For female runners, finding the perfect pair of tights or leggings can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and confidence on the road or trail. The right running bottoms offer compression to support muscles, wick away sweat, allow free movement, and provide coverage over miles of pavement-pounding.
Compression Fabric Keeps Muscles Warm and Supported
Compression fabric hugging the legs is a top priority for many ladies looking for running pants. The gentle squeeze of compressive material boosts blood flow to the muscles, keeping them warm and supported. This helps delay fatigue and aids recovery after strenuous efforts. Compression also gives a smooth, streamlined look under clothing.
Brands like CW-X and 2XU offer tights with targeted compression zones in the quads, hamstrings, and calves. This strategic placement focuses support where runners need it most. Other tights, like offerings from Athleta and Lululemon, provide light overall compression for basic muscle support.
Moisture-Wicking Material Keeps You Cool and Dry
Sweating is inevitable during running, but moisture-wicking fabrics keep perspiration from weighing you down. Polyester blends and proprietary textiles pull sweat off the skin to the outside of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This keeps runners cool, dry, and comfortable even during marathon distances.
Running tights and leggings from brands like Under Armour, Rabbit, and Brooks excel at wicking. Choose a dark color for maximum sweat concealment and pair with a ventilated top for superior temperature regulation.
Stretchy Fabric Allows Full Range of Motion
Every stride requires extension, flexion, and freedom of movement. Running tights made of spandex-blend fabrics offer four-way stretch to allow a complete natural range of motion. The right stretch enables full lunging and striding without restriction.
Look for tights with at least 15-20% spandex or elastane mixed into nylon or polyester. Brands like Athleta and Sweaty Betty incorporate high stretch content for unimpeded mobility. Stretch fabric also allows tights to hold their shape wash after wash.
What good are running tights if you constantly have to stop to pull them up or untwist them? Proper stretch prevents sagging, bagging, and repositioning adjustments.
Thick, Opaque Material for Coverage and Modesty
Running tights hug the lower body closely, so thickness and opacity are essential for coverage and modesty. Look for a thick fabric with a brushed interior for softness against the skin. Dark colors and patterned prints also help conceal outlines.
High quality tights from athletic brands like Athleta, Lululemon, and Outdoor Voices use substantial fabrics that aren’t see-through. Especially for curvier figures, thicker performance materials ensure confident coverage during squats, lunges, and other moves.
High-Waisted for Stability and No Rolling or Slipping
Tights that hit above the belly button offer stability, smoothing, and confidence. The extra coverage of a high waistband also eliminates gaps between tops and bottoms. No more plumber’s crack!
Choose high-waisted tights from Zella, Outdoor Voices, or Fabletics to avoid rolling, slipping, and readjusting. The right fit means coverage mile after mile without hiking up or squeezing parts. Wide waistbands are more comfortable and supportive than narrow strips of fabric.
Side Pockets to Hold Essentials Like Phone, Keys, Money
Running gear with pockets is a must for carrying essentials on the go. Look for tights and leggings with side waistband pockets to hold your phone, house key, cash, fuel, or other must-haves. Side pockets keep bulk away from thighs and don’t bounce like back waistband pockets.
Pocketed tights from brands like Lululemon, Under Armour, and Asics let you ditch the armband and keep necessities close at hand. Zippered pockets provide secure storage while sized for larger smartphones.
Flatlock Seams Prevent Chafing and Irritation
Seam construction makes a big difference in comfort and preventing chafing. Flatlock seams create a smooth, flat surface on the inside of the tights to avoid irritation. They resemble tiny dashes on the outside.
The opposite would be bulky, ridge-like topstitched seams. These can rub and cause chafing over long distances. Brands like Athleta and Sweaty Betty use flatlock stitching so runners enjoy a seamless feel.
Contoured Waistband for Extra Comfort and Fit
An elastic waistband with a contoured shape provides a smooth, personalized fit. Look for a wide waistband, especially in high-waisted tights, with a curved and tapered silhouette. This matches your natural contours rather than digging in.
For example, tights from Brooks and Oiselle have shaped waistbands designed specifically for the female body. The result is excellent comfort and stay-put performance mile after mile.
Reflective Detailing for Safety When Running at Night
Runners who exercise before or after dark know reflective details are vital for safety. Reflective piping and prints illuminate in low light so drivers, cyclists, and others can see you.
Brands like Rabbit and Lululemon incorporate reflective accents on their tights. Strategic placement on the ankles, sides, and back of the legs maximizes nighttime visibility. Choose a pair with 360-degree reflectivity for all-around exposure.
Ankle Zips for Easy On and Off Over Shoes
Wrangling tights over running shoes can be a hassle. Look for tights and leggings with ankle zips to make getting dressed easier. Simply unzip the ankle cuffs, slide into the tights, and zip back up.
This quick-change design prevents stuck heels and tugging which can distort the fabric. Brands like Baleaf and CW-X incorporate handy ankle zips for smooth shoe transitions.
Moisture-Wicking Material Keeps You Cool and Dry
As an avid female runner, I’ve tested my fair share of running tights and leggings over the years. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky finding the perfect pair that offers both comfort and performance. Through trial and error, I’ve identified 15 must-have features to look for when shopping for women’s running tights and leggings.
1. Moisture-Wicking Fabric
First and foremost, you want a moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin and allows it to evaporate quickly. This keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable mile after mile. Synthetic materials like polyester or nylon work best, though some brands now mix in spandex for stretch or other fibers for unique performance benefits.
2. UPF Rating for Sun Protection
Many running tights and leggings now offer UPF sun protection, which can be a lifesaver on those long summer runs. UPF 50+ is ideal for blocking both UVA and UVB rays that can otherwise damage your skin.
3. Antimicrobial Technology
Antimicrobial treatments prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the fabric. This keeps your tights fresher for longer so you don’t have to wash them as often.
4. Four-Way Stretch
Four-way stretch provides flexibility and mobility in every direction. This allows you to move freely without restriction when running or stretching.
5. High Waistband
A high waistband sits comfortably around your natural waist without pinching, squeezing, or sliding down. This provides coverage and stability during any type of running or training.
6. Side Pockets
Pockets allow you to securely carry your phone, keys, fuel, or other essentials on the run. Opt for tights or leggings with side waist pockets that don’t add bulk.
7. Reflective Details
Reflective accents like logos or strips boost your visibility when running in low-light conditions. This helps keep you safer during dawn, dusk, or nighttime runs.
8. Smooth, Flatlock Seams
Smooth, flatlock seams reduce irritation and chafing, preventing that uncomfortable rubbing you can get with bulky seams. A gusseted crotch is also beneficial.
9. Lightweight Fabric
Lightweight, breathable fabric is ideal for warm weather runs or high-intensity interval sessions when you build up a sweat. Heavier fabrics can get hot and uncomfortable.
10. Soft to the Touch
No one wants scratchy, irritating fabric against their skin for mile upon mile. Opt for tights and leggings with a soft, smooth interior that feels great.
11. Compression Fit
Compression provides muscle support and aids recovery. It also streamlines your physique. Just ensure the fit isn’t too tight or restrictive.
12. Sweat-Wicking Interior
A sweat-wicking interior draws moisture away from your skin during sweaty workouts while the outer layer remains dry. This innovative technology keeps you comfortable.
13. Environmentally Friendly
Eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester are ideal for the environmentally conscious runner. They divert waste from landfills and lower energy consumption.
14. Odor Control
Active women need odor control built right into their tights and leggings. Silver ions, activated carbon, and other technologies stop smells in their tracks.
15. Budget-Friendly Price
With smart shopping, you can find high-quality running tights and leggings that check off all the boxes above without emptying your wallet. Don’t overpay for the basics!
Finding the perfect pair of women’s running tights and leggings comes down to identifying the must-have performance features and comfort options that align with your individual needs and preferences as a runner. Keep these 15 key factors in mind, and you’ll be far more likely to select a pair you’ll love running in mile after mile.
Stretchy Fabric Allows Full Range of Motion
As a passionate female runner, I’ve tested countless pairs of running tights and leggings over the years. With so many choices on the market, finding the ideal pair for both comfort and performance can be tricky. Through trial and error, I’ve pinpointed 15 must-have features to look for when buying women’s running tights and leggings.
1. Stretchy Fabric
Number one is stretchy, flexible fabric that moves with you. You want material with plenty of give to allow unrestricted motion for running and stretching. Synthetics like spandex, lycra, and elastane add that all-important stretch and recovery.
2. UV Protection
Many running leggings now offer UPF 50+ sun protection. This shields you from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can damage unprotected skin during lengthy summer runs.
3. Moisture Wicking
Moisture-wicking fabric draws sweat away from your skin so it can evaporate. This keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable throughout any run on hot, humid days.
4. Four-Way Stretch
Four-way stretch provides flexibility in every direction for complete freedom of movement. You can freely run, jump, and stretch without restriction.
5. High-Rise Waistband
A wide, high-rise waistband should sit comfortably at your natural waistline without sliding down, squeezing in, or causing discomfort mile after mile.
6. Pockets
Side waist pockets allow you to securely carry essentials like your phone, cash, keys, gels, etc. Look for streamlined pockets that don’t add bulk.
7. Reflectivity
Reflective details like logos, prints, or strips enhance visibility in low-light. This helps keep you safe on early morning or evening runs.
8. Flat Seams
Smooth, flat seams prevent chafing and skin irritation from rough, bulky seams. A gusseted crotch also enhances comfort.
9. Lightweight
Lightweight, breathable material keeps you cooler during sweaty tempo runs or intervals. Save thicker fabrics for chillier weather.
10. Soft Fabric
Nobody wants scratchy, irritating fabric against their skin all run long. Choose tights and leggings with soft, smooth interiors that feel great.
11. Muscle Compression
Compression tights provide muscle support and energize legs by improving blood flow. Just ensure the fit isn’t restrictive.
12. Sweat-Wicking Lining
A sweat-wicking lining under the outer layer pulls moisture away from skin so outer fabric stays dry. This innovative design prevents wet cling.
13. Eco-Friendly Materials
Eco-conscious runners should look for tights made using recycled plastics, bio-based yarns, or other sustainability-focused textiles.
14. Odor Control
Silver ions, activated carbon, and other technologies help running tights fight odors, keeping them fresher between washes.
15. Budget Price
With savvy shopping, you can find feature-packed women’s running tights and leggings that check all the boxes without overspending. Don’t pay more than needed.
When picking women’s running leggings and tights, focus on the key performance features and comfort factors that best match your needs as a runner. Keep these top 15 considerations in mind and you’ll find a pair you love logging miles in.
Thick, Opaque Material for Coverage and Modesty
As a dedicated female runner, I’ve tried countless pairs of running tights and leggings through the years. With so many options on the market today, finding the perfect pair that offers both comfort and performance can be a challenge. After much testing and research, I’ve identified the top 15 features to look for when shopping for women’s running tights and leggings.
1. Opaque Fabric
First, look for tights made with thick, opaque fabric that provides coverage and modesty. You want a material with no see-through factor, so you can focus on your run – not constantly checking for sheerness.
2. UPF Rating
Many performance tights now offer UPF 50+ sun protection. This shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays during outdoor runs.
3. Moisture Wicking
Moisture wicking properties pull sweat away from your skin and allow rapid evaporation. This keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable even on hot, humid days.
4. Four-Way Stretch
Four-way stretch fabric provides flexibility in every direction for complete freedom of movement while running, stretching, bending, and more.
5. High-Rise Waistband
Look for a wide, high-rise waistband that sits comfortably at your natural waistline without pinching, squeezing, slipping, or chafing during miles of wear.
6. Secure Pockets
Side pockets allow you to easily carry essentials like gels, phone, cash, and keys on the run. Seek smooth, non-bulky pockets that don’t bounce.
7. Reflective Detailing
Reflective elements like logos, strips, or prints enhance visibility and safety during early morning or evening runs in low light.
8. Seamless Construction
Flatlock, seamless construction prevents skin irritation and chafing from bulky, rough seams – especially along the inner thighs and behind the knees.
9. Lightweight Feel
Lightweight, breathable fabrics keep you cooler during sweaty tempo runs and speedwork. Save thicker tights for chillier temperatures.
10. Soft Fabric
The best women’s running tights feel soft and smooth against your skin – not scratchy or irritating. Choose buttery-soft fabrics.
11. Compression Fit
Targeted compression technology provides muscle stabilization and post-run recovery benefits. Just ensure the fit allows free movement.
12. Sweat-Wicking Interior
A moisture-wicking interior draws sweat from skin during workouts, while the outer layer stays light and dry. This dual-action design prevents wet cling.
13. Eco-Friendly Fabrics
For the earth-conscious runner, look for tights made from recycled plastics, organic cotton, bio-based yarns, and other sustainable textiles.
14. Anti-Odor Technology
Silver ions, activated carbon, and other anti-odor tech help keep tights fresh between washes – perfect for active women on the go.
15. Budget-Friendly Price
With some savvy shopping, you can find fabulous performance tights with all the must-have features – without overspending. Get the function you need at a price you want.
Keep these top 15 factors in mind when choosing women’s running tights and leggings, and you’ll be far more likely to select a pair you’ll love running mile after mile in.