Running shorts for big hips and thighs

[GTTSR]

Im size 14-16 bottom half pear shaped and have always worn running leggings below the knee but would like to try shorts but struggling to find ones I like. Can you help me find the best pair? Here’s what I am looking for…

• waist that doesn’t curl down so I have to keep hoiking up.
• legs that don’t ride up so I had to keep hoiking them down
• dont bunch up between my legs on long runs
• isn’t a skort (I do like the look of them but find them quite heavy on long runs)
• something I can wear my giant cotton boy shorts under (the sight alone of those nylon inner linings gives me thrush).
• Nothing obscenely tight or bum cheek skimming

So not much really :) I’m guessing they don’t exist but happy to hear your running short recommendations for fellow hippy runners!

I’m a similar shape and wear men’s footie shorts! The shorter ones.

Watching with interest!! Never found a pairnI’m happy with…wanted badly to like a double layer pair from Goodmove at M&S but they bunched up SO badly….are all shorts made for people with thigh gaps?!?!

Look at the parkrun branded running stuff. I am equally hefty of hip/thigh and these work well for me. Take some time to get your head round their sizing ssystem, and be honest with your measurements.

I have a couple of pairs of RonHill double layer shorts which are pretty good. The under layer isn’t too tight so you don’t get them digging into your thighs and they have a zip pocket at the waist for keys.

I'm a similar sized and shape.
I use Karrimor running shorts.
They have a tie waist, and yes, whilst they do have lycra liners, I wear normal cotton pants underneath. This keeps everything comfortably in place, and they don't ruck up. The liner in particular is long enough that it doesn't ride up, and as it is smooth, it stops the shell from riding up as well.

Good enough for a half marathon without any chafing.

https://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-2-in-1-running-shorts-womens-452597#colcode=45259724

Interesting…any chaffing with those?

gosh I don’t even know they did gear…they actually look like they might fit the bill very nicely…and seem a bargain too…I e just ordered a pair…will report back! Thanks for the tip

I wouldn’t recommend men’s shorts. I’m a few sizes smaller than you (8-10) but also relatively hippy/arsey and men’s shorts just aren’t made to accommodate that!

Try trail running shorts? They often have an inner and outer layer, and I find it easier to find longer length (at least 5”) in trail shorts, which helps hugely with bunching and chafing. Adidas Terrex and GORE are both good brands. I also like the look of Janji but haven’t tried them.

If you were willing to try cycling shorts, despite tightness, you’ve got loads of really well priced options. Cycling shorts are the only ones I never chafe in.

I'd go for tights ones, like cycle shorts. All the running brands do them. For me, at least 7in long, to avoid chafing.

I do have a couple of cycling short styles which I don’t chafe in but I always feel quite conscious of my arse being so obvious (although reflecting on it I don’t know why I’m ok with leggings by that rationale…maybe it’s the combo of short and tight).
thanks for the suggestions! Will do some more exploring on those brands

I have these which were the best of several I have tried.

Annoying thing is they don’t have a phone suitable pocket so I have to have a belt for the phone. But the only ones with phone pockets are the cycling style ones or with a double layer (so inner layer is cycling style) and ALL of these seem to dig in or ride up… my thighs are wide!!

Happystride classic shorts are great. They have bike shorts with pockets as under shorts and loose, light floaty shorts on top with a zip pocket.

I love mine. The longest run I’ve worn them on so far is 12 miles and they didn’t feel heavy. They’re fairly pricy but have 20% off at the moment. I’m debating another pair.

I also like my gym shark bike type shorts for races. They’re the tighter style though so probably not what you’re after but they’re really comfy and the pockets are huge. (Can you tell I judge shorts by the pockets 😂).

Sturdy by design - cycle shorts with phone pockets and a zip pocket at the back - funky & seasonal designs - wear and wash well

My thighs are way too chunky for any kind of loose short, it’s chafe central.

I have run 4/5 marathons in my SweatyBetty Power shorts with no issue at all! Love that they come in different lengths too- I started in the 9inch but have got more confident and progressed to a 6inch in recent years!

Place marking. My thighs are too big for me so nothing fits. Big thighs, small waist and no hips. I should really try mens shorts.

My parkrun branded shorts have just arrived. They are very comfy…got the large size. don’t get any compression from the undershort…I guess they are to hide my modesty and allow me to wear my lovely big knicks underneath 😁. There is a tiny side pocket…enough for a key but not a phone. The main thing I’m dubious about is the material…it looks quite shiny nylon and I’m not convinced they will help moisture wicking. Am going to do an easy 5k on the treadmill tomorrow with them…if that goes well I’ll venture outside on a longer run. 🤞

Alas they rode up quite badly and I had to hoick the legs down quite a few times…I maybe could have sized down for a tighter fit. I will wear them in the summer and on holidays though and they were pretty reasonably priced. The quest continues…I’ll look at some of the brands suggested with an internal compression short…I’m even thinking of trying a “floaty” style with the knicker liner (and I suspect half a tube of body glide) just to “see” if my giant pants hang out the bottom 😁

Gymshark tight shorts are great. The medium length ones, so not booty shorts 😄 I have very sturdy thighs and they don’t dig in either.