Running Tights: What to Wear Under Them
It’s always important to make sure you’re wearing the proper running gear – and that you’re wearing it correctly. But in some cases, it can be really awkward to ask for advice. “How should I wear this?” might seem like an embarrassingly simple question. Running tights – especially for men (and sometimes for women!)- are one of these cases.
In this article, we’ll cover some basic tips about what to wear under running tights. Then you don’t have to feel awkward about asking your best friend who’s a runner! We’ve got you covered (literally).
Commando vs Underwear
If you’re new to running, you might not know the proper procedure for wearing tights—am I supposed to go commando (i.e. no underwear)? Typically, most people wear athletic underwear, although it is up to your personal preference.
For some women, though, going commando is a game changer because it feels more comfortable to them, especially in the summer when the last thing that they want is another layer.
If you think you’d prefer going commando, but are curious about the sanitariness of it, you’re probably just as safe going commando as you would be with undies. Yeast infections tend to happen when it’s moist down there, but that’s going to be the case after a sweaty workout even if you’re wearing underwear.
But you do need to be careful about chafing when you go commando. This can lead to infection or at the very least discomfort, especially if you keep everything shaved or waxed. In this case, wearing underwear will keep these issues at bay.
If you decide that going commando is just a little too out there for you, grab the underwear—both brief or boxer style will work. If it’s cold, you might want to consider wearing merino wool.
Tips for Men
So, men wearing running tights is a pretty new thing, and there really isn’t a societal norm as to what is acceptable. The big question for many men is do I wear shorts over tights? Really, either option works, although there are strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
I personally have known more guys who wear shorts over their tights (which they typically wear in the winter anyway, so the shorts give them an extra layer), but it’s up to you. If you do wear shorts, you’ll be more comfortable if you wear shorts without a liner (or cut out an existing liner).
But wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. You can even wear a longer, tunic-length shirt if you’d like to wear tights without shorts but still feel a little weird.
Tips for Women
As we all know, running tights and leggings for women have caused quite the discussion in the media about the appropriateness of wearing leggings in public. While typically the focus isn’t the gym, since leggings/tights are seen as athletic wear, people still discuss if it’s appropriate for women to wear leggings.
If you feel self-conscious in tights, you can always wear a longer shirt or jacket so that your behind is more covered, but you can still get the benefit of clothing that is more fitted.
