Let's start with the Athleta Reflective Be Free Tight. The main reason I got these tights is because of the reflective feature. If it's cold enough to wear long tights for running, that most likely means running in the dark (unless you can run in the middle of the day). We all know that drivers have a hard time looking out for us runners when it's bright and sunny, so making myself as visible as possible in the dark is a priority. I liked how the reflective detailing goes all the way down each side of the leg as well as along the back of the leg. After noting the "second skin" fit in the product description and reading reviews that the tights were indeed form-fitting I decided to go with a size medium, even though according to the size chart I probably needed a small. I don't like for my leggings to be skin tight and didn't want to feel uncomfortable wearing them. But when the leggings arrived, it was obvious I was going to have to send them back for a size small. They fit great in the legs, but there was actually a gap between the waistband and the small of my back--not good for something that is supposed to fit like second skin! I thought drawing the waistband would solve the problem and decided to wear them for a test run during my night leg of the Bourbon Chase. For that run, I pulled the waistband as tight as it would go and ran five or six miles. On the plus side, they were very warm (temperatures were in the low 30s that night) and very reflective (it was so dark that, when my head lamp went out about halfway through the run, I couldn't pass the runner in front of me because I couldn't see anything more than a foot in front of me; when my van passed, my husband was immediately able to tell which runner I was because the reflectivity on the leggings was so visible). On the down side, they were just too big and kept sagging in the crotch. So I exchanged them for a size small. While I love the super-soft fabric, the warmth, the breathability (there is mesh behind the knee), the awesome reflectivity, the great pockets (I was actually skeptical of the pockets at first--thought they seemed oddly placed and too low---but they are actually pretty great and situated just right), I still don't love the fit. The small fits better around the waist, but I still had the saggy-crotch issue. After wearing them a few times I finally figured out a way to wear them--pulled up just so on the thighs with the waistband sitting at a certain spot and the drawstring tied--in a way that they don't sag down too much. I actually went to the trouble to review these on the Athleta web site and gave them 3 out of 5 stars because of the fit. I think if someone has a flat stomach, the saggy crotch won't be an issue--but my stomach is not flat and I like the waistbands of my leggings to cover it, so I think that is contributing to the awkward fit. These tights have held up well through the wash so far and seem to be pretty impervious to wet weather. Despite the ill fit, I still plan to rotate them quite heavily with my other leggings.
Next up are the tights I bought from my favorite local clothing store, Vestiary. I'll admit, I mostly bought these simply because I thought they were cute--I love the mint-colored blocks on the legs!--and planned to used them not as go-to leggings but as a back-up pair. I almost didn't buy them at all because they aren't as soft as my other running tights, they are a little on the thin side, and I was afraid they wouldn't wick sweat. But I figured I could always just lounge in them or wear them to something like yoga, so I went ahead and bought them (at around $30 and 20% off, I couldn't beat the price, even if they don't work out for running). A few days later I did a test run in them, and was pleasantly surprised to find that they worked just fine for running. It was a windy day and I was concerned that the wind would cut through the relatively thin fabric, and/or that they would get wet with sweat and make me cold (temps were in the low 40s). But, neither of those things happened. They were perfectly warm! I wore them a few days later on a bike ride in the low 40s and they held up to that kind of wind, too. I will say that don't seem like they are water-repellant, so I wouldn't wear them in the rain; and I also have a hunch that they wouldn't be warm enough for anything below 40 degrees. Also, there is no reflectivity (which kind of reinforces my thought that these are more for indoor use) and no pockets, which is a bummer. But for a mild winter day they will be just fine. And if all else fails they are great for lounging around the house : )
Next are the Knockout by Victoria's Secret High-Rise Tights. I LOVE THESE TIGHTS!!! And I will admit, I was skeptical. I was thinking there was no way Victoria's Secret was going to have leggings that are good enough for running. I was wrong! First of all, I LOVE the high waist. It covers my biggest trouble spot--my tummy pooch--and in turn makes me feel so much better wearing these in comparison to other leggings. From here on out, I don't think I will ever buy a pair of regular- or low-waisted leggings--high waist for the win! Plus, these are super soft and very warm. I wore them on a 10-mile run in 20-degree temps with wind and snow and they were perfect. I was warm but not overheated, and while it wasn't snowing a lot I do think these would stand up to rain/wet snow. My only complaints are that there are no pockets (just a small pocket built in at the waistband in the back that isn't good for much except maybe one gel or one key) and no reflectivity. Otherwise, this is an awesome pair of leggings that will definitely be getting some heavy rotation! I'm even more stoked about these leggings because I got them for free during the buy-a-sports-bra-get-a-free-pair-of-leggings sale (huge thanks to my sister for tipping me off!). I have to admit, this particular pattern takes me out of my comfort zone--they are pretty loud!--but I was in a hurry and literally grabbed the first pair of leggings I saw (I really don't care what my running clothes look like as long as they function like they are supposed to) and they turned out to be perfect! I may actually buy another pair of these in a different pattern...maybe just solid black : )
Last but not least, I have to give a shout-out to my old trusties, plain old black cheap-o Target leggings. I think they ran me somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty bucks, and for that price they have been great. They are warm, moisture-wicking, water-repellant, and soft and comfy. For three years now I have worn them in sub-zero temperatures (my legs felt fine), in pouring rain (I stayed warm and dry), and in addition to wearing them running I frequently wear them under dresses and tunics with tall boots. So if you are looking for something that gives you plenty of bang for your buck, don't overlook the basic Target running tights : )
What are your favorite workout leggings?
Do you like patterns or stick with basic black?
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