Running
Everyone knows nothing beats shorts in a hot, humid climate. They are the best way to keep cool and don't allow your thighs to rub together as you run. Their light breathability also means you'll stay cool longer than with a pair of leggings or tight pants. The question remains, should you wear leggings or women’s shorts for running? Here are a few pros and cons that can help you decide:
Pros: There's no denying that shorts are the more comfortable option. They allow your legs to move freely, and the stretchy fabric is much less constricting than tight-fitting leggings. Plus, with shorts, you don't have to worry about your thighs rubbing together when you run—like when you wear leggings or tights. Shorts also have a higher cotton content than athletic underpants, which makes them more breathable and even more comfortable in hot weather. You may make fewer strategic crotch adjustments during your workout because of this fact alone.
Because of their comfort, many runners prefer to wear shorts for running in almost any situation—even when temperatures drop during winter. But if it gets really cold out, you may be better off reaching for an extra pair of long socks under those sweatpants rather than going bare-legged in short pants—your body temperature will drop faster without any protection from cold air hitting directly against exposed skin.
Cons: Wearing shorts for running can be an uncomfortable experience if the weather is hot or if there's not much wind to cool you down. If it's warm outside, you'll want to wear something that covers your thighs and legs; otherwise, they'll get burned by the sun. So you may also look into wearing compression tights or leggings that offer more protection from UV rays.
Should You Wear Tights When Running?
Another popular running clothing option is tights, which are available year-round. In addition to being a viable option for some runners, tights may not be ideal for others. Below are the pros and cons of tights.
Pros: Tights are fabricated from thin, stretchy material that clings tightly to your legs. They are often worn as an alternative to shorts during the winter, but they are also suitable for warm weather. The tights are best suited for runners with a long stride and a high cadence, as they will not bunch up or restrict your movements. Since tights keep you warm, they are an excellent choice for running in cold weather. They're also perfect for runners who sweat too much because they help prevent chafing and keep moisture locked in.
In addition to reducing your risk of injury, tights (designed for compression) support your muscles in a way shorts cannot. You may benefit from tights if you experience soreness or tightness in one part of your leg when you run.
Cons: Tights are often not breathable enough to wear during warm weather. They can also make you feel hot and sweaty, which can be uncomfortable on a hot day.
You're Now Ready for a Run!
You can wear leggings, shorts or tights for running. You may wear tights underneath. Remember, it's not just about style but also comfort and convenience.
In short, when choosing your running outfit, you should think about these factors:
- Safety— It should protect you from the elements (such as extreme heat or cold)
- Comfort—They should fit well, not rub against each other when worn together, and should not feel too tight or constricted.
- Convenience—It should keep you warm even if you sweat a lot. It should be easy to put on.
- Fit— You can move around freely in this outfit.
- Look—It should be cool and stylish and not boring.
Hummel, an international sportswear brand, offers a wide selection of running gear for men and women-including hooded jackets, shorts, tights, and leggings. Running enthusiasts can choose hummel's running gear, which is lightweight, sweatproof, and water-repellent. The brand's high-quality fabrics ensure that its activewear and sportswear products remain comfortable no matter how wet or sweaty it gets. In addition, hummel also sells running shoes, socks, and accessories for runners. You can find hummel's products on their official website or at select retailers.
Conclusion
All good running bottoms should be comfortable, moisture-wicking, non-chafing, and designed to allow - and not impede - good running movements. You can decide what's best for you according to your activity, how warm it is outside (and inside!), your style preferences, and so much more.
The bottom line is: wear what makes you feel good about yourself. Here's to a safe and comfortable run!