I need to ask about pants (in my case women’... - Bridge to 10K

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I need to ask about pants (in my case women’s but I’m sure men have the same issue)

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10
45 Replies

Ok so I am not up to 10K yet (still enjoying the wonders of just running and tend to have to keep to a time rather than anything else owing to other pressures) but as my runs get longer I am finding uncomfortable pants a challenge. I have tried all sorts of ideas from bigger ones, smaller ones, different styles and to be honest everything ends up uncomfortable. Before I give in to the adverts for specialist pants (read expensive) I wondered what others did.......or is it just me that has this problem? Thanks

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EB43 profile image
EB43
Graduate10
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45 Replies
ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

I guess it depends on what the particular problem is. I use running knickers which are the most unsexiest underwear you could possibly imagine but it means I remain intact and secure :)

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10 in reply toju-ju-

Without wanting to be too crass they don’t stay put over my backside so I look hilarious running whilst trying to get my knickers back into the right place....there is nothing sexy about me at the end of a run so unsexy pants is really not a problem. Might need to buy some running knickers to try then. Thanks

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10 in reply toEB43

Sounds like you need a much tighter fit?

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10 in reply toEB43

runderwear are good.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J

Bridget Jones style pants. I choose M and S as they are not too narrow under the important bit and so stay put. I think that is the secret tbh.

I try to match the colour to that of my leggings.... just incase the leggings ever split....... i have a thing about this or though it has never happened to me. So black leggings/ capris/ shorts are easy but i do love a bit of colour!

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10

Interesting..... I’d gone bigger but not that big yet (reminds me of having to do P.E in my knickers when you’d forgotten your kit at school - always wore Bridget Jones on those days just in case). Had never thought about the splitting issue before.

SC1472 profile image
SC1472Graduate10 in reply toEB43

You have just taken me back...I went to an all girls school so PE was in blue PE knickers and an aertex top....not really recommended for running though! Just wear my big girl pants for running now under my shorts (not had any problems as yet but I haven't run further than 10k).

My shorts are 'lycra' thigh length ones so don't move around so there is no rubbing of material.

Lordi profile image
LordiGraduate10

I don't wear any. I use running shorts that have an inner "pant" which does the job at the moment.

Edit - I'm a fella

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10 in reply toLordi

I had considered the no pant option but haven’t found any women’s clothing with inner garment bit yet. Others might be able to point me in the right direction.

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate10

I'm interested in this as well, my leggings have a seam that chafes and make my bum really sore (thank goodness it wasn't my "bits"!) on longer runs. Ordinary knickers get sweaty and make me cold...

I hope someone has the answer...

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10 in reply toCurlygurly2

Leggings with a triangle rather than straight through seam. Howies and sweaty betty and Gore are good....

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply toju-ju-

Sweaty Betty's are brilliant as are a brand called Marika which I got in TK Maxx 🙂

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate10 in reply toju-ju-

The triangle ones are what I have.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

IYou could go Merino ones then Curly! I got some for my coastal marathon so my ass didn’t freeze.

Big pants! Full briefs as they’re called . See, I know the lingo 😁 I got some lovely Debenhams own ones which are lovely. Not at all frumpy . Their no VPL jobs. Cover everything and don’t move. Three for two offer

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10 in reply tomisswobble

I think I can feel a couple of hours curled up with a glass of wine this evening perusing pants on-line. I could have done with warm ones this morning even if they did ride up.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toEB43

Long tshirt helps on a cold day👍🏼

Frizzbomb67 profile image
Frizzbomb67Graduate10 in reply toEB43

I have largish no VPL knicks too from M&S which are ok. They don’t show through your leggings and fit snuggly. It depends on how much my leggings stay up too. I have one pair that are a bit loose and work their way down taking the pants with them 😂😂I think it also depends on your body shape. I have no hips or bum so there’s nothing to keep them up! 😂😂

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

my Merino ones were specials and cost £23! I was running a marathon next to the sea and thought my ass might freeze. They are lovely and didn’t move

For regular use I use Debenhams one

I’ll find em and lost the link 👍

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

debenhams.com/lingerie/knic...

debenhams.com/lingerie/knic...

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10 in reply tomisswobble

Thank you I’ll have a look.

I use m&s flexifit pants. They do stay put with no chaffing so far up to 10 miles. They cost £8 each but were on a 3 for two offer!

Lisaloopy9 profile image
Lisaloopy9Graduate10

Have to admit this made me Chuckle. I’ve never had an issue luckily. I have some full briefs from m & s they seem fine.

Am quite interested in trying some proper running ones though, never knew such things existed!! Lol

I’m new to all this .

Hope you sort this little problem out xx

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10 in reply toLisaloopy9

It has taken me a while to pluck up the courage to post this issue but then I thought if I couldn’t ask this forum where could I. Lots of ideas so I am hoping one will mean I get a less awkward run!

HeleneCorsa profile image
HeleneCorsaGraduate10

Interesting stuff! A definite yes to leggings with a triangle rather than straight seam.

I never had a problem with this until my last but one run during which my knicks seemed to grow teeth 🤤

While we are on the subject, I have some shorts for the summer with sewn-in pants and not sure how that will work out. The elastic doesn't look super comfy. I imagine I will wear them without other underwear and if they aren't nice to wear, will just snip out the inner pant. Anyone have experience of these?

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply toHeleneCorsa

I have a pair of shorts like this Helene and they are very comfy. You don't need any other underwear.

HeleneCorsa profile image
HeleneCorsaGraduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

That's great to know, thank you! They are lovely shorts and I really like the fabric - they are very soft and light but also have that nice wide snug waistband that good leggings have, with a zipped pocket and so on, so I think they will be perfect during the hot summer. I found them at a huge discount and snapped up two pairs in lovely colours.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply toHeleneCorsa

They sound like mine which I bought years ago while on holiday in Gran Canaria! It was so hot I had to urgently buy whatever I could find but they're great.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toHeleneCorsa

They are what I call the knickers from hell Helene😳😱

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

I really think the answer lies in good fitting leggings and no pants. If the leggings are well made, ie long in the body and no seam rubbing then you should be able to go commando comfortably. Most leggings are made with a built in gusset and the fabric should hold you in place for a bit of extra support.

I went through a phase of having a few.... er.... painful chafing in a delicate area and worked out it was the leggings I was wearing which were short from waist to crotch. I have since ditched them 😩

I hope you get it sorted as you want to be comfortable when you run.

EB43 profile image
EB43Graduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

I do have a problem with my leggings as I am quite long in the crotch (have the same issues with normal trousers) so might have to have a look around for some new ones, either that or just make my own (not been brave enough to make my own fitness clothes yet but this might just be the time).

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply toEB43

Yes I have the same challenge with all types of trousers, it's a real pain isn't it? Just shop around and try lots on until you find the right ones. Good luck.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate10

I am a great believer in cotton. Any of the other synthetic materials tend to ride up in the wrong places I find. I have a selection of running pants, not very flattering but they are a basic white cotton no frills or lace and they seem to do me proud. 😀.

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate10

This has been debated many times before! I go the other way (no, not commando, in case of splitting leggings :O ) and I wear Primark £5-for-3 pairs lycra granny knickers :D They are massive (but so is my arse) and they stay put every which way.

Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08Graduate10 in reply toAnniemurph

Oh no! I’d never considered what would happen if my legging split!

pollyp1 profile image
pollyp1Graduate10

Sloggi shorts -I buy them in the sale at House of Fraser; never had a problem!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

😁😁😁😁 Murph what are you like 😁😁😁😁😁

Mind you, my Karrimor cheapo tights have split on the butt seam, but that’s down to extreme provocation, and they were only about a quid 😀

Catelm profile image
Catelm

Interesting discussion! I wear a cotton thong from M&S, about £7 for 5 pairs. Works really well as there isn’t much to move around!

I recently splashed out on a Stella McCartney for Adidas pair of running legs (in the sale....) that have an inbuilt pant.

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns

My favorites are cheap, seamless hipsters (92% polyamid 8% elastan which transports sweat away from the skin) sportmaster.dk/master-seaml... (not sure you can get them in the UK though).

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeGraduate10

As the token male.....can I suggest compression pants.

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe560minGraduate in reply toIannodaTruffe

Good grief- you have reminded me of the horrible "panty girdles" of 50 years ago!! - Tho' I'm sure this is completely different ( well I certainly hope so!!) 😃

Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08Graduate10

I go pants-free 😱🙈

mixindave profile image
mixindaveGraduate10

for me it was the seams of boxer shorts that rubbed. tried seamless ones and the bottom part still rubbed. swapped to running tights/shorts(compression) under regular shorts and all is good :)

Kertesz profile image
KerteszGraduate10

I bought some 'quick dry' seamless pants from Decathlon (was fed up of finishing a hot day run feeling like I'd got a sweaty nappy on!). I've found them surprisingly amazing (I'm usually a cotton girl!). Comfortable to run in - and do what they say on the tin! Good luck finding a solution!

Kevtrev profile image
KevtrevGraduate10

I have men’s running tights and they are perfect they have to be very fitted no give I have cheap karrimor and they do the job no need to spend lots of money on running pants hope this helps x

Lablove profile image
Lablove60minGraduate

BAM, bamboo leggings, nothing underneath. Very comfy long body holds everything in place, ‘proper gusset’!!

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