The age old dilemma: shorts vs tights?

One of the keys to a successful fitness workout is feeling confident in your workout gear. And that can mean knowing when to wear shorts or tights.

The last thing you want on your mind when you’re working out is whether your active wear is doing its job. For most of us, we’ve got a challenge on our hands as it is without wondering if our fluro shorts are too short or our stylish moisture wicking mesh tights are, well – too tight!

Everyone’s experienced those awkward mishaps where something has started to chafe or those bike pants have ridden up a fraction too high. You have to be comfortable, and believe it or not, there are situations where one type of clothing does trump the other.

Here’s my guide on when to choose shorts over tights, or to wear a combo of both.

Tights (3/4 capri style, or knee length)

• A good choice for any workout that challenges your modesty (think yoga, pilates, dance) or longer workouts where the compression helps to keep muscles warm. This style is also flattering for any body type and the length means not having to worry about anything moving or riding up.
• Just be aware some tights, despite being black, can be see through. I know Lorna Jane have just brought out a range of tights to combat this.

Shorts

• A good choice for jogging/running and any other cardio where you need the freedom to move and keep cool. Lots of shorts come with an inner bike pant now so you don’t have to feel self conscious about the length; and nifty little pockets where you can tuck in your keys if you are working out outdoors. Tip: dark colours hide sweaty patches. If you do like bright colours and prints, pay abit extra for a good moisture wicking brand.

Combo

• The combo of shorts over tights works well when you want to banish chafing, feel abit self conscious or want that extra bit of comfort. I’ll often rock this combo when I’m at a dance class, and remove the shorts when I start to warm up. This is also a safe option to go with too when you’re unsure what’s appropriate to wear to an unfamiliar workout for the first time.

Have you got a shorts vs tights tip you’d like to share? Please post in the comment box below!