We’re pleased to report that Patagonia has once again updated its flagship running shorts, and we can confidently say that this is their best version yet. Patagonia replaced the tough, non-stretchy DWR coated 100% recycled polyester with 90% recycled polyester blended with 10% four-way stretch spandex. That little bit of spandex and dropping the DWR made all the difference. The new shell is soft and offers excellent mobility. These shorts are night and day compared to the previous version. So, for running, you want to avoid shorts that are really long because you will have a lot of extra fabric getting in the way of your distance. A type of running shorts that features a lining (usually a compression short or net-type) inside and loose shorts on the outside.

Then, hold one end of the measuring tape at the bottom of the crotch area and measure up to the end of the fabric. If you’re short, a 4-inch running short might not look too short for you. In contrast, if you’re a 6-foot large dude, then a 5 inch short would probably look shorter The 73% nylon and 27% spandex shell is remarkably light and airy with excellent mobility. Not once was the stretchy fabric confining. The shorts pretty much felt unnoticeable, and the brief-style liner was comfortable, offering a good amount of support without feeling restrictive. It’s the best in preventing chafing and is warmer on the body. However, it offers the least range of motion. If you’re looking for compression tights, these are not it. The material is way too light and thin to provide any type of compression, and the ribbed face is quite unique. We weren’t initially huge fans, but the supple feel grew on us after further testing.Higher percentages of these flexible fabrics do have a downside — they tend to absorb and retain more moisture. Moisture-ridden fabric and poor fit are the top causes of chafing. I recommend the 9-inch short for guys doing activities such as strength training and golf," Campa says. "Because you have a healthy amount of fabric on these shorts and they will hit right above the knee, you will have the most coverage with this length." This will offer the range of motion and breathability desired without being too exposed when running in public. If you’re struggling with chafing, we recommend trying a pair of shorts with a built-in compression liner such as a 2-in-1 like the S AXX Hightail. The longer liner can provide extra protection against friction.

To get the inseam length of your running shorts, you’ll only need a tape measure (or any measuring device). Offers the most range of motion. A very performance-based style of running shorts that are used in professional races.While the type and length of running shorts largely depend on your preference, we recommend you try a couple of running shorts for different running conditions before finding out what works best for you. At first, I thought it was just the way runners dress, but as I’ve run a couple of miles in different short lengths, I came to realize that I also prefer shorter shorts myself. V-notch shorts and split shorts will generally look shorter because of the cut that is visible on the outside part of the shorts. How revealing it also depends on the length of the cut. She loves both the lined and unlined versions of the Lululemon Pace Breaker Short as well as the Ten Thousand Foundation Short, which comes with a liner. Loose-fitting. Offers more range of motion and breathability. Typically shorter in women than in men.