I’ve recently returned to one of my old favorite pastimes: running. Back when I was a spry young lad, I used to run down my rural street, out to the Bevelhymer’s farm, turn around, and run back home. It made for a nice, even, 10 mile trip, and if I was feeling saucy, I could run all the way to Wilbur road and add another 15 miles. Now, I find myself running along the lake shore in metropolitan Chicago.
I’ve noticed that the running fashion has changed a little since my youth. While you still see plenty of people running in the classic, uber-short shorts, more and more, I’m finding that running tights seem to be all the rage. While this gear has always been a favourite for competitive runners, I’ve noticed an increasing amount of both mens running tights and womens running tights out on casual runs. I’ve even seen womens running tights used as fashionable garb for non-running occasions. I’ve yet to see mens running tights as a popular social fashion, and I don’t really see it catching on, either.
Running tights come in a number of different styles and lengths. If you’re solely looking to avoid chafing, then you can purchase a pair that end just above the knee. Capri styles are also very popular, and full pant length are available as well, and probably the most popular in the cold, windy city of Chicago. The full length and capri styles are often made of heavier material to protect from adverse weather. Since the fabric fits so close to the skin, tights reduce the amount of drag a person can experience while running. This is why they have always been a favourite of competitors seeking an advantage. While looser fitting shorts may be more comfortable, they increase the amount of drag endured, and they don’t offer much to reduce chaffing. Sprinters often resort to full bodysuits to keep drag to a minimum.
I have a pair of both the full length and the short tights. When it gets really cold out, I’ll even wear the full length tights under my pants as extra insulation. Whether you’re just a part-time hobbyist or a full-time running maniac, tights can come in pretty handy. They do a great job of protecting your skin from the sun and the elements, and they breathe well enough to keep you from overheating.