How to wear running tights

Running tights are becoming an increasingly common kind of running apparel  for both men and women. They offer several key benefits - including comfort, warmth in winter and muscle compression qualities which may improve results from your workouts.

If you have never worn a pair before, it is useful to know how to wear running tights correctly. The following tips will help you feel more confident wearing running tights and choosing the right pair for you. 

While it may feel a little different to running in shorts or jogging bottoms at first, many people never go back once they have experienced the benefits of running in tights. 

The following tips cover everything you need to know about how to wear running tights and how to choose the right pair for you. 

How to wear running tights

There are several different factors to consider when choosing running tights, including size, length and layering. The following sections will answer all your questions about how to wear running tights.

How should running tights fit?

One of the most important things is to choose a pair of running tights with the right fit. Your running tights should fit close  and feel almost like a second skin. You do not want them to be loose otherwise you will not get any of the benefits from muscle compression. However, they should not be so tight that they restrict movement.  

How to choose running tights size

If you have never worn a pair of running tights before it can be worth visiting a running store to try on a couple of different pairs. Alternatively, ASICS provides an online size guide which can help you select the right pair for you. It’s also potentially worth purchasing a couple of different sizes and then returning those which do not fit so well for your body shape.

Watch out for seams

If you choose a pair of tights which are not specifically designed for running, there is a risk that the seams will rub in uncomfortable places. For example, some men's tights are designed for weight lifting, while some women's leggings are designed more for yoga or fashion. It is best to choose a pair that are specifically designed for running if this is how you plan to use them.

Layers and covering

Running tights are usually designed to be worn without underwear - it can be uncomfortable to wear an extra layer underneath an already close pair of tights. Of course, you can wear underwear if you find that more comfortable. 

Alternatively many people choose to wear a pair of shorts over the tights for modesty, or a longer t-shirt or jacket that covers up their front and behind. Some men wear jock straps underneath their running tights for support too. 

Once again, what you wear above and below your running tights is up to you and there are no hard and fast rules.

How to choose a pair of running tights

There are several important factors to consider when choosing a pair of running tights. These include:

• Weather

If you are running in the cold you may want to choose a pair of running tights that are a little thicker and which reach right down to your socks so that your ankles are covered. On the other hand, when you are running in warm weather choose running tights which incorporate sweat wicking materials and ventilation elements in the design. You might also want to choose knee-length running tights in warmer weather too.  

• Opaque

Running tights should be 100% opaque. Choose running tights from a trusted brand which will not show your skin through the material. Again this is why it is important to wear running tights that are designed specifically for sport - fashion and yoga leggings can sometimes be more transparent than you would like when working out.

• Reflective features

Proper running tights will incorporate reflective features which mean that you will be spotted when you are running after dark. These elements will reflect in car headlights and mean that drivers spot you while you are out on the road.

• Consider optional extras

Many running tights come with optional extras such as pockets or pouches built in where you can carry your phone or keys. This will save you from having to carry them in a jacket pocket and have them jangling around.

• Think about how they will sit on your waist

Different kinds of running tights will include different features for holding the apparel to your waist. One popular option is a drawcord waist tie - this means that you can tighten them up if they ever start to slip whilst you are out running.

How to wear running tights

Thanks to their growing popularity, it is now common for both men and women to wear running tights. If you could benefit from muscle compression, support, warmth and comfort browse our range of men's running tights and women's running tights today.