Guide to Shorts
Every self-respecting Bavarian must have lederhosen, which means "leather pants" in German (Lederhose - Leder "leather" and Hose "pants"). They can be short or knee-length. As a rule, they are worn with leather suspenders, and both options are still part of the male national costume of the inhabitants of the south and southeast of Germany. In our country, this type of shortened clothing for the legs is called shorts (from the English word short). For a long time, shorts were only an attribute of children's uniforms, but for the last forty years, they have been the most relevant clothing for active recreation and sports for all age categories.
Today we're going to talk about "sports," specifically: how to choose shorts for running outside the gym. And our shorts guide will cover the following questions:
- At what temperature should you switch to running shorts?
- The main features of clothing.
- What they are made of: fabric, cut, seams.
- What length should running shorts be.
- The degree of fit and types of construction.
- Important details that you can’t do without.
- A few words about the color of clothing.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A JOG: A GUIDE TO SHORTS
1. At what temperature should you switch to running shorts
Obviously, wearing shorts outside is directly related to the weather: if it's sunny and warm, we choose shorts, and if it's sunny and cold, it's a reason to think. This is what we do in everyday life, when we're going, for example, to take a walk to the sea. But when it comes to a morning jog or other type of outdoor training, you need to follow a different rule.
"We dress for a run so that we are not initially warm and comfortable."
This does not mean that you should "chatter your teeth", no. The body should feel fresh, cool, nothing more. The feeling of warmth and comfort will come already in the first minutes of training, when you begin to warm up intensively.
The lower limit of summer temperature for wearing shorts is considered to be +20°C, and for running +10°C (+/- 2°C). At the same time, we all perceive the cold differently. Therefore, the moment when you need to switch to shorts and a T-shirt is chosen individually, and a number of factors must be taken into account:
- Body weight and body hardening level - some people don't care about the cold at all.
- Presence of wind: with medium or strong gusts, the temperature drops by several degrees.
- Intensity and duration of running. For low-intensity (recovery) running, dress warmer, and for cruising runs and threshold training (running at a uniform intensity of about 10% less than maximum) - dress lightly.
2. Running shorts: main features of clothing
Shorts come in different varieties. There are many categories of this clothing. There are more than ten types of "sports" alone, plus the same number of everyday variations. Therefore, what would be an ideal choice for a picnic and a walk will not be suitable for a trail or overcoming marathon distances. Running shorts are considered universal sportswear: suitable for running and for many sports disciplines. But they necessarily combine three main features: freedom of movement, reliable support and breathable fabric.
The clothes are extremely comfortable and convenient, you can hardly feel them on your body. Provides freedom of movement. Allows you to fully concentrate on running and technique. This is achieved through a special cut, fabrics used and other important details, which we will discuss below.
3. What are running shorts made of: fabric, cut, seams
Everyday clothing options are made from lightweight fabric. Preference is given to natural materials that allow air to pass through well. But this is not enough for running shorts. During very intense training, the body sweats heavily (10 times more than usual). It is important that the fabric does not absorb sweat like cotton, but wicks away body evaporation and dries quickly. Modern quick-drying synthetic knitwear copes with these tasks better than others.
3.1 Fabric.
All sportswear, including running shorts, is made from high-tech synthetics, which significantly outperform natural materials in terms of characteristics. Here are just a few examples of technologies.
- Dry-Fit technology - "dry training": the fabric breathes, absorbs moisture, dries quickly.
- Gore-Tex technology - wicks away sweat, but keeps water out.
- Space Frame technology - simultaneously provides air flow to the body and wicks moisture out.
- Freever 4-WAY technology - provides an excellent fit with a full range of motion in the longitudinal and lateral directions.
The inclusion of polyester significantly increases durability - the clothes serve more than one season. The addition of nylon increases the elasticity of the fabric - the shorts follow your every movement, while holding their shape well. The use of lycra adds a tightening effect. It supports muscles without restricting movement (a good example is compression shorts). The combination of synthetics in different proportions allows you to get absolutely fantastic properties.
As you can see, the opinion that synthetics do not allow air to pass through, and the skin sweats and overheats in them, is not true. In addition, sports knitwear is lightweight, durable, wear-resistant, easy to clean, resistant to UV rays, and is not afraid of frequent washing.
3.2 Cut.
It is made in one of two variants:
The V-shaped side cut is the most common. The seam runs along the length of the leg in the shape of an inverted "V".
Split Leg Cut. The two halves of the garment are not sewn together along the length of the leg, but are superimposed: one on the other with a fastening at the waist. This cut offers maximum freedom of movement. This is the choice of professionals.
3.3 Seams.
As for the seams, there are only two requirements: smooth (flat) and soft. The requirement is especially relevant for tight-fitting and compression styles.
4. What length should running shorts be
Leading sportswear manufacturers offer running shorts of various lengths:
- Above mid-thigh - these are short shorts with minimal weight, maximum freedom and speed. This is the ideal option for a sprinter.
- To mid-thigh - mid-length products - this is comfortable running in any weather, the shorts practically do not restrict movement.
- Below mid-thigh, but above the knees - these are long shorts, the most versatile in their use: running medium and long distances, trail cross, fitness, trekking, travel.
Since the length of the products directly affects the speed of the runner, it is customary to consider short options for interval running, and extended and long ones for threshold training. But there are no strict rules for choosing, so for many it is a matter of convenience and preference. The main thing is that the inner thigh does not rub. This problem is relevant for marathon runners. For this reason, they use extended shorts.
If we start from the European classification, then the length of the products is determined by the length of the inner seam, from the crotch to the edge. On the product label, this value is indicated in inches. The longest shorts are 9 inches (that is, the length of the inner seam is 22.86 cm), and the shortest are 2 inches (5 cm).
5. Degree of fit and types of running shorts construction
Structurally, the models can have a special integrated part - a lining insert made of hypoallergenic fabric, which allows you not to wear underwear under the shorts or to be without a lining. According to the degree of fit, there are:
- tight-fitting,
- loose shorts,
- combined products.
The first ones fit perfectly to the body, providing constant support to working or non-working muscles, keeping warm and allowing blood vessels to work properly. You can choose a simply tight-fitting model or compression shorts with varying degrees of support. Both are suitable for short distances, but are not very comfortable for marathons and half marathons. On longer distances, compression can create some discomfort (although this is individual).
The second ones have a loose cut (V-shaped side seam or Split Leg cut, we talked about them above). They provide maximum amplitude and freedom of movement. Unfortunately, they are not always able to protect the skin from chafing.
The third ones combine the advantages of the first and second. Sports combined shorts 2 in 1 consist of outer light shorts of a loose cut and inner short tights made of high-quality elastic fabric. As a rule, the tights are unfastened and can be used separately.
6. Important details that you can't do without
So, we've already listed the main points: high-tech fabric, flat and soft seams, special cut. But there are also details that significantly increase comfort when running, warming up, and active recreation.
6.1 Elastic band (elastic waistband).
It should go below the middle of the abdomen, approximately along the upper edge of the hips. The elastic on running shorts is made wide. Sometimes even in 3 rows. This does not squeeze the body, but reliably holds the shorts in place during any activity. Very often, the elastic waistband is complemented by an adjustable drawstring.
6.2 Pockets.
Manufacturers offer open and closed side pockets, as well as a zippered pocket on the waistband at the back.
Do you need side pockets? It's a moot point. You can, for example, put paper napkins, headphones or something else in them. But this "something" shouldn't be bulky if you're going to run and not walk. Otherwise, it will "jump" all the way, create discomfort and distract attention. But the presence of a waist pocket with a zipper is definitely welcome. A phone, the same napkins, energy gel, headphones or a charging case for them, if they are wireless - all this will be at hand. And most importantly, it will not "jump" when running, since the elastic belt tightly presses the contents of the pocket to the body.
6.3 Retroreflective elements.
Reflectors or reflectors - stripes or prints with a special coating (or from a special material) that has the ability to return a beam of light back to the source. A useful and convenient option. It allows you to clearly identify yourself in the twilight, at night or in conditions of poor visibility.
7. A few words about the color of clothing
Gray is neutral. White creates a fresh look and highlights your tan well. Classic black is slimming and can be easily combined with any other colors.
There are also bright colors that emphasize a special style and individuality. When choosing a color, of course, you need to start from your own taste and preferences, but do not forget - on a hot day, light-colored clothes better protect the body from overheating.
A large selection of high-quality sportswear for active recreation, running, fitness, and the gym is presented in the Sportswear category of the freever.ua online store. And in this section of the site you will find reviews and useful materials so that your choice of FREEVER clothing is conscious, and your shopping is successful in all respects.
