Why is it so hard to buy shorts to exercise in?!

[GargoylesofBeelzebub]

Following surgery I need to be doing physio 3 times a day and I can't bear to wear my usual exercise leggings.

Just sent back yet another pair of shorts. 🙈 These were supposedly long ones and still so bloody short.

I don't really have a problem buying summer shorts, I have good legs (when not recovering from surgery!). So why is it so hard?!?!

Can anyone recommend some please?

P.s. don't say buy men's I've tried all of DH's shorts and they don't work for me either.

I can see why you're having the issue that you are... Double-layer running shorts will be purposely short because otherwise the additional layer will impede movement. Longer shorts will generally be cycling short style for this reason. You could try searching for "women's basketball shorts" or "women's board shorts" as these are the styles I can think of that would typically be baggier and longer.

I guess it would be useful to understand why men's shirts don't work because my double layer longer loose running shorts are all men's'

I'm doing a lot of physio at the moment following a knee replacement in early July. I got some from Matalan. they look like they cover your knees in the pic, but I'm quite tall and they sit just on top of my knee cap.

Roman Black Knee Length Stretch Shorts - Matalan

My husband recommended Contra as they have some association with park runs so he knew of them. They aim to be for ‘real’ body shapes and are great. I’m also happy in shorts and like my legs but exercise ones were all far shorter than I felt comfortable with. Contra ones are perfect.

Lululemon 100000% lots of diff lengths. Worth the price, buttery soft.

I'm very fussy.

I've found Asics 7 inch women's running shorts to be good. Mine are similar to these: outlet.asics.com/gb/en-gb/sport-7in-slit-short/p/2012B556-002.html

Found these which are the closest to what I'm looking for.

https://www.flannels.com/on-2-in-1-active-shorts-342697?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAA-ErSHqImb4HDJC3uc9kkBdduQW0J&clickref=1101lzDtw3JW&apppclickref=1101lzDtw3JW&utmsource=partnerize&utmmmedium=affiliate&utm_campaign=genieshopping#colcode=34269703

Flannels charge for returns though and their customer service sounds awful though ...

Sweaty Betty 9" power shorts

Vinted if too expensive

Maybe controversial but how about just putting some track suit bottoms over for the journey?

I have men's ones too, from uniqlo. Gave up on trying to find a women's pair after trying several cos they're shite. Men's are longer, don't ride up and have better pockets.

I have tried double layer shorts but I always find the underlayer rides up. Best ones I have are single layer new balance 5inch shorts in a size larger than I need so they are loose around my hips. The ones I have are OOS so I can’t link I’m afraid.

I (like many other women) can’t wear men’s shorts as I have a small waist and big hips so they are cut all wrong. Otherwise that would be the answer!

I've got the M&S ones, they are ok for running in but no use whatsoever for yoga or other matt type exercises, they pull and dig in.

https://www.runamics.com/products/running-shorts-damen

I have an older version of these to run in - they are comfortable, have a big phone pocket, are loose but not too loose and a good length. Pricey though, maybe last resort if nothing else fits the bill?

https://www.adidas.co.uk/tiro-24-shorts-kids/IR9368.html?forceSelSize=15-16Y

I buy teen boy sports shorts, like these ☝ Cheaper than women’s and they fit well: loose enough to exercise in and come down to just above the knee. Even tho I’m a curvy size 10/12.

Have a look at Dunnes

Contra, the parkrun brand, make great shorts that are not too short.