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Running shorts are an excellent piece of kit for all runners to have in their arsenal. Although running isn’t something that usually takes a lot of plan and preparation, you should certainly give your running shorts some consideration. With this in mind, I’ve got together some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on running shorts. Enjoy!
Why Don’t Running Shorts Have Pockets?
Are 5-Inch Running Shorts Too Short?
Is It Ok To Run In Spandex Shorts?
Is It Better To Run In Shorts?
How Many Running Shorts Should I Have?
Should I Wear Shorts For A Marathon?
How Often Should You Wash Running Shorts?
Can Running Shorts Go In The Dryer?
1. Why Don’t Running Shorts Have Pockets?
Many Running shorts do have pockets. However, there are several reasons why your running shorts may not.
For example, the type of running shorts you’re wearing can often play a big factor in whether or not your running shorts will have pockets. Whilst V-Notch shorts generally do come with built-in pockets on the sides, there is often not enough space for them on split-leg shorts. Furthermore, compression shorts are made to be skin-tight. So adding a pair of pockets on the side of them could seriously harm this.
If you want to learn more about the different types of running shorts I wrote an article where runners voted on their favorite. You can find it here.
Using running shorts with pockets can also feel uncomfortable and even chafe if the items in your pockets are big and stretch the material of the running shorts. If you’d like to learn more about how running shorts cause chafing check out this article I wrote. For this reason, if you’re going to use some running shorts that come with pockets, I would recommend going for a pair like these by Reebok that has a side pocket built into the inner brief.
2. Can You Run In Gym Shorts?
Many runners who want to hit the weights before or after a run are likely wondering if it’s ok to run in gym shorts. That’s one of the reasons for why I wrote this article on whether or not it’s ok to run to the gym.
Runners can choose to run in gym shorts. However, as a general rule it’s better to run in shorts made specifically for running. Gym shorts are made to be universal, meaning that they are typically fine to be worn in most circumstances, but won’t work for running as well as running shorts will.
For example, these gym shorts by Under Armour are perfect for comfort, wicking away sweat, and come with pocket liners. However, they’re slightly longer than you would want for running shorts and may restrict movement as you stride from one foot to another.
When trying to decide if you need to invest in a new pair of running shorts or if your typical gym shorts will be enough, try considering how far you will be running. Even if your gym shorts aren’t ideal, they will usually be fine for running anything under 5K. Anything further than this I would reccomend looking for traditional running shorts.
3. Are 5-Inch Running Shorts Too Short?
No, not at all. 5-Inch running shorts are perfect for runners who want to make a great range of motion without the constriction that comes from longer runing shorts. Running shorts can even be shorter than this. Typically running shorts can be as short as 3 inches!
Check out the video below from the guys at the Running Channel who react to 2-inch running shorts!
If you are someone who prefers longer running shorts, I would reccomend only going for shorts that are no longer than 7 inches in length and finish just above the knees. If you prefer running shorts that are longer than this, I’d reccomend going for some running tights like these.
By being skin-tight, runners can enjoy all the benefits that longer running shorts have without restricting the runner’s movements. What’s more, they have the added benefit of compression – something which can actually improve a runner’s performance. You can learn more about compression gear for runners here.
If compression gear isn’t your kind of thing and you’re not interested in wearing super-short running shorts, consider going for sweatpants. But again, I wouldn’t reccomend running long distances in sweatpants for these reasons.
4. Is It Ok To Run In Spandex Shorts?
It’s not only ok to run in spandex shorts, it can be a great idea! Running shorts made from spandex can act as a skin-tight material and is commonly used as part of compression gear.
If that wasn’t enough. Spandex can help wick away sweat whilst keeping you dry, it’s durable and generally very strong. For me, when it comes to running shorts, the biggest benefit is elasticity because it means you can run for hours on end without feeling constricted.
Unfortunately, whilst spandex can be a great material for spandex shorts. It isn’t necessarily the best material for the environment. Just like other man-made materials such as polyester and polypropylene, spandex can produce a lot of toxic chemicals that can be very bad for the environment.
If you’re looking for a material alternative to spandex which also makes a great pair of running shorts, I would reccomend some bamboo shorts like these. They still are made from some spandex. But it’s a much smaller percentage. So you can get some of the benefits of wearing spandex shorts without producing as many toxic chemicals.
If that wasn’t enough, bamboo is also naturally breathable and is anti-bacterial, so it can be the best alternative to spandex.
5. Is It Better To Run In Shorts?
This is a difficult question to answer because it can often come down to personal opinion. That being said, there are a lot of pros that come with wearing running shorts.
Running shorts are perfect for runners and can be used in multiple environments at any time of the year. That being said, if I was made to choose, I would say that it’s often best to wear running shorts when running long distance during hot periods.
Running shorts such as V-Notch shorts can be especially useful when running long distances like marathons. They’re baggy, so often provide the most comfortable fit. However, they also often come with a pair of pockets so that you can stash snacks that will help keep you going.
On the other hand, running shorts aren’t without their drawbacks. Wearing a pair of shorts for running can often leave runners with their lower legs feeling open and exposed. This can be a real problem if you’re running in rugged areas where it’s easy to trip such as on hills or trails.
6. How Many Running Shorts Should I Have?
If you’re just getting into running, you’re likely wondering how much money you should be spending on shorts and how many pairs you need.
You can own as many pairs of running shorts as you like. However, as a general rule, I would reccomend having no less than two or three. This is because if you’re running around two or three times a week, you want to make sure you aren’t having to repeatedly wash and reuse the same pair. It’s far better to wash all your shorts at the end of the week.
I would also reccomend having multiple pairs of running shorts so that you can experiment with the different designs. Whilst you may want to test the benefits of compression shorts on one day, you may be more interested in the freedom that split-leg shorts have or the comfort that v-notch shorts have on the next.
When I was researching how many running shorts other runners choose to wear I came across this online forum on Reddit. It looks like I’m not the only person who would reccomend a few pairs. Some of the people who weighed in had this to say:
“I’ve got a week’s worth of shorts that I run in, but only two pairs are technically running shorts with the built-in liner. Plus 7 pairs of running tights in winter.
The rest is a Hodge podge of soccer shorts and various quick dry-type shorts. I’m super unpicky and super non-pro, but I run 7 days a week in them just fine.”
Hmmletmec
“Have a rotation of 9 pairs built up over time. Oldest pair is about 5 years old. I buy them when they go on sale. The thought of wearing them more than once between washings is disgusting to me but I’m sweaty AF.”
mrbitterpants
“I run 3 times a week so I use 3 pairs of running shorts …in my opinion, you don’t need technical shorts to run so I have a technical pair I got gifted and the remaining two are just simple shorts I had laying around. In winter I do the same just with long pants.”
ArmoredManager
7. Should I Wear Shorts For A Marathon?
As I said above, I think that running shorts can be perfect for marathons. If I was made to choose a specific type of running shorts for a marathon, I would reccomend getting a pair of V-Notch shorts.
A pair of shorts can be great for marathons because they can offer flexibility and great comfort. Unlike other types of running bottoms such as sweatpants or tights, running shorts are great for giving runners a full range of motion. Meaning they can pack on mile after mile without feeling constricted.
When it comes to the hotter summer months, running in shorts becomes a necessity. This is because breathable running shorts are the best thing to wear to keep your legs cool. When running a marathon, try to find a pair of running shorts that are breathable. These running shorts tend to wick sweat away and as it rolls away from the area where the sweat originally came from, it then evaporates keeping the runner as dry as possible.
Furthermore, running shorts that are equipped with pockets are a must for marathon running. Hey, you’ve got to have somewhere to keep those energy gels that’ll help you pack on mile after mile!
8. How Often Should You Wash Running Shorts?
I’ve actually written an entire guide on how often you should wash your running clothing. You can find it here. Put simply, you should aim to wash your running clothes after every single use. The reason for this is that running shorts can pick up bacteria as your body naturally sweats. This releases a nasty odor that can stay in your running clothes until they’re next cleaned.
Not only will the smell make it difficult to be around other people if you’re wearing a pair of unwashed running shorts, but it can also be bad for your skin. Repeatedly letting the dirty garment rub against your skin can lead to the dirty oils that are trapped in there to irritate the skin.
Something important to remember about washing running shorts – avoid using fabric softener at all costs! Fabric softener is known to seal in the oils that have leaked from the sweat and leave your running shorts still smelling bad. Instead, consider using some scent boosters like these.
9. Can Running Shorts Go In The Dryer?
As a general rule, putting running shorts in the dryer is a bad idea. This is because most running shorts have elastic bands and other materials built into them which can shrink due to the temperature of the dryer.
Furthermore, some running shorts come with a delicate inner liner which can be easily damaged by the dryer. If you’d like to learn more about the purpose of the built-in lining of running shorts, check out this article I wrote.
Even if the label of your running shorts indicates that it’s ok to put them in the dryer, doing so is still likely to shrink them a little. This could be a really big issue for all designs of running shorts. For example, compression shorts are made to be tight, and shrinking them further could cut circulation. On the other hand, V-Notch shorts and split-leg shorts are generally made to be baggy and won’t be much use if they fit tightly.
Want to learn more about running shorts? Click here!
