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Exercise

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Why are running clothes so impractical?

110 replies

PilesofGuilt · 23/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 14:03

BringBackCatsEyes · 23/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 16:58

Gymshark pocket leggings

RebeccaRedhat · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 20:05

Joggers and a t shirt?

SL129 · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 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 · 24/04/2026 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.

deste · 24/04/2026 22:44

Matalans tops tend to be long.

Beachforever · 25/04/2026 01:20

Ellie1015 · 23/04/2026 10:10

Tesco have gym leggings. With pockets for phone, wee zip pocket in back for key. Thick material which I find more flattering. Think they were about £20. They had cheaper ones without pockets.

I agree with this. Tesco has great leggings.

I usually only buy Sweaty Betty, Alo or LuluLemon but I went away for a week and forgot my running gear. I popped into Tesco and picked up some cheap running leggings and they are so flattering and comfy. I wear those now more than I do my more expensive pairs.

Goldrill · 25/04/2026 04:05

Aldi stuff is really good too. I have various bits of very nice kit but all winter my £10 decathlon leggings and £4 Aldi running top have been my defaults. Lots of pockets, long enough arms with thumb hooks, and generally just feel v comfy. My favourite v pricey ronhill double layer very funky shorts rarely get worn either, because my cheapy karrimor ones are ace. Doesn't need to be pricey.

racierach · 25/04/2026 06:52

I got a running jacket thing from aldi that is ace. Just enough room for phone and keys and water if needed.

2Rebecca · 25/04/2026 06:58

You don’t have to run in tights. Many runners wear lightweight jogging bottoms. If you need bulky stuff like phones then take a bum bag.

lurcherlove · 25/04/2026 07:00

I highly recommend Happy Stride running shorts/leggings. I’ve been running a while and these are the best bottoms I’ve tried. Sweaty Betty were rubbish, don’t waste your money.

kc3708 · 25/04/2026 07:17

Flip belts are amazing- lots of pockets, fit close to the body and mine has a secure section for keys etc

LlynTegid · 25/04/2026 07:18

You could ask the same question about much of clothing designed for women. I wonder if it is intentional to get more money spent.

usedtobeaylis · 25/04/2026 07:21

But thicker sports leggings or running trousers rather than leggings. Also try a light running jacket. I wear mine in all weather, the pockets fit phone and keys.

Lisanne55 · 25/04/2026 07:27

I have multiple pairs of running leggings with pockets from lots of different places. M&S do a lot of good exercise wear & leggings from Next are good.

T-shirt wise, just wear a normal t-shirt.

Moveyourbleedingarse · 25/04/2026 07:27

Op I used to wear a running belt. I had it quite taut around my waist and the phone part would rest on my hip and it never ever jiggled or moved.

I find the amazon leggings the best. Nice and thick. Never met a pair of sweaty betty that don't fall down around my Knees, leaving an uncomfortable drawstring on my hips.

I also was quite happy running in shorts all year round. The Runtime 2 shorts are absolutely perfect.

Bunfighter · 25/04/2026 09:05

I have a running belt for my phone and keys. I really like Pour Moi leggings, they're thick but not too warm and I wear them for the gym as well. They have pockets that fit a phone easily. I like a vest or close fitting t shirt, if its cold I wear a long sleeved top from Decathlon. I also have a New Balance running jacket, it's very light but keeps me dry. I have a hat as well for v cold days. I don't care too much what I look like, my priority is wearing something bright for safety and being comfortable.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 25/04/2026 09:13

Men's t-shirts tend to be longer.

Lots of people have mentioned Sweaty Berry leggings. I was in their outlet store the other day and they had dozens of pairs at under £20. My DDs bought a couple of pairs at £14.

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