Running Pants: Tights, Capris, or Shorts?

Being perfectly equipped with good pants is essential to enjoy running in the best conditions and to achieve our best performance.

Good Gear Includes Good Pants

From top to bottom: a breathable technical shirt that wicks away high levels of moisture, pants that offer the greatest freedom and comfort during the run, and good running shoes with appropriate socks.

It's important to note that pants are much more important than many people think. However, there is such a variety of models to choose from that it can sometimes be really difficult to decide on a specific one. The most common are running shorts, tights, or capri pants.

Which ones are the best? Let's analyze all the pros and cons of each. Pay attention and take notes.

Running Shorts

Running shorts have been the primary choice for running pants for years. Running shorts feature a breathable inner lining and small seams that offer maximum comfort and allow them to be worn without underwear.

Their choice depends on individual preferences, but according to experts, they are the best choice for long, high-intensity runs, as they are the lightest and provide the most coolness. Just take a look at marathons or long-distance races.

There are different types of shorts, longer and shorter running shorts, and in both cases, most usually incorporate a small pocket that allows us to carry our most important personal items, energy bars, an MP3, or even an isotonic drink.

Ideally, opt for shorts made of polyester and avoid cotton or nylon.

Any type of polyester is the lightest, most breathable, and best moisture-absorbing material. It allows our skin to breathe and keeps us cool, especially during the summer months when high temperatures are prevalent, making it the best option.

Even so, running shorts also have their downsides. Many models (especially low-quality ones) don't breathe as well as they should, or after running for a long time, they can cause chafing on the thighs and become extremely uncomfortable.

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Running Tights

If shorts are the top choice for summer, running tights are mainly for winter.

This garment is characterized by being much tighter and more elastic than shorts, conforming to your body and offering a wide range of motion as well as a greater sense of grip and support. Although they started as a garment that seemed to be reserved for women, the truth is that more and more men are wearing tights for their training.

Especially during cold weather, although they are also widely used during summer or spring. Such is the success of tights that the most prestigious sports brands have heavily invested in them, using the most advanced technology to create truly elastic, breathable, resistant, and durable models.

A clear example can be found in the latest collection of Adidas by Stella McCartney, which has not hesitated to give tights the most prominent role.

In addition, it should also be noted that tights are compressive, which helps our muscles feel more supported, allows us to enjoy greater performance, and much faster recovery after each workout or race, as they improve venous return and increase oxygen supply.

The enormous variety of models available has made them one of the essential garments for running, allowing you to choose between short tights that reach the height of the glutes (widely used by women), short-style tights, mid-calf tights, or tights that reach ankle height.

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Capri Pants for Running

Capri pants are the latest addition to the running world, and they have certainly made a grand entrance, becoming a real trend among runners. For many, capri pants are simply three-quarter length pants, and their appearance is very similar. They can be wide or fitted like tights, although at Urban Running we recommend opting for fitted ones, as they offer greater freedom of movement, more compression, and reduce the chances of chafing during the run.

The truth is that they are very good and offer great comfort, being a very worthwhile option for transitional seasons when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. They are usually made of polyester, although everything will depend on the brand and the specific model.

CHECK OUT OUR CAPRI PANTS AT BEURBANRUNNING

Skirt with long tights?

Outfits made with a running or fitness skirt and long tights are becoming increasingly popular among women.

It's more of an aesthetic option that we first saw in the world of tennis with athletes like Serena Williams, which many judged to be more of a marketing ploy than athletic wear.

The truth is that it's not uncomfortable, as the sensation is practically the same as running only in tights. But it also cannot be said to be an option that stands out for its comfort or for promoting greater performance. We have already analyzed the different models of running pants that exist, and after seeing their pros and cons, which ones do you prefer?

Our recommendation is the following: shorts for summer, long tights for winter, and capris for spring and autumn, although as we know, everyone has different preferences.

General tips for running clothes

In general, the important thing is:

1· Use technical clothing
2· As light as possible.
3· Very breathable and/or that allows us to maintain a stable body temperature.
4· That does not restrict freedom of movement and at the same time is not too loose, as this could cause chafing, blisters, and other discomforts.

· You might be interested in: Top 8 Trail Running Shoes – Be Urban Running Blog

· You might be interested in: Are Socks Essential for Running? – Be Urban Running Blog