It turns out that sometimes longer running means shorter shorts.
Running shorts typically have between 2-inch and 9-inch inseams, though what length an individual chooses is a matter of personal preference. However, it’s certainly not uncommon to see a lot of leg out there.
“The shorter, the better—as long as there’s a liner,” Dallas-area resident and Brooks ambassador Kyle Burnett said. “I like to let my thighs breathe.”
Though Dallas resident and runner Javier Trilla showed up to one of his first group runs years ago in full-length basketball shorts, he quickly learned that his new sport required less clothing.
“I prefer short shorts or half-tights because it’s less material that gets in the way of faster running,” he said. “I prefer loose shorts for easy runs and half-tights for speed work and races.”
White Rock Running Co-op leader Julie Lanaux also prefers less material, as shorter shorts cause less irritation and prove to be overall better for her skin.
“Longer just adds more material, and more material usually means more chafing,” she said. “Because of the potential for chafing, tighter is better, particularly in summer months when I’m more likely to wear shorts.”
Local runner and Brooks ambassador Carolyn Macduff said that she prefers a shorter length and tighter fit because of lack of potential irritation on her skin and a general comfort factor.
“I chafe when my shorts are longer, and I find longer shorts ride up way more,” Macduff said. “Ever since I switched to the Brooks speed shorts, no chafing has happened. I also prefer tighter shorts. Looser shorts tend to have liner in them, which also leads to chafing.”
Another aspect of shorts that is often of importance to runners is the ability to take everything one needs for a run—whether it’s a key, credit card, phone, fuel, or anything else an individual may require. Lanaux said that she doesn’t need many pockets, as she doesn’t want her shorts to become too heavy.
“For a marathon, I’m carrying four to five gels,” she said. “Rarely do shorts have enough pockets for that. But even if they did, the weight is enough to pull my shorts down, so I use a running belt for gels and don’t really care much about pockets in my running shorts. One pocket is nice for a key. The rest doesn’t matter.”
Trilla, however, is not a fan of belts and would rather use his pockets to hold what he needs on race day.
“I prefer as many pockets as possible for marathons,” Trilla said. “Otherwise, I don’t really care. I have a preferred pair for races, which have a lot of pockets. Race belts are annoying.”
Like Trilla, Macduff opts for pocket storage rather than using a belt, though she wishes that she had more pockets available for the longer training runs and races.
“Women’s running shorts may have one small pocket for keys, if we’re lucky,” Macduff said. “I’ve had to invest in bras or packs that allow for extra storage in them. I’ve even looked at men’s shorts and tights because you can basically store a Thanksgiving dinner in there! Women run long distances, too, so where’s the place for our gels and chews?”
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