How to Choose the Ideal Running Shorts

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Individuals who have just decided to take up running as a form of exercise or sport often wonder what type of shorts is ideal for running. This is, in fact, one of the most important considerations that you need to look into before you begin running regularly. In this article, you will find the answers to most of your pressing questions about the ideal running shorts. It also covers advice regarding important considerations that need to be taken into account in both the purchase and use of your shorts.

First of all, you need to look for shorts that have a built-in integral liner. Without this, a pair of shorts cannot be truly considered suitable for running. The liner serves as inner support and you are not supposed to wear underwear under your shorts. Be careful to look for shorts with liners made off lightweight material that keeps the groin and leg areas dry at all times. The material should also provide ample support and must be able to sustain the airflow in the crucial areas. Finally, the lining has to be silky and soft to the touch. This is to help you avoid chafing and ensure that any abrasions you may suffer are minimal.

In regard to the shorts itself, you can choose from a variety of materials. Just make sure that you choose shorts made of breathable material that wicks moisture well. It is very important that your shorts can wick moisture effectively because the leading cause of chafing is the wetness caused by perspiration when you run. This is also why it is highly inadvisable for you to buy shorts made of either cotton or nylon; neither of these materials have the right properties that help you avoid chafing. Furthermore, the material of your shorts has to enhance functional movement and must be durable. Age and use are still the best tests of durability so if you have friends or family who have been running for some time, you may want to see if their shorts are still in good shape. This will give you an idea of which material or brand gives the best value for your money.

Furthermore, the ideal pair of running shorts should make jock straps unnecessary since it provides enough support for men. This does not mean, however, that you can forgo jock straps when lifting weights. Shorts alone are enough for running but if you are planning to lift some weights in the gym then you should still provide additional support with a jock strap. And while these shorts are sometimes sold in unisex styles, it is always best to purchase a pair that is specifically manufactured for your gender. This is because there is a huge difference between the male and female figure, especially in the areas around the legs, hips and waist. Specialised manufacturing helps ensure perfect form and fit.

The issue of style also gives rise to the question of what the difference is between split leg and v-notch shorts and which style is better. Actually, the two designs differ solely on the way their leg seams are made. V-notch shorts have seams that are sewn for almost the entire length of the leg. The sewing stops only about half an inch from the edge, where it is notched to form an inverted "v". In the split leg style, the seams are not sewn but overlapped. Some shorts adopt the full split, where the front panel is simply overlapped with the back panels but others are constructed with only a half split, meaning the seam is sewn halfway through the length of the leg and then the remaining seam is overlapped. The v-notch style is more common, but the split leg is preferred by elite runners because it offers more flexibility.

Another question that first-time runners ask concerns the ideal length for running shorts. Most of the shorts made for running have lengths ranging from an inch to seven inches below the groin. There are no strict rules governing the length of the shorts; in fact, this is mostly an issue that is decided based on personal preference. There are only minor things that you should consider when choosing the length of your shorts. One simple advice is that if your thighs often rub against each other because of the shape of your legs then a longer pair of shorts will work best for you. You may also be guided by the fact that most runners prefer shorter pairs for short runs and longer pairs for longer distances.

For those who are likely to bring keys or a wallet with them on a run, there are shorts made with secret pockets. These pockets are usually sewn onto the inside front or back part of the waistband; some shorts even have pockets sewn on the sides. What is important is that the shorts you choose have wide waistbands and pockets that are sewn close to the waistband. This effectively reduces the amount of bouncing that you feel during your run.

The styles and overall look of running shorts have indeed evolved through the years. In the past we saw only the usual form-fitting and skimpy shorts but nowadays there is a wide range of options that reflects the various personalities of different runners. Modern culture has made longer and more voluminous versions of the shorts more popular. These shorts even come in bold patterns and bright colors these days. But fashion can only go so far because in the end, functionality will still reign and comfort will still come before style. Even price is not considered a primary consideration in choosing the perfect pair of shorts. After all, a good buy more than makes up for its steep price with the comfort and amount of usage that you get out of it.

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