Running attire...please advise...I look BAD.?

Question

I started running several months ago, and yesterday I ran my first 10 miles. Problem is, I am a middle age woman who doesn't need to be wearing shorts, but I think my long-ish shorts with compression shorts offend my husband. He says the layered shorts make me look "heavier" and wants me to wear running "tights." I think that is a little...uh...revealing. Anyone have any advice on brands of running wear, or WHAT to wear, I would greatly appreciate it. My husband is about to drive me nuts with his comments about what the 'other women' wear---but they are 20-30 years younger.

Answer 1

I would only wear compression shorts or layered short if you are trying to address a functional problem because, yes, very few people look good in them.  Sure, if you're cold, wear layers.  If you want to avoid the "revealing" look of tights, there are plenty of what are called "running pants" that are not skin tight.  All the usual brands carry them, Nike, Hind, Mizuno, etc.  There are dozens of high-quality brands.  I prefer to go to a store and try them on for fit.

But most women I know prefer shorts or skirts, to h**l with cellulite or varicose veins or whatever.  Here are some close-ups from a local women's-only 5K with a wide range of women from beginners to expert, young to old.  You can see what they're wearing and decide how they look for yourself:

http://www.pbase.com/dds/image/62161313

Just keep clicking Next and you'll get a very good view of their legs, shorts, tights, etc.

Answer 2

not only will layering shorts make you look heavier, but it will slow you down greaty. invest in a few pairs of real running shorts. my absolute favorite shorts are my nike tempo track shorts. they have room in the leg (they dont grip your thighs) so you can move freely and are stylish and very comfortable. they look like this: http://images.nike.com/is/image/DotCom/2...

they come in many different color patterns and sizes.

i agree. tight shorts dont look flattering on anyone. but layering is also not a great option. if you MUST layer..buy a pair of spandex shorts which cling to the leg then put a pair of running shorts over them. that way you dont add bulk, but you can still feel comfortable. dont worry too too much about the way you look when youre running, though. after all...anyone running looks kinda silly. =] im a runner too, so i get it. just enjoy your run with some light shorts and it will feel a lot easier and you can relax

Answer 3

The truth is that your husband isn't running with you, and you need to be comfortable. You can buy all sorts of "s**y" running attire, maybe wear it a few times, and then go back to what your comfortable in....so be practical  about what you buy. Buy some shorts that are a few inches above your knee and it won't look bad for a runner, no matter what age you are. Some running shorts that work are the wind type material because they're loose and won't look bad a little longer, and still have a feminine cut. As far as top goes, there are some great Nike and Adidas tanks out there that are modest cuts and are dri fit to soak up your sweat and will be a lot better for functional running wear. Just make sure your comfortable. And hey, if it's any consolation, I'm 22 and my husband and I run together, he thinks I look great and doesn't look at other girls, but is always trying to get me to wear more "racy" clothes so he can look at me- I compromise sometimes, but mostly just smile and laugh like...."you're crazy".

Answer 4

Just wear running shorts, not the layered look and not spandex bun huggers.

If you husband gives you grief tell him what to do with it.

Tell him to stop looking at the younger women bodies through their tights.