Running Capris…the saga

When it comes to running shorts I am a loyalist to Nike 8″ Women Tech Shorts.  They don’t rub my chub and they keep my jiggle to a little wiggle.  I love them and I have been wearing them for over 10 years (clearly not the same pair, though it would be awesome if they were that durable).  Like my favorite running shoes, I might cry if Nike ever discontinues them.

One would think that if the Nike Tech Shorts were the best thing since the invention of Body Glide that the Nike Tech Running Capri would be my go to cool weather running capri?

WRONG.

Let’s just say that I risk being arrested for indecent exposure when I run in Nike Tech Capris.  And NOBODY wants to see THAT!  Like any clothing brand (e.g. jeans at the GAP) I can wear only certain cuts and fits.  Sadly, Tech Capris don’t fit my body type. 

So, this past spring I tested out several running capris in search of the perfect pair.

I bought four different capris from four different manufactures at various price points:  Nike, Athleta, Under Armor and Lululemon.

I thought I would give Nike another whirl so I tried their Nike Legend Tight Fit Capris.  No such luck.  While I love the way these capris are tight in all the right places and they keep all my junk in the trunk, when I  run my spare tire leaks over the top.  I constantly found myself pulling up my pants.  And when you DO pull them up,  you create a horrific case of camel toe.  NOT ATTRACTIVE.  Oh and the color I chose was not figure flattering. AT. ALL.

These capris are now reserved for core workouts, weight training and walking the dog.

The next pair of capris I tested were by Athleta. I purchased a pair of Java Capris (which are vary similar to the Revelation Capris).  After reviewing the sizing online, I decided to go with a tall.  These were very comfortable and I loved the extra length in the rise.  However,  I have to make sure I  have the fabric pulled up correctly on my leg or they will pull down the crotch which will result in pulling down the waist which will result in my spare tire flapping in the wind. Minor camel toe ensues when pulling them up. 

I will keep running in these but will make sure to spend at least 5 minutes making sure they are put on correctly and will not creep down when running.

I’ve always found Under Armour athletic gear to run on the small side.  But, I was pleasantly surprised by the great fit when I tried their Running Capris.  They fit in the legs and the rise; I had no issues with my spare tire or camel toe in these pants.  However, I found the fabric to be a bit thin.   I had a bit more wiggle and jiggle than I wanted.

I can’t see me running much farther than a 10K in them. 

Still searching for the PERFECT pair of running capris, I headed to Lululemon.  I purchased a pair of Run For Your Life Crop pants (on sale thankfully) (similar).  I made sure to test the pants and make sure nobody would be able to see my bits and pieces though the fabric before taking them out for a trot around track.

I was in love at first lap.  LOVE.  Everything stayed in place.  The right place.   My spare tire wasn’t waving at others on the track.  They didn’t ride up, they didn’t fall down and they didn’t give me camel toe. 

While I’m not in love with the price (they run around $68 on sale) I love the fact that they fit.  Workout clothes are much like underwear, they HAVE TO BE COMFORTABLE or you will be miserable.  Pay for comfort or suffer the consequences.  And, I’ll be hunting the sales rack at Lululemon the next time time I need a new pair of running capris.

What are your favorite running capris? Or,  do you prefer shorts or long tights?

All opinions are my own.  I purchased the items reviewed.  Each pair of capris were taken for an equally short one mile run on an indoor track prior to review.   Pictures were taken at the gym in a mirror prior to running. 

Don’t forget, I’m giving away an entry to ANY SPARTAN race.  To enter click HERE and leave a comment with your email address and let me know what your fitness goal is this summer by 5 PM, May 31, 2013.   Want extra entries?  Follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter (makes sure to let me know in your comment).