How To Choose Running Shorts

When you are starting to run, besides running shoes, don’t you need the right pair of running shorts? When you begin long-distance runs, you must invest in a dedicated pair of running shorts. The right fit will prevent chafing, bouncing, and other distractions, giving you the maximum freedom to enjoy the sport thoroughly. Now, the questions arise in your mind How to Choose Running Shorts?

When shopping for running shorts, you have to look at some features like lengths, size, styles, designs, etc. for getting maximum freedom in the running. Well, Check out this guide when buying the best running shorts as per your needs.

01. Material

You will need those types of Running shorts (and their liners), which will draw sweat away from your body that means moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Synthetic and natural fibers materials running shorts are available in the market and suitable for running also exercise.

Synthetic Fibers: synthetic fiber-based running shorts such as polyester, or polyester-spandex blend, or a nylon blend work well and crucial for running. These materials tend to be durable, lightweight than natural fibers. It provides good fit, breathability and has excellent stretch, recovery, and, most importantly, helps with moisture management to prevent chafing and discomfort.

Natural Fibers: Shorts made from natural fibers, like cotton and bamboo, are soft, breathable, anti-bacteria, and offer great stretch and movement. But they’re tending to absorb moisture, so that leads to chafing and discomfort.

02. Length

While there are no strict rules to the lengths of shorts but shorter shorts give yourself plenty of breathing space. Different short lengths serve a different purpose.

Short length (three-inch): Shorts with three-inch length finishes with thigh-high up. In terms of running like sprinting and marathon runs, it is most favorites for competitive runners, because its technical construction, lightweight, and non-restrictive cut provide the best ventilation and range of movement in all-out running.

Medium length (five-inch): The medium short is the most popular style among runners. This versatile garment comes with a balance between the aggressive competitiveness of the short-short, and the robustness of the long-, medium-length shorts makes it mid-length, which gives you the best of both worlds.

Long length (seven-inch): For shorter running distances and changeable conditions like running long off-road shorts is best because it offers protection against debris or shrubs. However, it must ensure the used material will not retain heat or moisture and provides ventilation, so it doesn’t hamper your performance.

03. Liner and Seams

Running shorts with liners gives you the comfortability of not wearing underwear because that extra layer of fabric can cause uncomfortable chafing and discomfort. An inner lining provides enough support and compression by keep you ventilated, cool, dry, and fresh over long distances.

04. Gender Differences

Running shorts are designed to fit the gender-specific features of runners. So it comes in three designs-

Men’s Running Shorts: are cut and designed specifically for the male body. It typically has a longer inseam and the built-in liner offering more support in the groin, so underwear and jockstraps won’t be necessary. The bigger space in the crotch area prevents discomfort and chafing.

Women’s Running Shorts: focus on a better fit on waist, hips, and thighs. It typically has a shorter inseam, less space in the crotch area but has more space in the bottom area. This uniquely designed makes it most comfortable, ensures maximum ventilation, and optimum freedom in leg movements.

Unisex Running Shorts: Combine the cuts of Men’s and Women’s running shorts, you get unisex running shorts. Typically, they are not mainly designed as gender-specific running shorts, so they don’t offer as much support or comfort as them.

05. Types or Styles

There are three primary types or styles of running shorts:

Compression shorts: Compression shorts are primarily made from a stretchy material called spandex and most favorable among athletes of all levels. Compression running shorts are Tight-fitting, flexible, and snug to the body, providing better blood flow, the most muscle support, and a reliable choice for chafing-prevention.

V‑Notch Shorts: It is also the most popular style among runners because of its upside-down V-shape cutout on the side of the leg seam starting about a half-inch from the hem. This cutout allows a runner a more excellent range of movement than if there was no indent. These running shorts have a relieved, loose fit compared to compression shorts. As far as length, Women’s v‑notch shorts tend to be a little shorter.

Split-Leg Running shorts: is just like V-notch shorts, but the difference is, it is usually come with shorter inseams and has an opening cut on their hems that means is not sewn together on their “V” sides. This allows a loose fit, a more extensive range of movement and flexibility than the V-notch shorts.

06. Pockets

Many running shorts have a small or more significant back zip-pocket with zippers typically hidden by the band to store snacks or phone or to hold a key for long training runs.

07. Visibility

If you are running in low-light environments or night, then lighter colored shorts or reflective detailing strips or bright colors provide more visibility and safety to run.

Conclusion

I think you can now identify How to Choose Running Shorts when you’ve gone to an athletic store. Must choose the perfect running shorts as per what is right for a particular run. Because an ideal pair of running shorts will be beneficial for you by enhancing the running capability by miles.