Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Why are running clothes so impractical?

87 replies

PilesofGuilt · Yesterday 09:09

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?

OP posts:
FloralDeerPattern · Today 14:03

BringBackCatsEyes · Yesterday 15:05

Leggings and other close fitting clothes are good for running as they don’t flap about. Looser fitting clothes are problematic when they get wet in the rain.

Yeah I hate flappy clothes when running. I live in the West of Ireland and it is always windy. I dislike running in the wind enough nevermind having my clothes fighting me the whole way around.

I run in shorts year round, I wear the double layer ones with the pocket on the inside bit. Tops I have a mix of stuff but I don't really worry about my arse being on show because the shorts are double layered they aren't showing off everything.

jimbort · Today 14:12

https://amzn.eu/d/0beOu7Ba. These running leggings don’t fall down and have pockets, I always wear them for running.

Amazon

Amazon

https://amzn.eu/d/0beOu7Ba?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-exercise-5520657-why-are-running-clothes-so-impractical

ChurpyBurd · Today 14:19

Google long line yoga vests.
Put a thin base layer of the same colour under for chilly runs.

Plus as everyone else has said, a pair of Sweaty Betty's off vinted.

Good luck with your running - running is hard but can be a wonderful thing at times.

WearyAuldWumman · Today 14:20

Matalan sells long-line t-shirts. I wear them to the gym. They also have vests which aren't advertised as long-line, but are the same length. I have 4 of each: 2 black and 2 green.

I'm a size 18 and I wear an L in Matalan Souluxe sizing.

For bottoms, I buy from the Sweaty Betty sales - pockets included.

I got this top from Amazon. Skims the hips and has a front pocket. I'm a teeny bit above 5ft8.

MakingPlans2025 · Today 16:58

Gymshark pocket leggings

RebeccaRedhat · Today 18:01

I'm quite new to exercise and running but it's taken me about 10 pairs to find what I like! I can only wear vests as t-shirts touch me too much (yes there is some ND in me!), and I like leggings however as it's getting warmer i have just bought a few pairs of shorts so hopefully I'll find the right ones soon! Most important things is to be comfortable!

PandaKitty · Today 18:45

I got a pair of sweaty betty leggings from tk maxx recently. Black but with a subtle pattern. They are high waisted to keep jiggly bits in place and have 2 big pockets down the sides. I got an m&s move t-shirt from a charity shop which is long enough to cover the front with an longer back to cover a big bum, it’s great

vickylou78 · Today 20:05

Joggers and a t shirt?

SL129 · Today 20:23

Invest in some Sweaty Betty Power Leggings, they are the best I’ve found. Plus they have a pocket on the side for your phone and at the back for your key.

Justploddingonandon · Today 21:04

I have the sweaty betty leggings and a reasonably baggy running t-shirt. I’m on the larger side and find vest tops, while initially more comfortable lead to chafing in the under arm area ( I have a couple for non running gym sessions). I also find the back pocket too small for my keys ( at least without taking them off the keyring) and don’t like the feel of my phone in the pocket so use a running armband. I did try a bum bag but it kept slipping down ( probably due to most my weight being on my tummy) and getting in the way. I keep looking at running belts but suspect I will have the same problem.

JayJayj · Today 22:22

Most running gear I’ve seen, do have hidden pockets. The tights have a small one for a key, jackets tend to have one on the arm or zip up pockets.

The clothing is designed to be tight fitting. Keeps muscles warm, wicks away sweat. Fabric moving when running could cause rubbing.

Buy black rather than colour, it hides bumps better. Could always get a mens t-shirt as they are designed bigger in general.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread