I live in a state where it’s warm and I rarely have to wear tights on my long runs, even in the winter. I don’t like running in tights – it gets my panties in a bunch, quite literally. I know folks here are no strangers to discomfort, but if said discomfort can be averted, why not?
I’m doing my first up-north (aka colder than I’m used to) marathon in a week and a half, and I’m considering wearing tights for it. And if so, I’d like to avoid bunching.
Being in Chicago, I wear tights a lot and I pretty much never wear panties with them. I just go commando. I have learned that if it is really cold (below about 10-15) and super windy, I feel much more comfortable wearing a pair of compression shorts under my tights. The added layers on my thighs and butt keep me much warmer.
I know that some companies such as moving comfort, patagonia, under armor, etc make “sport” panties that are supposed to prevent bunching and whatnot but I have never tried them.
Thanks ladies! I’m crossing my fingers for a warm day, but just in case, I’ll go for a pair of compression shorts. Looks like under armour sells some for only $25, and they come without a crotch seam. Good deal.
I also can’t wait to ask my boo if I can borrow his body glide for “my jibblies.” I’m sure I’ll get a “that’s what she said.”
Commando and KY gel instead of BodyGlide are the best for me. I have worn a pair of thermal tights during a very cold run with a frozen butt. I have a pair of Running With My Homies pants from Lululemon that stretch well yet are tight enough to add compression and warmth for a cold day. They also keep the cakes from shaking.
Lots of interesting replies. I found commando to be horrid for me. I purchased some “rundies” aka running undies and love them.
The patagonia seamless are my faves.
Also use of bodyglide is pretty much with me on just about every run…inner thigh, bumular area, etc.
I’ve never been able to do commando - I prefer a “sport thong” - nike makes a good one. Not much to bunch up and my girl parts don’t chafe. I’m sure we’re all different though and you should probably test a few things out before the race! Good luck!
Rundies, huh? I can’t go commando either because I hate the feeling of the seam. I wish I hadn’t waited until now to ask about this. It would’ve been better if I could’ve tried some of these ideas out in a non-taper setting. Oh well, you can’t be prepared for everything.
thanks again!
If it’s cold enough for tights, my butt is typically freezing so I do the compression short under the tights. Commando has never felt right and I dread a possible camel toe. Gross.
I picked up a pair of winter boy short undie things at REI last year. They’re made by Sporthill. I like them I just wish they were long enough to cover my thighs/quads.
Another commando here. Tights and running shorts are meant to be worn without undergarments. If your tights are giving the camel toe or have a seam in an unpleasant area, they are not the right tights for you.
However, when it is really cold, my butt gets cold (I’m well-insulated there), so I put running shorts over the top of my tights. On a SUPER COLD day, I’ll put another layer of tights on or long underwear.
Gotta look for the gusseted (sp? The little extra triangle/diamond crotchal area for extra room)no seams.
I also do the compression shorts under though - still need the gusseted ones! No camels!
The extra layer keeps my from clawing my skin off when I come in & start to itch as I warm up. Also think about a compression base layer up top, keep the belly layered!
Another commando here. Tights and running shorts are meant to be worn without undergarments. If your tights are giving the camel toe or have a seam in an unpleasant area, they are not the right tights for you.
However, when it is really cold, my butt gets cold (I’m well-insulated there), so I put running shorts over the top of my tights. On a SUPER COLD day, I’ll put another layer of tights on or long underwear.
I go commando. If I need an extra layer, I would rather wear running shorts underneath than underwear…even underwear label as running underwear aren’t great…although champion used to make a boy short pair that were pretty good.
Yep, another commando. Body glide/vaseline works. If it’s really cold, I’ll wear an older pair of tri shorts under the tights. Hate, hate panties running.
Thanks for all the tips, everybody! It turned out to be perfect weather so I didn’t need pants after all, but now I’m more prepared for any potential inclement weather.