Why are running clothes so impractical?

[PilesofGuilt]

I need to get fitter. I need to lose weight. We've just moved house and basically all my spare time has been organising that for the last 4 months.
I have some north face running tights. But they're tights, so basically underwear and show off every bulge and roll of fat. Put a skirt over and I look like a toddler dressed me. Pair of shorts over the top looks even worse. No pockets - so nowhere for a phone, house key and couple of tissues. Ended up tying my jacket around my waist instead of wearing it.

But why can't they make running kit with pockets? Or T-shirts long enough to hide your underwear? Pretty sure no one wants to see my arse in running tights! Am I looking in the wrong place?

North face is fashion gear rather than running. Look at actual running brands - asics, brooks, inov8 etc

You can definitely get running leggings with pockets - try decathlon. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-fitness-cardio-short-leggings-with-phone-pocket-black/330215/c382m8614953
A big T-shirt is fine to run in, or you can easily get much longer running vests. https://www.marksandspencer.com/zela-crew-neck-racer-back-longline-vest-top/p/clp23012840?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

I know it’s trite, but literally no one cares what you look like. If you feel really uncomfortable in tighter clothes, you can run in joggers (but I wouldn’t, too flappy).

I run very early in the morning so no-one can see me. (I shit you not.) But I also spend money on my running gear, particularly leggings. I buy sweaty betty (last for ages, buy once every 4 years or so, have pockets, comfortable and don't roll down; often on vinted) and they have pockets, and depending on the type of leggings, pockets on both sides (as well as a zippy pocket in the back of the waistband to put a key). I buy cheap running tops loads bigger than I need so they are both longer and looser than required and act as coveralls. Expensive running bras because I have massive boobs and this alone stopped me running for decades; now I have decent bras is no longer a problem. I then layer so I can shed as I run (and yes, tie round my waist). If you will be running in the dark on unlit roads (maybe even with no pavements) then consider getting lighter colours / items with reflective strips. Do not worry about what you look like. I promise you, no-one cares. If they look at you and think anything they will think that you are amazing, look at you go. (That's what I think when I see other runners, regardless of what they actually look like: getting up off the sofa is SUCH AN ACOMPLISHMENT and I genuinely think that whenever I see anyone out.)

You can get running leggings with pockets.

Primark had a load a few months ago.

but if you don’t like leggings don’t run in them. You can get tracksuits in all different weights of fabrics.

I used what was basically a bum bag to hold my keys and tissues when I ran (now I swim)

Ronhill and Sweaty Betty both have tights with great pockets!

I second decathlon. I have fab legging from there with a pocket big enough for keys and a phone. They also have enough elastic support to stop wobbly bits wobbling. These with a long t shirt I bought from amazon are my go to gear as a size 18 runner/walker..

Big T-shirts are just big though, not longer. Yes something that kind of length, but with sleeves (and a back!)

will look at those brands, thanks.

Mens t shirts tend to be big and long ( depending on boob situation ) . I buy mens hoodies to run in when weather is cold for this reason.

Seconding finding the right leggings. Decathalon have great pockets . Sweaty betty great but pricy.

If you decide sweaty betty via vinted or similar check on the pocket situation: older versions don't all have all the pockets!

Get a running belt. I've got a Flipbelt but there are lots out there. Basically a close-fitting stretchy fabric tube with slits to tuck your phone, keys, tissues in. Mine's got a small clip in it to secure keys to just to be on the safe side. Best bit of running kit I've bought.

Do not worry about what you look like. I promise you, no-one cares.
maybe not. But I do. And I have no desire to leave the house with everything on show.

Fair.

I ended up buying a man's extra small running jacket as I needed one with proper pockets with zips!

Most running leggings now have at least one good pocket, ditto running shorts. My running shorts also have a little pocket at the waistband that you can tuck keys into, but I don't know if this is general (I didn't even know it was there until I was turning them inside out to dry them the other day).

But yes, try men's if you can find some that fit. MUCH more practical.

ETA I tried a bumbag but it flopped when I ran which drove me mad and I could never find any kind of waistbag that was comfortable - ie, didn't flop up and down but wasn't so tight that it constricted movement.

Running tights are by far the most practical for running, until we get to shorts season.

Proper running brands, Asics, Brooks, Ron Hill (and actually, Lidl running kit) will have a zipped pocket for keys (read the spec carefully if buying online, I only buy those that have a zipped pocket and a tie waist)

Increasingly, they also offer a drop in side pocket for phones, but personally I think a flip belt or spibelt is better because phones are too heavy for pockets.

North Face is not for running. In addition to those mentioned above, M&S do a great range especially leggings. You need leggings with drawstring to keep them up, side pocket for phone and back zipped pocket for keys. This alleviates the need for tops to have pockets and it wouldn’t be comfortable running as items would move around.

You can buy running belts which hold items also. Lots of options for tops, sleeveless, short sleeves and long sleeved around. Even Amazon can be a cheap place for tops along with M&S, Decathlon etc.

As others have mentioned, look at proper running brands. And of course Decathlon who are great for pretty much anything outdoorsy.

I haven't run since 2020 but used to find TK Max had a good range of kit and yes, my leggings had a pocket in the back although I used a bum bag for phone which seemed to work.

This is just how women's clothing works. A steady societal brainwashing into making you think the less sexualised option looks worse (ask yourself: does it really?). Personally I find leggings really comfortable for exercise, but it's surely no accident that the trend for revealing sportswear hasn't caught on amongst men.

The advantage of a running belt over a bum bag or jacket pockets is that things don't bounce around or bang annoyingly against your body. Everything is held snugly around your waist and you can wear it over or under your top.

People were running long before modern running designer outfits just wear whatever you find comfortable in it wont prevent you running

I’ve got 2 Elle McPherson running/exercise tops and one has a small zipped pocket. See if you can still buy new (I got in TK Maxx) or try eBay/vinted.

My running leggings/joggers are black Sweaty Betty ones, well worth it and cover lumps and bumps. I wouldn’t bother wearing a skort or skirt tbh. Try to ignore passers by looking.

I like Decathlons running bottoms, with phone pocket. I work out in them too as they are pretty squat proof. Long tee shirt covers my bum and excess fluff.
I use the GOADICONS method of training. Going Out At Dawn (or after dark) In Case Our Neighbours See. It’s worked for me, for years.

Nobody is looking or judging you. Just do it. You are doing great.

I brought a karimore fit belt in sports direct for about £11 is pretty much an exact rip off of the Salomon one but like 1/3 of the price. I’ve worn it for a half and a marathon so far and it’s been great.

I only buy shorts and leggings with pockets. Happystride are good and have under shorts with pockets and floaty shorts on top so that you dont feel too exposed. They also have a zip pocket at the back for keys. I don’t worry too much about what I look like when out running but I think I cared more in the early days.

I think you are looking in the wrong places OP, woman's exercise clothes not having pockets is a complaint from 10-15 years ago. It's not something I've noticed recently. All the big sports brands as well as the supermarket brands have leggings with at least one phone pocket, if not two, and sometimes a zip pocket in the back. Light colours sometimes "show every roll" but black (the most common legging colour) doesn't.

I find leggings really comfortable for exercise or my thigh and stomach fat would be flopping around painfully.