Most flattering gym / running leggings

[golightlytoday]

First of all I know it doesn't matter what I look like running.

Second I know comfort is more important.

But..

Have a race coming up where the photographer is amazing. Husband did it last year and they are stunning.

I'm a 14 with very sturdy thighs, short.

So can anyone recommend some leggings that will suddenly make my legs look longer and slimmer. Or actually as that's probably not possibly what are the most flattering? Cropped / 7/8 / full length. Have to be sports ones as I am running. Plain black? With stripes?

I have already ordered some shorts, love running I. Shorts but yet to find any that don't need pulling down every 3 mins. And if I wear to knee ones they look even worse!

Price (to a point) isn't an issue if they're perfect

I have running leggings from all different price points - lululemon to H&m - but my absolute favorite are a grey seam free camo pair I just got from Primark x Alice Levigne for £10! Great deep waistband and wonderfully supportive and comfortable. I'm going to stock up!

@cardiffbird I should have said I can't wear grey or anything that shows sweat!

These don't! The camo print conceals everything and they're wickable fabric.

Ps they also come in black with a zebra pattern which are fab if you can handle pattern!

In use Bam yoga pants in black, they are very very flattering. High waist 7/8. About £50.

I have the black zebra ones that @cardiffbird mentioned from Primark - bloody love them!

Those bloody running photos! My facial expressions look awful in them all, but my husband somehow always looks gorgeous and like he hasn’t broken a sweat. I stick to navy or black for slimline legs on the pics - glad it isn’t only me who thinks of it. My navy pair are Oysho and my black are from Decathlon. I also have Decathlon thermal black leggings which I wear for cold winter races.

Sweaty Betty leggings are amazing. I used to think they were too expensive but they are great value for money as they last so well, hold you in and super comfortable. I’m not paid by SB, just glad I discovered them.

Practical questions here....
How far is the race, do you need to carry anything (gels/keys/whatever) and how fast are you? Are you going for a PB, or aiming to have fun?

Reason I ask is, a speedy marathon runner aiming for a PB will have different kit requirements to a 5k fun runner. No judgement here - I've been both! - but the clothing requirement isn't the same!

BAM patterened leggings are great, as a pp said, but there's no way I'd be racing any proper distance in them. Strictly training gear only.
For max speed, I always race in shorts, and am wondering what brands you're wearing if you have to keep adjusting yours...?

I agree that the Sweaty Betty leggings are amazing. They are quite expensive but completely worth it and there is usually either a 15% off code or a £25 refer a friend offer running (DH signed up to their newsletter then “introduced” me and I used the £25 off code last time). I’m a short sturdy 14 too and the black cropped power leggings with mesh panels actually make my chubby legs look quite toned and almost slim (I mean, you know, within reason) and are also amazingly comfortable.

@Runningonempty84 it's a 5k trail race and yes will be aiming for a pb.

Yes I prefer shorts, if get wet and muddy on trail better to be on my legs. My current most worn shorts are sweaty Betty 2 in 1. The inner shorts won't stay down. Also tried cycling short type and they won't. I think as my thighs are so large that in order for them to stay down I need tighter ones that would then look like a sausage exploding. have just ordered some Asics 2 in 1 shorts that are a bit longer to see. Annoying thing is I think shorts are fine at home running g on spot / around room. Take label off. Go for run and end up with hot pants.

@MarinaMarinara thanks for that - can I ask do they show if you sweat? Will have a look at those and thanks for discount the tip

Agree with the recommendations for Sweaty Betty, I now have two pairs- it sounds ridiculous but I actually work harder in them because they feel so good to wear

I think you need shorts, but not the tight cycling short-style ones, or 2 in 1 ones, as the tight bits just roll up. I'm also generous of thigh, and my 2-in-1s just roll up and end up looking like big knickers...

So! After years of trial and error, I've deduced that Nike shorts are my friend. Which is weird as I don't tend to like the rest of their kit. The Elevate shorts are really flattering and feel great to run in. They're baggy-ish but short, so they don't impede movement, and also have a glorious zip pocket for Stuff.

Also, go up a size. I'm a 10 but have a M rather than a S, as theyre more comfy:

www.amazon.co.uk/Nike-Womens-Elevate-3-Shorts/dp/B079NNXM5Z?psc=1&th=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

@Runningonempty84 my issue with shorts like that are as I have no thigh gap at all they just run and go straight up and again before you know it hot pants!!

They also do those Elevate shorts with great patterns on them, if you shop around...

Ah, fair enough!! Back to the drawing board...hmmmm!!

I love Sweaty Betty leggings (in fact all their stuff), it washes brilliantly. I’ve got stuff I’ve had years and it still looks brand new. Shorts wise I find Under Armour ones the best.

Just reading reviews on the SB leggings and people are saying sweat is an issue .. the classic looking like you've pee'd yourself if you get sweaty.

Can anyone (sorry!) confirm if any colours / types are ok?

Like you I’ve tried many pairs of running shorts and the best pairs I’ve found are a pair of sweaty Betty cycling shorts style ones and a decathlon 2 in 1 pair. I’ve recently bought a pair of M&S leggings (blue leopard print) but haven’t run in them yet, I’ve only worn them to the gym. I’ve also been looking at a decathlon 2 in 1 pair of leggings with loose shorts but haven’t ordered them yet... it’s these ones www.decathlon.co.uk/run-dry-2-in-1-shorts-tights-id_8514010.html

Best I ever had that looked good in the photos was a pair of Elle running tights from TKMaxx. I always wear a man's cycle top though. They are longer at the back and cover the arse.

I’m a Sweaty Betty fan too. They seem to hold everything in well and I’ve never had issues with them slipping down. I’d avoid the big patterns and go for black or black with some texture / pattern. It’s the Bum Sculpting ones I get, shorter for summer and longer for winter.

Watching for shorts recommendations as I’ve never owned running shorts but think I may need to take the plunge 😬

Check out Sturdy by Design and Tikiboo. So comfy, and brilliant patterns/colours.

Which race by the way OP? I need some good running photos!

Gym snark honestly

I’d go for lululemon. Hold everything in well and don’t seem to slip. My yoga, hiking and running stuff is mostly interchangeable.

That said, I got a pair of leggings (mid calf) from H&M before Christmas and they seem to be good so far. May be worth a look as cheaper than lululemon.