Personally, we suggest wearing a pair of running shorts over your running tights, especially in cold weather. However, with a high-quality pair of running tights, this won’t make a huge difference in terms of warmth. How tight should my running tights be? Runner’s World recommends wearing running tights in anything colder than four degrees Celcius and certainly below freezing. This will reduce your risk of hypothermia while keeping your muscles nice and warm, also lessening your risk of pulling a muscle, increasing your performance, and of course, keeping you nice and toasty. How do I wear running tights? Great liner comfort, thin breathable fabric, comfortable elastic waistband sits flat against the skin Consider floaty or tight: Running shoes come in two varieties: biker-like shorts and floaty, loose running shorts. Think about which type you'd prefer, suggests the trainer. "I would usually wear a shorter and freer flowing short for shorter and faster sessions. It is hard not to get a bit of friction between the legs when wearing these sorts of shorts for running." Microscopic holes in the fabric make these the most breathable shorts we've tested. These shorts are great for hot and humid conditions without soaking up too much moisture

When considering running shorts, you must weigh your desire for premium comfort and performance with the value that they provide you. All of the shorts we tested can provide a good running experience, but the higher-end models provide the highest quality materials and construction. However, you may be looking to buy more than one pair of shorts, and spending top dollar may not be what you're after. The Under Armour Launch SW shorts provide the best value with solid all-around performance and a relatively low price. Many other high-end models outperform the Launch but at nearly double the price. Waistband Comfort and Fit Unique standout designs that offer a great liner and waistband comfort, these are perfect shorts for tempo efforts with their streamlined designHigh-waisted or on the hips? It's perhaps one of the more undervalued features of running shorts but it can make a big difference, says Ward. "It can change how comfortable running shorts are. I like a short that sits above my hips/on my waist. If you are the same, look for short that has a high waist band in the product description." Providing superb comfort, breathability, and visibility, the Higher State 7 Inch Running Shorts will keep you feeling cool, comfortable, and confident as you train. There are three main types of shorts. The first are looser shorts of various lengths, from very short split shorts to 5in or 7in shorts. These usually have an inner brief to add support in key areas. Then 2-in-1 shorts have the same outer layer, but instead of an inner brief they have a full set of tight, stretchy shorts underneath. Finally, half tights just have the inner layer. It's entirely a personal preference from a comfort and style point of view as to whether you wear leggings or shorts. "I would always say to clients and friends, where what you find comfortable," says Ward. "The worst possible thing is being uncomfortable when running, so make this a priority as chafe isn’t fun, nor is hitching up your bottoms." Having endorsed several world-famous runners over the years, it's perhaps no surprise that Nike is one of the most established running brands out there. Available online and in-store, they offer an impressive range of expertly engineered fitness clothing - including running shorts, naturally.

The advantage of 2-in-1 running shorts, like Nike's Flex Essential 2-in-1 Women's Running Shorts, is the compression offered by the biker short underneath. This presses against the skin and offers support without being too tight. The lightweight shorts over the top offer coverage and a stylish fit. Super lightweight and breathable, the Higher State 7 Inch Running Shorts provides you with outstanding comfort all day. Breathable, the shorts allow a constant airflow that will keep you feeling fresh. The composition of the shorts is windproof which provides shielding from the wind. Designed with a performance fit, the anatomical cut of the shorts is designed for optimal movement and comfort in motion; allowing you to perform at your best. The performance fit is teamed with ergonomic seams that ensure a functional fit, allowing natural movement while working out. Reflective details on the shorts increase visibility during low-level lighting; great for early morning training sessions or late night runs. Keeping you feeling protected the shorts are integrated with UV protection which offers the skin protection from harmful UV rays. As these shorts are biker style and a little longer than most, I was concerned they'd ride up as I was running - but this wasn't the case. Even on my 18km run, I found the shorts stayed in place both around the legs and waist. To secure them, there's a handy drawstring in the waistband that you can tighten and loosen as you like. I'd avoid pulling them up too high though as the seam through the middle increases the chance of accidental camel toe. While they initially feel very tight, after the first few wears it's almost as if the material molds into your body shape and they become much more comfortable. Many people wear men’s running tights in entirely different ways. Some wear running tights by themselves while others wear shorts over or even under them. However, ultimately this depends on the style and make of your running tights. As mentioned, I own a few pairs of running shorts and I've put each of them through their paces over the last few years - taking them up to my longest distance outside of a race, 30km, alongside shorter running sessions, intervals, and other workouts. I also gathered a variety of pairs from across the market after enlisting the help of Anna Ward, a true specialist and marathon runner, to offer advice on choosing the best running shorts and some recommendations of her own.

Sports Bras & Tops

I tried and tested these running shorts both in the gym and out on the roads and found they really excelled in an indoor environment. The upper short is a couple of inches shorter than the biker short underneath, meaning it doesn't get in the way while you're lifting weights. It also provides just enough coverage if you'd otherwise be concerned about modesty with a traditional biker short like the Sweaty Betty Power Shorts. A padded-out waistband and drawstring cord offer extra support with these too, holding them in place. Ward, who is also the studio manager of Instate Fitness Wandsworth, loves them so much, she has two pairs."I find a cycling short is usually the best to prevent chafing," she adds. "However, for faster and shorter runs, I prefer a free-flowing short that doesn’t make me feel as restricted so I can speed and lengthen my stride."