The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Working Closet.
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In May, I ran on a relay team for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. We had special team shirts made up, and I bought a running skirt to wear for the race, because my everyday shorts were pretty beat up, and everyone’s always talking about how much they love their running skirts.
I hate that skirt. I only wear it when everything else is in the laundry and I am totally desperate for something to run in. It has too many layers (the shorts! and the skirt!) and because of that, it tends to be hot and not particularly comfortable. But beyond that, I hate that skirt because when I run in it, I feel like a girl. And not in a good way.
I love running because it makes me feel strong. Pushing myself to run eight or ten or twelve miles is an awesome experience. After a long run — or a short, fast run — I feel energized and powerful. Running in a skirt, though, undercuts all of that for me. It’s too frilly, too pretty. Running in a skirt saps my mental power, in a way that my hot pink running shorts don’t.
I realize that I am essentially alone in my hatred of the running skirt. As more women take up running, women’s running gear is finally getting hipper than just the shorts-and-tee uniform most men run in, which means the advent of running skirts and dresses and other more stylish pieces designed for athletic wear. The August issue of Runner’s World magazine features an article about “fastinistas:” women runners who are looking for hip, chic pieces to wear for runs — and beyond. “Being a ‘fastinista,’” writes Sarah Bowen Shea, “means not just grabbing what’s at the top of the drawer. Fastinistas (also known as ’stunners,’ for ’stylish + runners’) wear what they think performs well athletically and aesthetically.”
Uh, ok.
I’m all for good-looking workout wear; what baffles me is both premise that running needs to be one more thing we get dressed up for and the insistence that the more stylish versions of running wear can be worn — well, everywhere. The article opens with a quick profile of 34-year-old April Powell, who confessed that she lives in her running clothes. “I’m lucky if I’m out of them by school pickup time,” she told Runner’s World. Even worse: Powell packed only running clothes for a recent family vacation.
That’s just not right.
I get the desire to look good while you’re working out. I’m picky about my workout clothes, both in terms of form and function. Most of the pieces I own are black — tights and shorts and tops — with some bright punches of color thrown in, to keep me motivated. I choose my outfits carefully for races and group runs; I save my sweat and sunscreen-stained pieces for days when I’m running on my own, and opt for something a little more put together when I’m going to see people. But I don’t dress up to run, by any means, and I certainly don’t think about my workout clothes as an alternative to real clothes.
Workout clothes are clothes you work out in. For me, this means pieces that will stand up to long, sweaty runs without chafing or otherwise distracting me. It also means pieces that can be machine washed and dried over and over and over again, because after those long, sweaty runs, everything needs a good cleaning.
I don’t need to feel pretty to run fast or far. I like to think that I am presentable when I’m running, but I’m no “fastinista.” And you won’t catch me running in that skirt unless I absolutely have to.
What about you: Do you think of your running clothes as another part of your wardrobe, or as simply the things you wear to work out? Do you have special workout clothes, or are you just winging it with old tees and shorts? And what about those running skirts?
Pictured: Printed Powermesh CYA skirt, $49 at Athleta
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Well, my love of my running skirt comes more from a comfort perspective, actually, My thighs, even when I’m lean, rub together and the chafing is excruciating if I’m not wearing the right bottoms. Running shorts are not an option for a long run — there’s not enough Body Glide on earth to make that work for me. And in the summer, my capris are too hot. My running skirt is the best option.
Mind is sleek, simple, and black. It fits well at the waist, so there’s no muffin top, and hugs my butt, which is fine with me because, well, I work hard to have an ass worth showing off a little.
I get what you’re saying, but I like that there are options. Just as we want to wear something that’s appropriate but shows our personality at work or at social gatherings, many of us want to do that while running, so I’m going to remain pro-skirt while firmly supporting your right to avoid them entirely!
Kristen | August 19th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
I love my running skirts! I really didn’t think I would, but I do. I hate running shorts and running leggings, though. I have had “thunder thighs” my entire life. It’s how I’m built (I’m the definition of an hourglass figure) and I don’t mind them usually. But when it comes to shorts and skintight leggings? Not so much. The shorts ride up completely and I look like an idiot. I’m self-conscious about that and keep trying to pull the inseam back down…which makes me look like an idiot, takes my mind away from running, slows me down, and embarrasses me. And I’m not comfortable in the legging b/c I’m also not under 150 lbs and frankly, no one wants to see that jiggly bottom of mine so I like to keep that covered.
Like you, I love the power I feel when I run. I feel strong. And my skirt doesn’t have a thing to do with that one way or another. I do tend to stick with black skirts, though (but I have one pink one b/c it was on sale for $15 and I couldn’t pass that up!). I don’t buy fashion fabrics or matchy outfits and I wouldn’t only pack running clothes for ANY vacation.
Melanie Nelson | August 19th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I love you, Kristen. You know that, right?
Susan | August 19th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Hey. I love my running skirt because it covers my butt in a way nothing else can. I strongly dislike running in soft nylon shorts, because I am not ahem tiny. My legs rub together and so the shorts ride up. On the running skirt, I have the tight light short layer that stays put, and the skirt part that covers it up. Perfect. (Also my legs look awesome in them).
I get what you’re saying. I feel strong, too, when I run but wearing a skirt does not detract from that for me. Rather it makes me feel like a powerful woman.
And, as soon as I can, I take off my running clothes. I mean, I pick them purposefully, and then I put my real people clothes on. And I love my real people clothes.
Jennifer | August 19th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
I love running skirts with the heat of a thousand suns. And I (sort of) know Sarah Bowen Shea. (She is one of my co-contributors to the first anthology in which I had an essay published, and I’ve conversed with her via e-mail about her site’s cute running tees.)
Listen, I’m picky. My running skirts have to be short, straight, athletic looking, and hip. But I adore them because a.) they cover perfectly the swath of my body that I would trade if I could, and let show all the rest of me, the parts that look awesome; and b.) they never, ever, ride up and bunch between my legs and make my thighs rub together and look terrible. Whereas running shorts always do (for me). The best skirts are ones that guarantee the compression short liner underneath won’t ride up.
Anyway, I feel super fit, fast, and serious when I run in them — not girly or dressed-up at all. They’re expensive, they’re technical, they’re running-specific, so they make me feel like a truly dedicated runner.
But I never, ever, ever wear them — or any other workout clothes — anywhere but to work out. EVER.
Shannon | August 19th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
I wear running skirts to hide my … er… figure flaws. (Depending on where I’m running and how self-conscious I am about my body at that moment in time.) Otherwise, I wear my husband’s t-shirts to cover my butt and I think I look better in a skirt than a giant men’s t-shirt.
sue | August 19th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
I looked for running skirts for a completely different reason than style. I wanted the functionality of tights with something more covering. When I was running, I still weighed 220-230 pounds and just didn’t feel like wearing body baring spandex, but I also needed the function of something to cover my thighs, just like Kristen. My thighs are very friendly, always have been, always will be. Finding shorts that are long enough and fit right is a challenge. As it was, I couldn’t find a running skirt I liked enough for the right price, though the concept made sense.
That being said, I was not looking for something I could just wear out. Running clothes are running clothes. I can understand wanting to look good while running, but I don’t think I’ll ever be looking for something I can wear on vacation.
Amelia Sprout | August 20th, 2011 at 6:57 am
I LOVE running skirts. I swear by my Lululemon (makes your butt look great!). Easy to run in, no chafing, airy, love it. Besides, it’s just more fun to wear skirts!
elz | August 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 am
Though I don’t run, I do wear a version of running skirts for other forms of exercise. As others have said, I wear them for coverage and modesty. And compared to running pants and shorts, I like the modesty in the front as well as the back. I’ll leave it at that.
Rb | August 22nd, 2011 at 10:17 am
I don’t own a running skirt yet, but have been thinking about getting one. It’s too hot right now to wear anything longer than shorts, but I use the weight machines at the gym and don’t like the lack of coverage that looser shorts have when I’m straddling a weight machine. And I refuse to wear spandex without something long over them, because no one needs that much information about my ladybits.
Leigh | August 22nd, 2011 at 10:58 am
Ok, I want to know what brand of running skirt everyone is wearing. I’m hearing good things about the ones from RunGirl (http://www.rungirlrun.com/), and you’re all making some excellent points about coverage. My running skirt is just so darn hot (the skirt plus the shorts are too many layers).
Let’s hear your recommendations, ladies. (Also, I canNOT be the only one who doesn’t like the running skirt. CAN I???)
Susan | August 22nd, 2011 at 11:04 am
I haven’t run in shorts since I acquired enough skirts so they’re never all dirty. (And perhaps I have a few too many — when I rotated my running drawer clothes for the season, my skirts took up more room than my running pants/tights!)
My favorite is Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra. Used to love my Athleta Chase Skorts more but the waist band hasn’t really held up well over the years I’ve had them. The elastic gets twisted in the wash, and currently they’re a little too big. (Hopefully that’s a result of my training and not just a sign of stretched-out skirts!)
And surprisingly, I’m happy with the $25 C9 Target skirt I picked up last spring!
Lauren | August 22nd, 2011 at 11:33 am
I want to know what running skirts people like as well - I have an issue with chafing and so I run in long compression shorts, with regular running shorts over for coverage. The skirts I found don’t have compression shorts underneath long enough to prevent chafing. Then I decided to try a skirt over my existing shorts and I spent the whole time trying to keep the skirt from twisting around! I think a skirt would be more comfortable for coverage than the shorts, though - I just need a recommendation!
Emma | August 22nd, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Emma — the Gym Girl Ultra (SkirtSports.com) has fairly long compression shorts that stay put — I’ll run 20-milers in them! Some running stores carry their stuff so you can try it on. Also sign up for the mailing list — skirts are expensive but they have good sales!
Lauren | August 22nd, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Susan: Like another commenter, I love my under $20 C9 by Champion skirt I got at Target last year. It is not a heavy Spandex fabric — it’s that kind of peached poly fabric that’s super lightweight, like…a parachute? I don’t know. Anyway, there’s no way anyone would ever say that one is hot. Similarly, Moving Comfort makes some in a super-lightweight fabric that is cool and airy as can be. I have an old gray w/ small pink detail one that I got a few years ago through the Title 9 catalog. I’m sure Moving Comfort still has similar versions. RunningSkirts.com has the cutest looking ones in my opinion, b/c they’re short and straight, not longer than shorts or matronly looking, but I don’t have any of those myself. And the Skirt Sports brand Gym Girl Ultra, while a bit long in my opinion (which may be only b/c I’m petite, 5′3″), has the guaranteed no-ride-up compression shorts liner underneath — and it really works. It also has a cute slit on each side which lets the skirt fly as you run (ot immodestly, don’t worry )and keeps you cooler.
I’m like the commenter who said I will NOT wear Spandex w/out something covering it, and the loose, lightweight running shorts ALWAYS ride up on me. So in warm weather skirts are my only option!
Shannon | August 24th, 2011 at 6:22 am
Wow - this love for running skirts makes me think I should go out and get one. I usually run in compression shorts & long t-shirt combo (which is the same combo I used for aerobics, stairclimber, elliptical…), because I have a super-sized chest I’m usually trying to downplay.
And to me, the skirts in sports thing always seemed to me, as you state Susan, to show everyone you’re a girl - and not in a good way. Reminds me of the scene in “A League of Their Own” where they’re shown they’re expected to play baseball in those pleated skirts! Topping it off, I often wonder why we feel we must hide our jiggly thighs when men have no issues showing us their jiggly bellies. Though I admit, I try to downplay my bra size because I’m tired of attracting unwanted “help” from the men in the co-ed gyms.
Mich | August 24th, 2011 at 10:40 am
I love running skirts - they are girly, they are made of the oh-so-fabulous-wicking material and make me feel uber athletic. I’m a big runner, love to exercise and I am NOT a matchy-matchy outfit girl. For me, the skirt is about looking a bit like a woman while doing my sports thing.
My favorite running skirt is made by Brooks, bought it on-line. It is super light weight and doesn’t feel like too much fabric while I run. Title Nine also has some good running skirts. Cannot imagine the skirt attached to the tights would work for me - way too much material just in the pictures.
I admit it - I have several running skirts. Some are heavier material and I wear them for riding bikes with my kids, playing golf or doing fun stuff outside with the family. I also wear running shorts, but find I like the skirts a bit more. My skirts are all solid colors - black, pink, navy blue, etc.
And, I got most of mine on-line - I’m all about the convenience shopping.
~Happy running, happy sweating, all in girl style~
Marissa | August 27th, 2011 at 8:05 am
I just got my first running skirt and I’m in love!! I love the feeling of compression shorts but it’s a tad too revealing for my taste, having the skirt over it makes it super cute!! Lululemon run speed skirt works great for me!
Lazy Chick | October 20th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I like my running skirts too but find they are too hot at times. If you were underwear under shorts it’s about the same amount of fabric though. Unless you go commando that is.
I just find they are more flattering on a lot of women. The 1980’s boy style nike shorts often ride up on women’s legs and it’s kinda unflattering. But if you’re in the bmi under 18 crowd, it should be no problem.
Also if you stop throwing all your athletic wear in the dryer it will both last a lot longer, fit better and retain color better. Hang it anywhere to dry, wrinkles aren’t an issue with spandex mixes. It’s too darn expensive not to take good care of the gear.
JJJ | December 5th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
I Love running Skirts!!!! I admit to owning the one you picture in your blog, but bought it for 19.99 on sale. I bought it mostly to wear for A Half Marathon that is All about Vera Bradley. I also have one that I throw on over my hideously fugly compression shorts. It has a multitude of pockets, so it is awesome for training runs. I don’t feel very frilly in them. In fact, most of the time I forget they are there! So I own two. My other stuff, well, it’s mostly race t shirts, and some black shorts I got on sale. I don’t really think too much about stuff I run in normally, but…for the race, I decided to have a little fun!
Oh and as for wearing running clothing all the time…meh, I like to look like a person…
mizunogirl | February 1st, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Consider this, if you’re a little curvy, and your thighs rub together, the loose running shorts are only going to bunch up during those longer runs. And if you wear compression shorts, it really puts everything out there. I run in the city, on the street. The more I can cover up, in terms of butt cheek and crotch, the better. I like the extra coverage without having to wear something too baggy or long. For me, the skirt is about modesty and performance (no chafing), not so much about being a fashionista.
zan d. | April 17th, 2012 at 6:20 am