How To Wear Running Tights

Finding a quality pair of running tights will revolutionize your activewear wardrobe. Finding a quality pair that protects you from the cold, wind and light rain without restricting your movement or absorbing sweat will help you stride out comfortably in bad weather. 

Alongside advice on finding tights with the right size and fit, this guide will give you tips on the best items to wear with them. Plus, we’ll consider when it’s best to wear shorts over tights or opt only for shorter lengths. 

How to Choose the Correct Size and Fit 

To choose correctly-sized running tights, take your waist (at the narrowest point), hip (at the widest point) and inside leg measurements. This will help you get the right amount of leg coverage and ensure the bottoms sit comfortably at your waist. 

When you try on your running tights, stride out and squat in them to make sure they don’t shift, bunch or become uncomfortable. Many running tights product descriptions will say that running tights should ‘feel like a second skin’. This means they should fit tightly to the legs without limiting any movement. 

The fabrics are key to this, as they provide the stretch and flex necessary to allow runners to stride. Full-length designs should cover the whole leg, while three-quarter ones should reach the mid-shin. The waistband should fit snugly and not hang loose or dig into the stomach. 

Features

Quality running tights have a few key features which make them more comfortable and practical for athletes. These include:

• Breathable, moisture-wicking materials which remove sweat from the inside to keep the skin dry

• Minimal or strategically placed seams and hems so there’s less opportunity for chafing or rubbing as runners move

• Pockets which are zipper-free and secure, making it easy to carry essentials such as a phone and keys

• Soft, adjustable waistbands so runners can easily get a comfortable fit around the middle

• Thermal, windproof and water-resistant fabric options which give runners extra weather protection 

Design

Choosing running-specific tights means the design will be based on a runner’s movement. As such, when you wear them and start striding, they won’t feel restrictive or shift out of place and become uncomfortable. Achieving a streamlined, seamless design is also important to minimize friction and help runners move effortlessly in any weather conditions. 

What to Wear Under Running Tights?

What athletes wear under their running tights is down to their personal preferences. Some feel most comfortable wearing nothing underneath, while others prefer extra protection. If you do opt for underwear, close-fitting, seamless briefs, boxer-briefs, or thongs are best to minimize chafing and rubbing. 

It’s best to avoid baggy or loose-fitting underwear, as the snug fit of running tights will cause those types of undergarments to bunch up and become uncomfortable.

What to Wear with Running Tights

You can adapt the layers you wear with your running tights depending on the weather and your own comfort. Below are a few options you can consider.  

Jacket

Having a windproof outer layer with insulation will keep your torso as warm as your legs. If you like extra protection, a hooded design will mean your ears and face are less exposed. Stretch hems and cuffs will also help keep the cold and wind out. Quick drying and water-resistant materials will also help you stay dry in light rain. Inner and zip pockets mean you can easily and safely carry essentials on you while you train outdoors. 

Base Layers

Base layer briefs and boxer shorts are ideal for wearing under tights. Thin and soft moisture-wicking fabrics and flatlock seams will keep you striding comfortably. For your upper body on extra cold days, having a long sleeve thermal base layer will help you stay cosy on longer runs. 

Training Shirt

Technical T-shirts are made from soft, moisture-wicking fabrics and are available with both long and short sleeves. This means they’ll stay comfortable next to your skin, with no wet cling or chafing. Looser fitting and lightweight, they can be worn alone or layered with other garments for extra warmth. 

Windbreaker 

To keep wind chill at bay as you take on various terrains or long runs in shoulder seasons, a windbreaker is ideal. Lightweight and easily packable, you can carry it in your day bag without being weighed down and put it on whenever the wind picks up or the sun clouds over. Designed to block wind and made from breathable, water-resistant fabric, they’re great to have on-hand in changeable weather or during shoulder seasons.

Breathable Socks

Socks made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics will ensure sweat doesn’t build up in your shoes and cause rubbing or discomfort. Pairs constructed with extra support in the arch, toe and heel will also help protect vulnerable parts of your foot as they’re put under pressure over long training sessions. 

Tights vs Shorts: Which to Choose?

Ultimately, whether you choose tights or shorts comes down to personal choice. Anyone who’s been to a running club will know that some athletes choose to transition to shorts much earlier in the spring season than others. Some hardcore runners even opt for minimal coverage all year round! For example, while quality running tights shouldn’t be restrictive, some runners prefer the looseness of shorts when they’re striding, no matter the temperature. 

The weather conditions and how sensitive you are to them are the main factors which will influence your choice. How long you’ll be exposed to the elements during your sessions will also affect your decision. If you’re heading out on an endurance run, then you’re likely to be exposed to any rain, wind and cold for over an hour. Wearing tights can help conserve your core temperature and energy levels in these conditions. 

For hot, sunny days and short track or tempo workouts, shorts are always a good choice. Though in shoulder seasons, even long-length sceptics can benefit from the extra protection of high-quality tights. 

Should You Wear Shorts Over Running Tights?

Wearing shorts over tights can make people feel more comfortable and less exposed to the elements. The close-fitting nature of running tights can make some athletes feel body conscious. Adding a pair of lightweight shorts over the top means runners can stride confidently without being weighed down. It can also offer a bit of extra warmth in the winter, although wearing thermal tights alone should be enough.