20 Comments
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Jagged Jeanne's avatar

Pockets have become a deal breaker for me too. The more pockets the better. I also like the shorts that fit like bike shorts better than a traditional running short. Nothing bounces around in your pocket with those and they also tend to have more pockets. Another added benefit is that I don’t chafe with them like I have with regular shorts.

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Fr. Cathie Caimano's avatar

I love all things Oiselle. the only problem - the clothes are so cute and comfortable that I want to wear them all the time - not to run!

Agree with others about pockets - more please.

but just no with the little strings inside shorts and tights. these chafe and bother me. Rabbit running makes great shorts with few seams and no ties. love them.

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Erinn C's avatar

My white whale of running apparel is shorts that don't get eaten up by my thighs/cause mega chafing. I am out there wearing leggings even in the dead of summer. I haven't tried anything new in awhile because the trial and error of something not working is a self esteem hit, especially when it seems like every woman runner I follow online is either in skin tight Nike Tempos or Lululemon. Comparison is a curse !

That said I am loyal to Tracksmith for their leggings, because they never ride down or get bunched up, and can withstand being washed a billion times, even though the price tag is quite steep.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

SAME HERE, Erinn! I'm built like a Scottish Highlander, so I have big legs that have always chafed after a few miles. I've always had a devil of a time finding shorts that reduce or prevent that.

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Melanie A's avatar

I buy most of it online bc the local running store has limited selection. I've found brands I like and with a bit of trial and error - the right sizes and styles. AnotherMotherRunner does good reviews of women's clothing on their blog.

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Blue's avatar

I’m with you 100% Terrell same 4 pairs of shorts for like ever and stick with my old race shirts the only thing I really spend money on is sneakers

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David Weinstock's avatar

Seriously, not sure about the rest of the ladies in the audience, my wife has more luck buying men’s running shorts because: 1) 99% of the time, department stores like Macy’s and sport stores like Dick’s don’t have her size: and 2) men’s running shorts have deeper pockets that WILL hold a cell phone!

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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

You're so right. . .I wonder what woman fits in the shorts made for Women!! They must have really skinny legs! I always get those made for men and have pockets! Any thing else I find online at Sierra Trading Post. They may be out of style, but they are normally cheap. Face it, Running is not a fashion show! :)

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KEN MORRISON's avatar

I only wear race shirts now - am thankful for the tech shirts - the old cotton ones were terrible!

As for shorts, my favorite pair is Brooks from the Marine Corps Marathon (same for the hat). Years ago, I found some great shorts (from Roadrunner Sports) that worked well for me and bought a bunch that should last me until I can't run anymore. I still have my 2 bicycle style hats from NYC and LA marathons but they are wall art now. For cold and windy weather, I have 2 Tyvek jackets from the NYC Marathon and the Garden of the Gods 10 miler. The only time I use compression socks is for long flights to Europe. And to prevent chafing I use Body Glide.

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Diana M. Wilson's avatar

What Jagged Jeanne says about pockets, yes! Given a predisposition to skin cancer, I tend to only run in long-sleeved shirts--no matter the temperature. I found a $33 Under Armour base layer top that is awesome. Price is right--and they are breathable. Any time I can find a top for under $100, I'm stoked!

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Allison's avatar

I basically only wear Senita Athletics for running. Good price point, quality has been consistent for me, and lots of fun colors and patterns. I almost always use a SPIbelt, so I'm not too worried about pockets, but they have good pockets.

My top picks:

Baseline Shorts (5") - don't budge, no chafing, deep pockets

Malibu Crop Top - built in bra, pocket for phone/gels

Breathetech Open Back Tank - very light and breezy, when you want more coverage than the crop

Sarah Sports Bra - good support, pocket for phone/gels

I'm not a brand ambassador or anything, but hit me up if you want a 20% off code! I just really like their clothes 😁

For a non-clothing rec -- I swear by the Squirrel Nut Butter stick to eliminate chafing. I also use it on my face in the winter to combat cold/windburn!

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Theresa's avatar

Love capris, due to chaffing and no riding up. Thanks for the info on Tracksmith. Ladies, sports bras? I can no longer cross my arms and pull one up over my head, stuck yelling to the hubby for help. Brooks is the only brand I've found that fits tight, no bounce and clips in back. While it takes getting used to love my running vest. Carries everything and makes porta potty stops easier.

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Jerry's avatar

for hot sticky summer weather Craft company has the best shirts I have used. They say the shirts offer a six percent temperature reduction.

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Steph Weiss's avatar

Pockets!. One pocket for cell phone and gels (if needed) and one for small water bottle. From about 45F up, I’m in tank and shorts. From about 35-45, I’m in a shirt with sleeves. Long sleeves if it’s windy. Under 35, long sleeves and capris. It’s gotta be under freezing before I pull out a jacket and fleece-lined leggings.

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David Weinstock's avatar

To your β€œAnd then, by the time I go into a store, the merchandise has changed and I’ve completely forgotten what I need to get.”, is that we old folks walking into a room and forgetting why we walked into that room?

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Nilima Srikantha's avatar

I can identify!! :)

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Erin's avatar
7dEdited

Some of my favorites for women’s running clothes: Starting with the item I most want to proselytize for: La Bent Lucy Ultra Light 3/4 Crew socks. These are everything I want my trail running socks to be. I own 3 pairs in the same color (because they only come in 1 color.) Not as gung-ho as the Lucy, but I also like Tracksmith’s crew socks.

Shorts:

-For road running, Compression shorts are the best way to avoid shorts gobbling. My favorites are Athleta 5in. And Janji 5in. Janji has better pockets.

-For trail running, I can get away with non-compression shorts (probably because there’s a lot more hike breaks). My favorite non-compression are the Tracksmith Van Cortland Grand. 4in. Inseam mesh shorts. Comfy and light and they don’t ride up (generally).

I just got a Janji sun hoody and I’m curious to see if it’s possible to run in it and not feel too hot.

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David Weinstock's avatar

Who fits into the woman’s shorts … it’s the 20-somethings who look like the don’t eat … just a comment from us 70-somethings who see these beautiful women, look at each other, and say, β€œYouth is wasted on the young!”

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Jim Gilroy's avatar

Pockets

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