

This is because looser fabric can swoosh around, adding friction and resistance as you move through your gait. Tighter, or form-fitting, pants tend to feel easier to run in, especially in wet conditions. However, both tight- and loose-fitting pants each have advantages and disadvantages. Some pants also offer reflective tape along the seams to enhance nighttime visibility.ĬS: How running pants should fit is mostly a personal preference. Ideally, this should be built into the waistband for added security. For a secure, bounce-free experience, you’ll want pants with a rear, waist-height, zippered pocket. Another feature to look out for, especially if you like to carry items like your phone, is pockets. These long zippers, extending upward from the ankle cuff, allow you to take off the pants without the annoying hassle of removing your shoes. One of my favorite features, and an absolute must for any warm-up running pants, is ankle zips. If your inseam is too long, your pants will bunch around your ankles, which can be annoying during running. A proper fitting inseam should naturally rest just above the ankle. This measures the inside length from the crotch to the leg cuff. One of the most overlooked parts of well-fitting workout pants is the inseam length. Most true running pants feature an athletic or tapered fit. This is when the pants have some room through the hips and upper quads and taper down through the ankles. Typically, these style pants are best for indoor gym use and worn over a pair of shorts during pre- and post-run wear.Ī more suitable cut for running is athletic or tapered. The wide leg opening can also allow cold air to creep in, too. However, these looser fits are not the best for running because the excess fabric can get in the way during your leg swing. Standard or relaxed fit are the two baggiest cuts and tend to fit men with large quads and legs best.

Understanding how each pant is cut can help you find the perfect fit for your body type and activity. On the other hand, running pants come in various cuts like relaxed or tapered. Tights are, just as the name suggests, skintight. There are two types of long running bottoms: pants and tights. These Running Shoes Are Great for Men Finding Your Perfect Fit.9 Men’s Running Jackets for Every Season.Better yet, a performance cotton blend or fleece offers the highest level of breathability.Ĭomplete Your Kit: The Best Men’s Running Shirts, According to Runners In contrast, if you’re working out inside, where breathability is of the utmost importance, a lightweight polyester or nylon, without ripstop or a DWR coating, is more comfortable. If you’re running outside in a cold and windy climate, look for a ripstop or durable water repellent (DWR) polyester blend that can repel rain and block the wind. The key here is to ensure the material matches your environment. For example, spandex or elastane is often blended with polyester to add stretch. Each material has strengths and weaknesses, and very often, manufacturers blend multiple fabrics to take advantage of a particular fabric’s strengths. The most common are polyester, nylon, cotton blend, fleece, and spandex. Men’s running pants are generally made with a wide variety of fabrics. Choosing the wrong fabric could turn an enjoyable run or workout into an uncomfortable swampy nightmare. Like all running apparel, fabric choice matters-a lot! It’s the most crucial factor when deciding on a pair of workout and running pants. Today, when I’m not out racing, training, and testing gear, I’m an online running coach and founder of Run Your Personal Best. Since then, I’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of articles of clothing and shoes for Runner’s World, Outside Magazine, Muscle and Fitness, Footwear News, and other outlets. My obsession with running gear started in 2014 when I wrote my first shoe review.

Since then, I’ve been addicted to competitive running at every distance, from one mile to the marathon and trail racing. The Expert: My passion for running started over 25 years ago in my senior year of high school when I became the No.
