The KYDRA Club

Run The Road: How To Pick The Best Bottoms

We understand. There are already so many things to consider when deciding to go for a run, like finding the time, the motivation, and the energy!

Deciding on what to wear shouldn’t have to be another thing to add to that mental checklist.

Today, we’ll try to answer an age-old question that runners everywhere have asked: when pounding the pavement (or treadmill): is it better to wear leggings or shorts?

This question opens the door to even more questions. What kind of leggings should they be? Are all running shorts created equal? How do I know my wardrobe is right? It’s enough to make you want to find another fitness activity.

We’ve got your back, Kydra Squad. Let’s go over some basics.

Activewear has improved by leaps and bounds over the last decades. “Slipping into something comfortable” is an act that has gone beyond the confines of the bedroom. Advances in fabric manufacturing and clothing design have led to workout gear that no longer feels like you’re strapped, locked, and loaded for a battle against your own body.

Both leggings and shorts have come a long way as well. All of Kydra’s shorts and leggings feature 4-way stretch, sweat-wicking and our Kyro Range is equipped with quick-cool fabric for warm days.

When picking one out to run in, make sure you’re comfortable. Your clothes should fit well - where the waistband isn’t digging into your skin but not so loose as to start slipping over your hips whilst you’re moving. 

To prevent potentially embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions from ill-fitting workout gear, mimic all the motions you might do running to get a better gauge of the item’s range of motion before purchasing. Even though Kydra is fully online, you can still try our gear at one of our consignment stores! 

Unless you’re planning to exercise indoors, the weather outside is another consideration. Aside from the time of day (mornings and evenings tend to be cooler than the middle of the day), take cloud cover, air temperature and precipitation conditions into account when choosing what to wear for your run.

Intensity and length of time in these weather conditions should also come into play. Slow runs over shorter distances are less likely to raise your body temperature and heart rate compared to a full sprint over the same space.

Overheating can be a problem during workouts that many don’t realise. Becoming too hot during workouts can affect your heart rate and level of comfort, so making sure you can regulate your body temperature is essential.

Shorts provide better air circulation and are ideal for warmer weather, while leggings offer more coverage and can keep your legs warmer during cooler times. They are often also more lightweight and allow for more freedom of motion. Many women opt to throw on shorts for these reasons.

The Zoom 2" Lined Shorts are great for warm weather short-to-medium distance runs. They feature a convenient inner pocket for your phone, so you can still sync your fitness tracker to your phone and record your distances.

But if you still prefer to run in leggings, there’s no need to fear because Kydra’s Kyro fabric is especially suited for the humid Singapore climate and will keep you cool even during your sweatiest runs. Just throw on a pair of Kyro Mesh Leggings and go! The built-in mesh panels allow your legs to “breathe” even as you eat up the miles, while the four-way stretch provides a full range of motion.

You’ll need more support than most shorts can give for longer runs. Proper support holds your leg muscles snugly and helps increase blood circulation to the legs – this helps to prevent cramping.

So even if you don’t plan to go full tilt over a longer distance, it is crucial to ensure your gear works for you. The Kora Pocket Leggings were designed for higher impact workouts in mind, with a snug fit and breathability using specially designed anti-bacterial, sweat-wicking fabric.

There is no one perfect item for the many different conditions and environments, so it’s best to have different styles on hand. Go for a garment that offers support without being too constricting, keeps you warm while allowing your skin to breathe, and fits into the type of run you have planned for the day.

And the best part - there are so many stylish options available to you, in a wide variety of colours, that it would be close to impossible not to find one best suited to your taste and lifestyle!

General Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KYDRA. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual and more.