Women's running clothes and men's running clothes: what's the difference?

The first time I went running I did so in a cheap pair of men's Adidas shorts. I bought them at our local thrift store for 2 dollars. And it was fine.

But there is a reason there are separate running clothes for women and men. And that's because we have different body shapes! Especially when it comes to our waists, hips and tighs.

Different body shapes

Manufacturers take women's hips into consideration when they create female running clothes. Also, women's upper bodies are usually longer than men's torsos.

Different preferences 

And then there's the whole personal taste factor. Women often like their shirts fitted. Whereas men couldn't care less. And women's sleeves are usually tighter and shorter than the sleeves on men's running shirts.

Also, women's running clothes come in different colors and patterns than men''s running wear.

Women body types

Women aren't just different than men. They're also different from each other. But in general it's fair to say there some certain body types.

• The Apple
• The Pear
• The Rectangular

The differences between men's and women's running clothes

Now, let's get back to the question at hand. What makes men's clothes different from women's running clothes?

• Men's  shorts come with built-in briefs to keep their private parts from dangling. And they come in a different shape from women's shorts.
• Women's running clothes are usually more fitted
• Men's running clothes are usually loosely fitted. Though that's changing.
• Women's running tights are more accomodating for wider hips

Summing up

Though women and men's running clothes are definitely different, you can certainly have a look at the men's department if you can't find what you're looking for. The most important thing in a running outfit is that it feels comfortable.

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