Shorts recommendations (women)

[PolicefoxLyn]

Hi all, I started C25K on 1st Jan and completed early Feb. Since then I've been consolidating 5k/30 mins and mixing in some speed sessions and short runs just to fit in a run!! I've got the bug.

I had a bad run yesterday due to a combination of things but I think one was that I was too hot- I was wearing full length leggings.

I've run today in shorts and felt much better. What shorts are good? The ones I wore are Nike Dri fit and they're loose with a mesh inner. No idea when I bought them!! Are these the best sort or the short leggings type? I'm not self conscious (in fact I think I'd look better in the tight ones) but I don't want to buy something and find they catch/run or are restrictive. I'm looking to stick at 5k for the foreseeable.

Thanks in advance.

[slow-farah Graduate10]

I think it’s down to personal taste!

My shorts are similar to the ones you have described and I’ve never had any problems with them.

If you are prone to chafing then tight shorts might be better so you can avoid that issue.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I bought mine a few years ago but can recommend 2in1 shorts. They have a light Lycra tight short underneath the main shorts . If you google 2in1 shorts you should come up with choices as many brands stock them.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

I have two pairs of M&S lycra type shorts. They’re super comfortable and have a little zip pocket on the back for small items. No riding up, no chafing. I love them. 😀

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I wear 2 in 1 shorts in any temperature over about 8 deg but only because the bulk if my belongings have been in storage for 3 months as we are moving house. The first thing I want out for running are my thin loose fit shorts - bliss the freedom from heat. I'm a slim size 8/10. Happy running 🤗

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Two in one,,, or a skort..which I prefer

[Womangolfer Graduate10]

I like Lucy Locket Loves! They don’t ride up or down, have a pocket and the service from the company, online, is excellent.

[misswobble Graduate10]

Nike Dri fit stuff is good 👍

I’m enjoying my multi-pocket trail running shorts from Decathlon. Under pants included🙂. £14.99. Lots of cubbies along the waist band and two zip pockets

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

As others have said, it depends what you’re comfortable in, and whether you’re prone to chaffing or not. My legs always rub together right at the top when I run, so I prefer either tight Lycra shorts (my favourites are a pair of 2XU compression ones), or the 2 in 1 shorts mentioned above. I find the 2 in 1 ones are cooler, just because the Lycra section is shorter. If you aren’t at all self conscious then you could just wear shorter Lycra shorts to be cooler, but I like the extra cover of the outer shorts if the Lycra under short is pretty short. I find some 2 in 1 shorts don’t have quite enough length in the inner Lycra short to stop chaffing when I’m sweating a lot, so it can be helpful to try on a few lengths.

[Madge50 Graduate10]

Decathlon skort......brill, zip pockets big enough for a phone or 250ml soft water bottle, side pockets for snacks.....(jelly babies....😉) ......

Fabulous, love it!

All decathlon trail gear has loads of pockets in the waist bands..perfect if you don’t like (like me) having to hold on to and carry stuff...... 👍

Mx

[SlowLoris]

Some of the brand gear can be silly prices. Check the discount sites like Sportpursuit and Sportsshoes.com.

I'm not a brand person (they don't pay me for the advertising!) so I have a lot of Decathlon stuff and some K-Mart gear that I bought abroad.

[Mum22boys Graduate10]

I have m&s ones, sound the same as the ones cheekychipmunks mentioned above, I find them really comfortable and the pocket at the back is big enough for my phone

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

I was not a shorts person at all, but when I discovered my Ronhill Cargo shorts I was a complete convert. Built in brief, like your Nike ones so you are so much cooler than with leggings or capris. Game changer 👍🏻

I did buy a cheaper lycra short first but they were a disaster! Felt awful and kept trying to cut me in two! Plus made me feel even more self conscious.

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate]

I am on a comfy shorts mission too - tried 2 in 1 types from Flanci cos I love their bright colourful patterns.....they are OK for me - stop the chaffing and I don't feel too self conscious in lycra with the over loose shorts - but at the moment its too hot for them. I've tried Contra shorts too to support Parkrun, I love these - loose but seem to avoid leg chaffing - bit of a win win. The biggest drawback for both is no pocket for my phone and I like my music on so end up with a running belt as well which I am not a fan of. I'm no off to look at some of the great suggestions above. You can never have too much running gear