Running shorts - what's the best style?

[Merle]

Hi, I wondered if any of you S&B experts had any advice on which style is the most flattering.

I am in my 40s, fairly fit, size 10/12.

I've tried various shapes - long lycra, shorter lycra, classic mannish running shorts; but they always look a bit odd.

I realise that a middle-aged woman in shorts is always going to be tricky, but do any of you have any experience of getting it right-ish?

I have just bought some Capri style running shorts from JD sports. They have 50% off certain styles at mo - they tend to suck my thighs in a bit (alot) , and so are more flattering. worth a look?

I wear something similar to Cathers. Mine are Adidas capris.

I recently sore a woman wearing the same kind of capris but with shorts over the top. Looked very funky (and eradicated the potential camel toe issue) and she is in her 40s

in my experience, capri's are the way to go. I'm 42!

yip me too - capris, I bought sugoi ones from the running shop about 5 years ago, and they still wash lovely. No seams in awkward places, and I prefer not to wear pants underneath (ooh, er! stops sweat rash or chafing) and they are very comfy and hold my legs in. One time I tried wearing normal 'running shorts' and thought my body was going to wobble off the road...

meant to say they also have a small discreet pocket at the back for my keys/mobile, and one small inside pocket at the front which i use for a tissue/lip balm

sugoi, lovely make, I have a running top and its a lovely fit and really great quality gear, haven't tried their capri's. I do love Nike capri's have 3 pairs which have lasted really well and lovely fit too.

Merle,I am the same size as you and also reasonably toned.Am 38. I would agree with all of those saying capris. I find asics pretty good- basically ones that gave the highest possible lyrca count to stop the wobbles and support you.

I don't have sugoi shorts,but have a long sleeve running top from them and it is nicely cut.

Thannks for all the info. Will definately check out Sugoi and the sales.

Do you not find them a bit hot, though? That would be a reason for wanting something above the knee, although I appreciate that that's how I get into wobbly thigh territory.

You can't go too far wrong with these, IME.

Aaargh, you have no idea how close to reality this is - just with bigger legs.

yes capris here
got mine from M+S, probably not 'proper' running gear but good enough for my lightweight runs and look pretty smart

I don't find them very hot as they are made to wick the sweat away from your skin, and even when running in the rain they keep you reasonably dry and if they do get wet, they dry quickly

Merle I wear these. I'm in the tropics and they keep me cool. They are not as tight as they look but 'keep it all in' which I like.

Ah now these look promising. I have ordered a pair in black. Thanks very much. Not very tropical here in Yorkshire, though, but I still seem to get very hot.

Don't you just love these

They are hideous

They look like some old man's saggy undies!!!!

when it comes to running, I have concluded all sense of style and colour co-ordination goes out of the window. I run about 40 miles a week and just go for what is most comfortable. In the winter I wear Ronhill long legged running tights, in Spring and Autumn 3/4 length capri tights from Ronhill and then in the summer, yes I let those pasty legs out in proper shorty shorts or I just get too damn hot. Running tights are great (posh leggings really) they stop all your wobbly bits wobbling too much. Oooohhh running kit I love it, might just need to buy some more off the internet tody .....

I don't expect it to be a fashion event - me going for a trot, but I thought I'd make some effort. The short Ron Hills's suggested by TM&M might be perfect - stopping mid-thigh and so covering up a fair bit of wobble and yet not being too hot/restricting.

I was also wondering if anyone ran in shorts a bit more baggy, but roughly the same length - a bit like football shorts, I suppose. I was thinking that they might be ok if they were fairly slimline.

some bargainous items here

capris are actually great in hot weather i find, absolutely no chaffing at all.

i sometimes wear lycra shorts but would actually revert to capris if running more than an hour or running when it's very hot as capris are more comfy, honest.

Another vote for capris - I find them cooler than shorts as there is no chafing. I have recently discovered that wearing them sans pants is even comfier (and no you can't tell!)

Well my short-ish Ron Hill's arrived today. Have been out in them and think they're fab.

Hey Merle - what is the inside leg measurement - can't find the answer on the site?

19 cm, I think.